The 2025 TIO Central Australian Football League season roared into action on Wednesday night, with South Alice Springs facing off against Alkamilya in the season opener at Albrecht Oval.
Under the leadership of head coach Cyril Rioli Snr, Alkamilya Senior Women’s side sent a strong early statement, asserting themselves as premiership favourites with a dominant performance. They piled on seven goals in a blistering opening term and finished with 18 goals for the match in a clinical display of attacking football.
In a testament to their team-first approach, Alkamilya’s win was built on an even contribution across the board, with no single standout - a coach’s dream start to the season.
The action continued on Saturday at TIO Traeger Park for TIO Round, where Pioneer Eagle Danika McDonald lined up against her former club, Federal, in the early match.
Federal came out firing, stunning the Eagles with three unanswered goals in the first quarter. Pioneer responded in the second, kicking two goals to close the margin to six points at halftime. However, Federal's class prevailed after the break, with a dominant four-goal second half sealing a 26-point win. Hayley Baliva starred for Federal, while Charlotte Rudd, Nakaiya Clarke, and Chloe Pitt also impressed. For the Eagles, Jayde and Cammie De La Coeur, alongside Ella Fitz, battled hard.
In the Grand Final rematch, West claimed emphatic revenge over Rovers, notching a resounding 60-point win.
Michelle Ellis was unstoppable up forward, booting four goals, while Gigi Dadds showcased exceptional skill around the ground. Hannah Murdoch and Keippa Newton added two goals apiece to keep Rovers' defence under constant pressure. Reigning Senior Women’s Best and Fairest, Jessica Harnischfeger, also opened her 2025 campaign strongly with another standout performance.
Despite the heavy defeat, Rovers found positives through the efforts of Ebony Abott-McCormack, Shannan King, and vice-captain Maggie Johnson. Carlee Warburton kicked Rovers’ only goal.
The premiers' woes continued into the Senior Men's Division, with the 2024 champions Pioneer Eagles falling short against arch-rivals Federal by 12 points.
In a seesawing contest, Federal held a slender four-point advantage at quarter time before the Eagles responded to lead by six points at the half. Pioneer looked set to cruise to victory after building a 13-point buffer by the final break and further extending it early in the last quarter. However, a stunning six-goal blitz from Federal flipped the script, delivering a dramatic come-from-behind win.
Patrick Coffey was named best on ground for Federal, with Jesiah Minor, Ariki Lowe, and Abraham Ankers all influential in the comeback. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Pioneer found positives, with Waylon Manson booting four goals in a standout showing.
The Rovers closed the opening round with a dominant win over West.
Tosh Kunoth was the star of the show, slotting seven goals to spearhead the Rovers’ attack. Billy Pareroultja controlled the midfield alongside James Bruce, providing endless opportunities to a forward line that cashed in handsomely. Kaleel Ross (four goals) and Tyson Woods (five goals) added to the scoring feast as West struggled to contain the onslaught.
Despite the margin, West fought valiantly, with Joshua Wallace earning best on ground honours and Ishmael Nandy impressing with two goals.
Stay up-to-date with all ladders, results, and fixtures by following the AFL Central Australia Facebook Page.