The 2026 TIO Central Australian Football League senior Grand Finals have been confirmed following the weekend’s preliminary finals.
West made a commanding start in the women’s preliminary final, holding Rovers scoreless in the opening term while kicking two goals to take a 14-point lead into the first break. Rovers responded in the second quarter, but West continued to find answers, extending their advantage to 19 points by half-time.
Rovers lifted after the main break, opening the third term with an early goal and beginning to control territory in their forward half. However, missed opportunities in front of goal proved costly, with West maintaining a nine-point lead at the final change.
West steadied early in the final term, kicking the first goal of the quarter before adding another to push the margin to 21 points with eight minutes remaining.
A third final-quarter goal effectively sealed the result, with West going on to claim an 18-point victory and secure a Grand Final meeting with South.
West’s Caitlin Couch was a standout in the victory, while Rachel Davine and Regan Maher-Moldrich also impressed as West look to carry their form into this weekend’s decider.
Despite the defeat, Rovers ended their campaign with a strong showing, led by Delaicee Hansen and Kaitlyn Armstrong, who made an impact in the forward line.
In the men’s preliminary final, Rovers produced a performance worthy of a Grand Final berth, defeating West in convincing fashion.
Rovers were electric from the opening bounce, booting four unanswered goals in the first term to build an early buffer.
The weather began to influence play in the second quarter, with scoring becoming harder for both sides. Rovers broke through with the first goal of the term inside the final seven minutes, before West opened their account late. Rovers responded again before half-time to take a 37-point lead into the main break.
From there, Rovers continued their charge, kicking four goals to one in the third term to all but put the result beyond reach. West finished strongly with four goals in the final quarter, but it was not enough as Rovers recorded a 36-point win.
2026 Minahan Medallist Deacon Braun was outstanding in the victory, with Shaydan Close and Tyreeq Ahfat also influential as Rovers booked their place in the Grand Final.
For West, Joshua O’Brien, Brock Sandry and Ryan Warfe battled hard despite the result.
2026 TIO CAFL Grand Final Fixture (TIO Traeger Park):
Women’s:
Grand Final – 2:30pm, Saturday, 29 August: Souths vs West
Men’s:
Grand Final – 4:30pm, Saturday, 29 August: Pioneer Eagles vs Rovers
Both Grand Finals will be streamed live and free on the AFLNTv YouTube Channel, in partnership with ICTV.