It was another strong turnout at Tennant Creek’s Purkiss Reserve, as fans flocked in for an action-packed weekend of Barkly Australian Football League action, headlined by thrilling finishes and standout individual performances.
The Elliott Hawks women’s side claimed their second win of the season in emphatic fashion, overpowering Epenarra with a 12-goal performance.
Led by Kayla Costello (3 goals) and Luelle Raymond (4 goals), the Hawks proved too strong, with Jasmine Bathern continuing her excellent season and Shakana Rankine also chipping in with two majors. Ryashanti Jackson was a standout in the midfield, consistently breaking the lines and setting up opportunities.
For the Saints, it was a tough day out as they struggled to contain the Hawks’ offensive firepower. They'll regroup ahead of a clash with Jalajirrpa next week.
The high-flying Spitfires continued their unbeaten run with a composed second-half performance to put away the Canteen Creek Blues.
After an inaccurate start, the margin was just 12 points at halftime, but the Spitfires clicked into gear with six second-half goals while keeping the Blues goalless in the final quarter.
Vice-captain Jessica Roberts led from the front, with strong support from Asinate Bradbury and Keara Baker-Storey.
Despite the loss, the Blues showed positive signs—Delina Butcher, Nadine Bundy, and Taniqua Corbett all impressed.
In one of the games of the round, the Elliott Hawks men held off a fast-finishing Canteen Creek in a gripping contest.
Elliott made the early running with a 3-goal-to-1 first term before the Blues hit back to close the gap to a single goal at the main break. The margin narrowed to just five points at the final change, and while both sides traded goals in the last, the Hawks clung on for a nail-biting win.
Leroy Jones was instrumental for Elliott alongside Lane Jackson (2 goals), Walter Raymond, and Deakin Kingston.
For Canteen Creek, Tyrell Mick’s superb season continued, with strong contributions from Owen Mick and Zacharia Mills.
Ali Curung stamped their premiership credentials with a powerful showing against the Janapurlalki Eagles.
One of the competition’s form players, Nicky Poulson, once again stood tall with elite ball use, while Hezron Miller, Jonas Beasley, and Jayden Brown combined brilliantly to steer the side to victory.
The Eagles, to their credit, never stopped battling—Jayron Jackson, Ezekiel Butcher, and Ben Braun all worked hard to keep their side in the contest.
In the final match of the round, Barkly Work Camp edged out YDU in another tight finish.
After leading by two points at quarter time and 15 at the half, BWC looked in control. But YDU surged in the final term with three goals, only for BWC to respond with a crucial major to hold on for a thrilling two-point win.
Lazarus Green, Galvin Williams, Yari Dixon, and Gavin Beasley were instrumental in the result, showing composure under pressure.
Despite the heartbreak, YDU’s effort will give them plenty of confidence heading into their next outing against Elliott on Saturday.