Round 14 of the 2025 TIO Central Australian Football League delivered drama in the women’s division, with Federal edging out Alkamilya by three points in a nail-biting clash at Albrecht Oval.
Federal looked in control early, booting 2.3 in the opening term to lead 15–0 at quarter-time. Alkamilya hit back in the second, keeping Federal scoreless and trimming the margin to eight points at the half.
The third term saw both sides trade goals, setting up a tense finale. When Alkamilya struck first in the last quarter, the gap was cut to just three points. But Federal’s composure under pressure saw them hang on for a hard-fought victory.
Rebecca Ellis was pivotal for the winners, with strong support from Horiana James and Hayley Baliva. For Alkamilya, Nicholle Cooke-Hayes, Kahlishia Rioli and Felisha Swan were outstanding.
Rovers recorded a commanding win over Pioneer, shutting the Eagles out in a dominant display. Lara Harding’s midfield mastery and Ebony Abbott-McCormack’s influence around the ground set the tone, while in attack, Kyanne Campbell kicked four goals and Doreena Hansen starred with five.
Pioneer’s Danika McDonald battled valiantly in defence against relentless pressure.
West produced one of their most complete team performances of the season in a thumping win over South Alice Springs. Caitlin Couch was unstoppable in front of goal, slotting seven majors, while Tiffany Tregea and Emily Duncombe controlled the midfield.
The spread of scoring was remarkable, with 10 different goal kickers, including doubles to Annabelle Glossop, Brydie Carmichael, Harriet Scandol, Melissa Jones, Jo-Anna Kenney and Rachel Davine.
For South, Nakaiya Clarke and Shania Armstrong stood tall.
The men’s division saw South defeat West in a clash that could reshape the finals picture. South started strongly, leading 20–10 at quarter-time and extending the margin to 20 points at the half. West’s inaccuracy, two goals from eight first-half scoring shots, proved costly, and despite a late surge, South held on for a 17-point win.
Cleveland Walker led the way, with Akiel Webb and Orlando Turner also influential. Leathan Rubuntja and Henley Driffen provided crucial goals. West’s Daniel Fulton and Joel Williams were solid in defeat.
Rovers survived a late charge from Pioneer to win by six points. Pioneer led by eight at quarter-time, but a five-goal second term swung the lead Rovers’ way. By three-quarter time, they were 14 points clear.
Pioneer dominated the final term with 11 scoring shots but could only convert twice, falling just short. Tosh Kunoth’s five goals were decisive for Rovers, supported by David Bray, Lucas Ross and Liam Byrne. Pioneer’s Shawn Foster impressed, while Wesley Steele matched Kunoth with five majors of his own. The crucial win helps solidify a potential finals berth for the Rovers.
With just two rounds remaining, only six points separate third and fifth on the ladder, leaving the finals race wide open.