The 2025 TIO Central Australian Football League resumed over the weekend following a two-week break, with a string of tightly contested matches headlined by a thrilling women’s clash between the Rovers and West.
The Rovers overcame a spirited West outfit to claim a 13-point win in a game of shifting momentum. The Rovers jumped out to a fast start, building a 13-point lead by quarter-time, only for West to respond emphatically with three unanswered goals to turn the tables and take a seven-point buffer into the main break.
But the Rovers steadied in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead with two goals and holding a narrow two-point edge at the final change. Showing composure when it mattered, they closed out the contest with three final-term goals to secure the win.
Doreena Hansen was electric with a best-on-ground performance that included three goals, while Delaicee Hansen, Keely Bishop, and Betty Hosking all played pivotal roles. Delsey Campbell also impressed with three goals. For West, Annabelle Glossop was a standout, and Caitlin Couch kept her side in the hunt with three goals of her own.
Federal produced a terrific team display to defeat the Pioneer Eagles and bolster their percentage in the race for finals. In a performance marked by depth and spread, Federal finished with 14 goals and seven different goal-kickers.
Chloe Wineera led the way with four majors, while Rebecca Ellis, Charlotte Rudd, and Jayde Imber contributed two apiece. Despite the scoreline, the Eagles' Talayah Kunoth and Ella Fitz battled hard and continued to set high standards.
Alkamilya delivered their most complete performance of the season to post a critical win over South. The captain-co-captain duo of Danielle Woods and Regan Maher-Moldrich starred, each booting five goals in a commanding display.
They were well supported by Lily Childs and co-captain Kahlisha Rioli, who both impacted across the ground. South, though outmatched, showed fight through NT Talent Academy representative Latoya Young, who was a standout in a losing effort.
West secured their second win for the men’s division with a convincing 31-point victory over the Rovers. A tight first quarter saw them take a slender five-point lead, but inaccuracy plagued the Rovers as West gradually took control.
The lead stretched to 17 points at the half and 20 by the final break before West surged home in the last to put the result beyond doubt.
Former Banks Bulldogs star Cohen Thiele was the star of the show, booting a remarkable eight goals, while St Mary’s product Kieren Parnell provided run and class. Zak Young and Gage Smith were also instrumental. For the Rovers, Kaleel Ross showed glimpses, and Tyson Woods kept them within reach with four goals.
Federal stamped their authority in a 2024 Grand Final rematch to round out Round 7, pulling away from Pioneer to record a 38-point win.
Despite dominating early possession and inside 50s, Federal’s inaccuracy left the door ajar, holding just a five-point lead at quarter time despite eight scoring shots to three. A more clinical third quarter saw them extend their margin, and they finished the game with eight second-half goals to run out comfortable winners.
Jack Nugent and Braydon Weily led the charge for Federal, while Michael Axten was potent up forward with four goals. For Pioneer, Kane Sevallos-Seden continued his standout season, and Wesley Steele provided fireworks with six goals in a losing side.