The 2025 Barkly Australian Football League women’s competition officially kicked off over the weekend, with the Elliott Hawks producing a commanding performance to defeat the Janapurlalki Eagles.
The Hawks were dominant from the outset, averaging three goals per quarter while keeping the Eagles scoreless. Jasmine Bathern was a standout in the win, leading from the front alongside teammates Kayla Costello, Zanaya Waistcoat, and Luelle Raymond, who linked up impressively through the midfield and forward half.
Despite the heavy defeat, the Eagles were well served by Jerrika Anderson and Donnella Hayes, who showed resilience in tough conditions.
In the men’s division, YDU maintained their hold on second spot after surviving a late push from a determined Barkly Work Camp outfit.
The scores were locked at 13 apiece at quarter-time before YDU edged ahead in the second, kicking two straight goals to take a 10-point buffer into the main break. BWC managed just two behinds in the second term but turned the tide in the third, narrowing the gap to three points after keeping YDU goalless.
With the game in the balance, BWC hit the front in the final term, but YDU responded with a late surge, slotting three final-quarter goals to secure an eight-point win.
YDU continued their impressive form with a strong team performance, showing composure and consistency across the ground. Their collective effort and momentum proved crucial in key moments. BWC pushed them all the way, displaying grit and determination, with several players stepping up in a spirited late charge that nearly saw them snatch the win.
The Hawks men’s side capped off a strong round for the club, toppling the ladder-leading Epenarra Saints with a powerful final quarter.
In a match that remained close through three quarters - Elliott leading by just one, two, and then ten points at each break - it was the Hawks’ superior forward pressure that proved decisive. Elliott registered 17 scoring shots to 12 across the match, and a final-term flurry of 3.5 to 0.1 sealed a convincing win.
Tykan Raymond starred through the midfield, ably supported by Lucas Martin, while forwards Lane Jackson and Kurt Raymond both finished with four goals apiece. For Epenarra, Lucas Ross was a lone highlight in front of goal, finishing with three majors.
The Canteen Creek Blues notched their second victory of the season with an impressive all-round performance against the Eagles.
The Blues had 15 scoring shots to the Eagles’ seven and made them count, booting 10 goals to take control of the match. Their backline was just as effective, limiting the Eagles’ ability to convert forward entries.
The Blues were well-led and united in their approach, with a strong collective effort setting the tone early. Their leadership and support play were key in maintaining control of the match. The Eagles fought hard throughout, showing plenty of resilience and heart as they worked to stay in the contest.
The Spitfires are officially on the board in 2025, registering their first win of the campaign in a spirited showing against Ali Curung.
Kane Sevallos-Seden led the charge, finding plenty of the football and finishing with two goals, while Jackson Cole also added two of his own. The forward pairing of Damian Bahr Kelly and Faron James was particularly damaging, each booting three goals.
Ali Curung was left to rue missed opportunities, managing just four goals from 14 scoring shots. Despite the loss, the Kangaroos showed plenty of promise and will take confidence from their ability to generate forward pressure.