Round 12 of the 2025 Big Rivers Football League delivered a weekend of excitement, highlighted by a one-point heartstopper in the women’s division and a string of upsets in the men’s division.
The only women’s fixture of the round proved a nail-biter, with the Ngukurr Bulldogs narrowly surviving a determined challenge from Katherine South in a 1-point thriller.
Katherine South, battling against one of the league’s premiership favourites, refused to be overawed. They stayed within striking distance all game, never letting the margin stretch beyond two goals.
In the end, Ngukurr’s experience in tight moments made the difference, holding off a late surge from the Crocs to escape with the win. For the Bulldogs, Katisha Ngalmi, Shinika Turner, and Laelani Gumbula led the way, while Drew Cook was a standout for Katherine South with two goals and strong support from Jo Guthridge and Tali Stephenson.
In the men’s division, the Arnhem Crows bounced back in emphatic fashion from their previous loss to the Katherine Camels, producing a stunning all-around performance to overwhelm the Ngaliwurru Lions.
Sparked by four goals from Saverio Driver and a forward line that featured 10 different goalkickers, including five each to Edward Roberts and Braun Bush, the Crows put on a show of attacking firepower.
Rory Daylight and Samson Andrews were dominant across the ground. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Lions showed resilience, managing three goals and now head into the bye with a chance to reset.
The match of the round belonged to the Borroloola Thunders, who pulled off a sensational upset win over the Garrak Bombers in a heart-stopping finish.
In a seesawing contest, the Thunders made a decisive move early in the final term with two quick goals. The Bombers hit back with two of their own to regain the lead, but in the dying seconds, Borroloola snatched victory with a clutch goal that sent the local crowd into raptures.
Deakin Green, Brett Anderson, and Cain O’Keefe were instrumental in the Thunders' third win of the season. Gabriel Henry and Tyrese Raymond added two goals each, while Cassien Sambono continued his standout season.
Ngukurr’s men’s side mirrored their women’s team with a convincing win over the Gurindji Eagles, breaking the game open with dominance in the forward half.
The Eagles, buoyed by recent form, came in with confidence but were outclassed as Ngukurr’s pressure and forward entries saw them register 27 scoring shots to 14. The Bulldogs pulled away in the second half, fuelled by Kurt Silver’s brilliance in front of goal and strong games from Nehemiah Farrell, Brian Joshua, and Dean Daniels.
Randall Newry was the lone standout for the Eagles, delivering one of his best performances of the season.
In the final match of the round, the Northern Warlpiri Swans proved too strong for the Katherine River Saints, prevailing by 19 points in a hard-fought contest.
The Saints started brightly and matched the Swans early, but the second half told a different story as the Swans turned up the pressure and capitalised on their forward entries to secure the win.
Jordan Godfrey kicked four goals for the Saints, supported by Kayle Kossack, but the Swans’ all-around team effort earned high praise from their coach post-game.
The league will pause for Round 13 to accommodate the Katherine Show, with action resuming on Saturday, July 26, for Round 14.