The Spitfires capped off the 2026 Barkly Australian Football League with a memorable day for the club, claiming a double premiership after opening proceedings with a hard-fought women’s grand final victory over the Elliott Hawks.
Elliott made the stronger start, kicking two goals to one in the opening term to take the advantage at quarter-time, before the Spitfires found their rhythm in the second quarter with two unanswered goals to lead by five points at the main break.
The Spitfires continued to build after half-time, adding three more goals while keeping Elliott goalless to open up a 24-point buffer heading into the final change.
Neither side was able to add a major in the final quarter, but the Spitfires had already done enough, holding firm to secure the premiership by 27 points.
Delaicee Hansen was awarded the best-on-ground medal after an outstanding performance through the midfield, also hitting the scoreboard with a goal. Co-captain Dayna Dowling and Jazmine Fitz were also influential in the win.
For Elliott, Jasmine Bathern, Lesteisha Timothy and Cassariah Kenny were among the standouts, not only on the day but across an impressive season for the Hawks.
In the men’s decider, the Spitfires signalled their intent early with a blistering first-quarter display.
Four unanswered goals in the opening term immediately put YDU on the back foot, with their three scoring shots failing to produce a major as the Spitfires opened up a 23-point quarter-time lead.
The momentum remained with the Spitfires in the second term, extending their advantage to 30 points by half-time despite YDU showing encouraging signs with two goals of their own.
YDU responded in the third quarter, kicking three goals to two to edge back into the contest, but the Spitfires remained in control and finished strongly with three goals to one in the final term to seal a 44-point victory.
Matthew Green was named best on ground for the Spitfires, while Ben Braun’s five-goal haul, along with strong performances from Stanley Waistcoat and Damien Peterson, helped drive the side to premiership success.
For YDU, Kyle Stuart impressed throughout the match, with Clayton Hayes and Steven Raggett also producing committed performances in defeat.