Round Four of the 2025 TIO Central Australian Football League began with Alkamilya claiming their second win of the season, defeating Pioneer in a defensively disciplined display - despite inaccuracy in front of goal.
Alkamilya took control early, turning over the Eagles forward entries and commanding possession. By halftime, the scoreboard told the story, with Alkamilya holding a 21–0 advantage. Pioneer finally hit the scoreboard in the third term, but Alkamilya maintained the pressure to stretch the margin to 33 points at the final change.
Two quick final-quarter goals from the Eagles narrowed the gap briefly, but the match was never in doubt. Alkamilya finished with 2.7 in the last term - leaving a possible percentage-boosting win on the table - but still secured a comprehensive 40-point victory.
Felisha Swan starred with a polished performance, while co-captain Danielle Woods booted four goals and Regan Maher-Moldrich chipped in with three. For Pioneer, Nikita Kopp and Danika McDonald were among the few bright spots.
In the round’s headline Women’s clash, Federal edged out West in a hard-fought, low-scoring contest to leapfrog them on the ladder and claim top spot.
The opening term set the tone, with both teams locked in a fierce midfield battle that yielded just two points for West. The second quarter brought the first goal - courtesy of West - giving them a narrow eight-point buffer at the main break.
But Federal found their footing in the third, kicking two unanswered goals to seize a four-point lead. The final term mirrored the opening quarter’s arm wrestle, with just two behinds scored - both to Federal - as they hung on for a gritty six-point win.
Hayley Baliva and Charlotte Rudd were excellent for Federal, while Zoe Smith and Chloe Wineera slotted the crucial goals. For West, Gigi Dadds led the way with 2024 Best and Fairest winner Jessica Harnischfeger threatening to snatch the result late.
In the Men’s competition, a fast-starting South Alice Springs couldn’t hold off a resilient Rovers outfit in a game of shifting momentum.
South stunned the Rovers early, piling on five goals to one in the first quarter to take control. But the Rovers steadied in the second, closing the gap with two goals to none and trailing by just two goals at the half.
The comeback continued in the third, with Rovers kicking three unanswered goals to claim the lead for the first time. Despite a spirited final quarter from both sides, it was Rovers who maintained composure, kicking four goals to South’s three to notch a 16-point win.
Connor Dunne was outstanding for the Rovers, while Tyreeq Ahfat also impressed. Travis King, Deacon Braun, and Issaha Forbes all kicked two goals apiece. For South, Orlando Turner delivered a gallant performance in defeat.
In the round’s final game, Federal completed a hard-fought come-from-behind win over West in an at-times wasteful yet ultimately commanding performance.
West opened with a flawless first quarter, booting five straight goals while Federal were left to rue missed chances, managing 2.5 to trail by 13 points at quarter-time. But Federal clawed back in the second, drawing level by the main break.
The third quarter was frustrating for Federal, who kicked 1.7 and failed to break the game open, leading by just five points at the final change. However, they found their rhythm in the last, slamming home four goals and six behinds to West’s solitary goal, securing a 29-point victory.
Ben Durkin was a difference-maker, booting two goals and influencing the contest around the ball. Alonzo Nelson and Jack Nugent also played key roles. Despite the loss, West’s Ishmael Nandy was the standout, finishing with a stunning seven-goal haul.