The lone women’s fixture in Round 13 of the TIO Central Australian Football League produced a classic, with Alkamilya snatching a crucial three-point victory over Rovers to keep their top two hopes alive.
With just three weeks until finals, both sides entered the clash desperate to stay in contention for the double chance. Third-placed Rovers and fourth-placed Alkamilya left nothing in reserve in a match that see-sawed from start to finish.
Alkamilya burst out of the blocks with two unanswered goals in the opening term, but Rovers struck back in the second, piling on 2.3 to seize a three-point lead at the main break. The third quarter remained tight, both sides adding a goal apiece, before a late Rovers behind extended their edge to four points.
The decisive moment came in the final term when Alkamilya’s 1.2 overturned the deficit, delivering their eighth win of the season and pulling them level with West in second place on the ladder.
Kylie Huxtable and Chelsea Hayes anchored Alkamilya’s defence, while Skye Childs produced a commanding midfield display that swung the contest. For Rovers, Lara Harding and Brylee Kerrin battled relentlessly and will be eager for another shot at Alkamilya in September.
In the men’s division, ladder-leaders Federal held off a spirited Souths outfit to claim a 25-point win.
Souths, with just two victories this season, surprised Federal early with a four-goal opening term to take a one-goal advantage into quarter time. But Federal steadied, kicking five goals to two before halftime to reclaim control. The top side pressed their advantage after the break, adding six more majors, while Souths continued to fight with four of their own.
Caylan LaPorta was again outstanding for Federal, supported by Kadeem Rosewood and Oscar Weichmann. Up forward, Michael Axten proved a reliable target, finishing with three goals.
Souths found positives despite the defeat, with Orlando Turner starring across the ground and booting three goals. Dustin Oliver and Mason Tilmouth also impressed.
Pioneer bounced back strongly from last week’s loss to Federal, overwhelming West with a dominant display of attacking football.
The Eagles set the tone early, booting five straight goals in the opening term. A high-scoring second quarter saw both sides trade four goals, but it was the third where Pioneer broke the game wide open, slamming home eight unanswered goals to blow the margin beyond 10 goals. Despite a more even final term, the damage had been done, with Pioneer running out emphatic winners.
Thomas Swan led the way for Pioneer, while Cazalys NT Talent Academy products Nathaniel Lampton and Fletcha Murphy added two goals apiece. Prolific forward Marcus McDonald stole the show, finishing with six majors.
For West, Daniel Fulton and Jordan Bailey earned recognition for their tireless efforts in a tough outing.
The TIO CAFL now enters a week off with Picnic Weekend in full swing, before we return the week after for six exciting weeks of footy, including the TIO Finals Series.