The Barkly Australian Football League delivered another action-packed weekend, headlined by Elliott’s crucial victory over Canteen Creek in the Senior Women grade.
The Hawks got off to a flying start, restricting the Blues to just two goals in the first half while converting five of their own. Although Canteen Creek mounted a second-half fightback with more run and scoring pressure, Elliott held firm to seal a 20-point win.
Kayla Costello starred for Elliott, delivering with precision to forward target Shakana Rankine, who finished with four goals in a standout display. Luelle Raymond added three goals of her own, while Zanaya Waistcoat provided strong support across the ground.
Canteen Creek’s Lakayla Mick, Rekeisha Foster, and Penelope Long were fearless in the contest despite the result.
In other women's action, Epenarra continued their strong campaign with a convincing win over Jalajirrpa, consolidating second spot on the ladder.
The Saints dominated from the outset, keeping their opponents scoreless until the final quarter. Glenys Peterson and Kayemarie Bundey controlled the midfield battle, while forward Rekiah Chungaloo was a handful with four goals.
Despite the scoreboard pressure, Jalajirrpa’s Shenoah Cooper and Nishanaye Thompson showed resilience and worked tirelessly throughout the match.
Elliott’s men’s side made a major statement in their first home game of the season, defeating ladder-leaders YDU with a stunning 64-point victory.
Expected to be a tightly contested clash, the Hawks blew the game wide open early with eight goals to one in a dominant first half. They maintained their momentum after the break, adding another six goals to three.
Leroy Jones was once again instrumental, continuing his stellar form this season, while skipper Anthony Raymond led by example. Timothy Scober was the leading goalkicker with four majors and was well-supported by Kallym Philomac, Keon Raymond, and Lazarus Jones, who each kicked two.
YDU’s Javin Waistcoat and Clayton Hayes were among their best in a tough outing.
Meanwhile, the Canteen Creek Blues held onto fourth position with a strong win over the Spitfires.
The Blues set the tone early with five unanswered goals in the opening term. The Spitfires responded in the second quarter with two goals, but Canteen Creek’s lead only grew, and the Blues held off a late surge to win by 16 points.
The win was built on slick ball movement and unselfish play, with the Blues executing as a cohesive unit. For the Spitfires, Damian Bahr Kelly and Myles Fitz showed heart and leadership.
BWC capped off the round with a commanding victory over Ali Curung, led by a best-on-ground performance from Marcus Ross.
Ross dominated through the midfield, setting up numerous forward entries. Galvin Williams and Gregory Marshall both finished with three goals, while Tristan Collins, Lazarus Green, and Levine Long added two each in a balanced team display.
Kieran Kingston and Tony Morgan also impressed with their composure and ball use.
Ali Curung’s Zack Jones and Jonas Beasley stood tall in defeat, competing strongly against the tide.