Round 3 of the 2025 TIO Central Australian Football League delivered a pulsating weekend of football, with two one-point thrillers in the Senior Women’s leaving fans breathless and the ladder wide open.
The round kicked off with a high-stakes clash between Rovers and Pioneer, as both sides jostled to cement their top-four credentials. The opening quarter was a gritty, low-scoring affair, with neither side able to break clear in a stoppage-heavy contest. Each team managed just one major, setting the tone for a tense encounter.
Rovers found slight ascendancy in the second term, kicking two goals to Pioneer’s one and applying early scoreboard pressure. But the Eagles refused to fold. The third quarter lifted in intensity, yet inaccuracy plagued both sides. Pioneer, in particular, rued missed chances with two scoreless forward entries, trailing by just four points at the final change.
Rovers landed the first blow of the last term, stretching the margin to two goals and appearing in control. But Pioneer’s response was nothing short of stunning. With five minutes remaining, they slammed home two quick goals to draw level before a single, decisive behind sealed a remarkable comeback - Pioneer triumphant by a solitary point.
Danika McDonald was pivotal in transition for Pioneer, with Jasmine Fitz, Talayah Kunoth, and Thalia Kelly excelling under pressure. For Rovers, Brylee Kerrin was immense around the contest, and Delaicee Hansen kicked two goals in a gallant display.
Meanwhile, West extended their unbeaten run with a commanding win over South Alice Springs, further consolidating their position at the top of the women’s ladder. With a potent blend of flair and physicality, West blew the contest open early and never looked back.
Harriet Scandol was everywhere, supported by standout performances from Annabelle Glossop and Tiffany Tregea. Ten individual goalkickers underlined West’s depth, but it was Michelle Ellis who stole the show with five goals, joining the top of the league’s leading goalkicker list.
Saturday night’s clash between Federal and Alkamilya at Albrecht Oval showcased nearly one of the best comebacks in TIO CAFL history.
Federal were dominant early, but couldn’t capitalise, kicking five behinds in the opening term while Alkamilya made the most of limited chances to lead by a point. Federal finally broke through in the second quarter, slotting two goals and taking a slender lead into half-time.
The third quarter belonged to Federal, as they tightened defensively and added another two majors to push the margin to 20 points. But Alkamilya had one final surge left. In a frenetic final term, they booted three unanswered goals to close the gap to two points. One final chance could have won it, but the last shot faded left - just a behind - and Federal clung on in a one-point classic.
Maddelyn Benecke was named best afield for Federal, supported by Sian Furniss and Horiana James. Alkamilya skipper Danielle Woods led from the front with two goals and a tireless effort.
In the Men’s competition, West claimed their first win of the season in a high-scoring affair against South Alice Springs.
The opening term saw both sides attack with intent, but accuracy was an issue. Nine combined scoring shots resulted in just one goal each, with West holding a narrow three-point advantage. The second quarter proved decisive - West kicked four goals to South’s one, with the Roos again ruing their inaccuracy.
West appeared home after adding another in the third, but South roared to life with four unanswered goals to snatch their first lead of the match heading into the final change. West, however, rose to the challenge, kicking four goals to two in the last to secure an 11-point win.
Jackson Renzi was instrumental, while Cohen Thiele booted four goals and Jordan Bailey’s efficiency stood out. South’s Orlando Turner was among the best in a valiant effort.
The final match of the round saw another chapter in the storied Rovers–Pioneer rivalry. Rovers jumped out of the blocks with a four-goal opening quarter, leading by 14 points. But the reigning premiers responded like champions, holding Rovers goalless in the second and levelling the scores by half-time.
The third quarter turned into a shootout, with Pioneer’s inaccuracy leaving them five points adrift heading into the final stanza. But the Eagles flew home, kicking four goals to three to seal a hard-fought 12-point win.
Kavahn Rodger earned best-on-ground honours for Pioneer, with Shawn Foster influential and Waylon Manson starring with five goals. Wesley Steele chipped in with three. Rovers’ Shaydan Close was clinical, and Tyson Woods impressed with four majors.