The stage is set for a blockbuster finale to the 2025 TIO Central Australian Football League season, with both the men’s and women’s grand final match-ups confirmed for TIO Traeger Park this weekend.
In the women’s division, Rovers produced the upset of the season, knocking out minor premiers West in a dominant 44-point victory. West, who entered the finals as premiership favourites, never fully recovered after Rovers stormed to a 22-point lead at quarter-time.
Although West briefly steadied in the second term, narrowing the margin to 14 points, Rovers seized back control after halftime. A three-goal-to-none third quarter proved decisive, before another flurry in the final term sealed a comprehensive win.
Brylee Kerrin, Doreena Hansen and Lara Harding led the way for Rovers, who now eye back-to-back premierships after edging West by six points in last year’s decider. For the vanquished West, Jessica Harnischfeger, Michelle Ellis and Annabelle Glossop were among their shining lights in what had been an otherwise stellar campaign.
In the men’s division, Pioneer booked their place in the grand final with a statement performance, cruising past Rovers in a one-sided contest. The Eagles established control early and never looked back, turning a nine-point quarter-time lead into a commanding 35-point halftime buffer with a six-goal blitz.
From there, Pioneer piled on another six goals in the third quarter and closed with a dominant final term, running out 72-point winners to set up a rematch of the 2024 grand final.
Shawn Foster was instrumental in the victory, while forwards Wesley Steele (six goals) and Shane Inkamala (four) were relentless in attack. Midfielder Kane Sevallos-Seden also had a significant impact, driving Pioneer’s midfield dominance.
Despite the heavy defeat, Rovers’ campaign featured standout contributions from Shaydan Close, Deacon Braun and Tyreeq Ahfat, who were central to their success across the season.
2025 TIO CAFL Grand Final (TIO Traeger Park):
Women’s:
Grand Final – 2:30pm, Saturday 13 September: Federal v Rovers
Men’s:
Grand Final – 4:30pm, Saturday 13 September: Federal v Pioneer Eagles
Both matches will be streamed live on the AFLNTv YouTube Channel.