Round 9 of the 2025 TIO Central Australian Football League was played with purpose, as all clubs united to support the league’s ongoing partnership with the NO MORE campaign, taking a stand against family violence both on and off the field.
The round kicked off in emphatic fashion, with Wests’ senior women’s side delivering a win over Souths. Led by the irrepressible Camilla Liebson, Wests were dominant from the outset.
Emily Johnston and Madison Ludwig were potent up forward with three goals apiece, while Rachel Davine added two. Contributions also came from standout performers Gigi Dadds, Emily Duncombe and Rachael Lendrum in a well-rounded team effort.
Despite the result, Souths’ Nakaiya Clarke and Kirsty Bloomfield fought hard to keep their ever-growing side in the contest.
Afterwards, Rovers grinded out a low-scoring, physical win over Pioneer Eagles.
The Rovers took an early nine-point lead after the opening term and never relinquished control. A burst of two goals in the second quarter proved decisive, as both teams managed just a goal each in the final term. Ebony Abbott-McCormack led the charge, supported by Monique George, Keialah Satour and Shenika Hayes. For the Eagles, Danika McDonald and Stephanie Summerfield were valiant, each kicking a goal.
Saturday's encounter between Alkamilya and Federal was defined by accuracy.
Despite an early 7–0 advantage to Federal, the Panthers responded swiftly, taking the lead by halftime and managing the game from there. A composed two-goal effort in the second half sealed a 15-point win.
Haley Maher starred in the victory alongside Christa Lingen and Tamika Rumpff, while Regan Maher-Moldrich was pivotal with a three-goal haul. Federal’s Horiana James and Charlotte Rudd were standouts in defeat.
The men’s matches delivered edge-of-your-seat drama, with both contests decided by a combined total of just three points.
Souths claimed their first win of the season in a thrilling one-point triumph over West. Trailing by 14 points at the first change and eight at halftime, Souths found a spark in the third quarter, piling on four goals to one and turning the tide to lead by 12 at the final break. West fought back hard, generating nine scoring shots in the last quarter, but wasteful finishing proved costly. A solitary final-term goal from Souths proved enough for a famous upset. The inclusion of 2024 Minahan Medallist Daniel Stafford was crucial, while Michael Tilmouth-Turner, Lazarus Ryder, and former Allies representative Orlando Turner all played key roles.
For West, Jackson Renzi was exceptional, and Cohen Thiele chipped in with two goals.
Meanwhile, Rovers and Pioneer went blow-for-blow in a fierce contest that lived up to expectations. Pioneer edged ahead at each break, leading by two at quarter time, six at the half, and four heading into the final term. The Rovers surged late with three unanswered goals, but a string of missed opportunities for Pioneer (four behinds) ultimately helped them cling to a two-point win. Shane Inkamala emerged as the match-winner, ably supported by Jacob Ross, Thomas Swan, and a three-goal performance from Bradley Turner.
Despite falling short, the Rovers were well served by Tosh Kunoth and Baydon Ngalkin, who each kicked two goals and kept their side in contention throughout.
The CAFL extends its thanks to all participating clubs and supporters for embracing the NO MORE Round initiative. The round not only showcased thrilling football but also reaffirmed the league’s commitment to standing united against family violence.
To find out more about NO MORE, Click here.