The Arnhem Crows have made a statement in the 2025 Big Rivers Football League Grand Final rematch, delivering a commanding performance to move two games clear atop the women’s ladder.
Led by Nightcliff Premier League standout Sally Evans - named best on ground - the Crows were dominant in a comprehensive team effort. Evans was well-supported by fellow Nightcliff star Tully Vlahovic, as well as Shania Lami Lami and Deslina Lofty, in a performance that reaffirmed the Crows' premiership credentials.
Former Gold Coast SUNS and AFLW talent Ashanti Bush also continued her blistering form, booting six goals to come within two of the league's leading goalkicker.
Despite the loss, Eastside’s Stevie Afamasaga, Jayde De La Coeur, and Deanna Peckham were resilient, and will look to regroup ahead of a clash with Ngukurr next weekend.
Ngukurr notched their third win of the season in a gritty encounter against Katherine South, overcoming wayward goalkicking and a late Crocs surge to secure a 10-point victory.
The match began as a scrappy, high-pressure affair, with Ngukurr managing only four behinds in the opening term. Accuracy remained an issue, with just one goal to show by halftime despite leading by 11 points. The Crocs sparked a late charge in the final quarter, closing the margin to single digits before Ngukurr sealed the result with a late goal.
Captain Fiona Joshua was immense, supported by standout performances from Tessa Daniels, Janita Robertson, and Charlyse Quinn. Harriet Rowe and Teri Stephenson were among the best for Katherine South.
In the men’s division, the Katherine Camels continued their charge with a 34-point win over the Garrak Bombers.
Despite both sides struggling in front of goal, the Camels' dominance was underpinned by 27 scoring shots, resulting in 12 goals. The Bombers failed to capitalise on their chances, particularly in the second term where they returned 1.7.
Wade Rosas and Mitch Carlin led from the front, with Daniel Vercoe and Tristan Warner each slotting three goals. Brock Peirce and Matthew McDonald added two apiece. Tyrese Raymond was again a standout for the Bombers, supported by Cassien Sambono and Alec Bidwee.
In a pulsating match of the round, the Arnhem Crows edged out the Bulldogs in a high-scoring thriller.
The Crows burst out of the blocks with five goals in the opening term before the Bulldogs responded with four in the second. Both sides traded blows in the third, but the Crows maintained a 23-point buffer heading into the final quarter. The Bulldogs surged with six final-term goals, but the Crows held firm, kicking three of their own to seal a six-point victory.
Midfield duo Kiefin Mardi and Abraham Henry were dominant for the Crows, while Edward Roberts, Henry White, and Traven Shields each kicked three goals. Kurt Silver and Lester Gumbula led the Bulldogs’ spirited effort.
The Katherine River Sporting Club Saints broke through for their first win of the season, defeating the Gurindji Eagles in a seesawing contest.
Despite inaccuracy in front of goal, the Saints built a 24-point lead by halftime. The Eagles mounted a fightback in the third term, narrowing the gap to 13 points. However, a goalless final quarter left them short as the Saints held on for a vital win.
Liam Holt-Fitz was a key figure with three goals, while Kynan Milde, Danyon Kerrin, and Apisa Uluivuya were also influential in the Saints' maiden victory.
The Borroloola Thunders remain in striking distance of the top four following a 26-point win over the Northern Warlpiri Swans.
Inaccuracy again played a major role, with the Swans kicking 2.9 in the first half to trail by five points. Borroloola pulled away in the second half, kicking six goals to three in a steady performance.
Alex Rory, Brett Anderson, and Deakin Green were strong for the Thunders, while Fabian Kelly was a bright spot for the Swans.