West claimed their first senior women’s premiership after defeating South in the 2026 TIO Central Australian Football League grand final on Saturday.
West made the early running, with Iesha Ronberg kicking the opening goal inside the first few minutes. While they controlled much of the first term, their dominance was not fully reflected on the scoreboard, taking a 1.5 (11) to 0.0 (0) lead into quarter time.
South’s defence stood firm in the second quarter, holding off repeated West attacks for nine minutes before Meg McSkehan broke through with a composed goal from the pocket to extend the margin to 18 points. West continued to apply pressure, but South responded late through Betty Maeke, whose goal in the final seconds of the half cut the margin to 13 points at the main break.
South threatened early in the third term, but Caitlin Couch steadied West with their third goal of the match. The contest remained an arm wrestle for much of the quarter, with West taking a 20-point advantage into the final change.
West finished strongly in the final quarter, with Georgia Rudd kicking a superb goal from the boundary before adding another after the siren to cap the historic victory.
McSkehan was named best on ground after an influential performance, consistently finding the football and following up with strong second efforts.
In the men’s grand final, minor premiers Pioneer were stunned by an in-form Rovers outfit, who produced a commanding performance to secure the 2026 premiership.
Rovers made a fast start, with Kaleel Ross kicking the opening goal before Pioneer’s Kennelly Brown responded. Stanley Waistcoat then capitalised on a clever play near the goal line to restore Rovers’ advantage. Waylen Manson brought Pioneer back within two points, but Rovers finished the term strongly, with Adam Cullen and Jaylon Anderson helping their side build a five-goal-to-two quarter-time lead.
The second quarter began with missed opportunities at both ends before Cullen kicked his second after nine minutes. Rovers then began to take control, with Shaydan Close adding their seventh goal. Pioneer’s Thomas Swan answered with an important goal for the Eagles, but Anderson again converted to give Rovers a 34-point lead at halftime.
Pioneer started the third term brightly through Manson, but Waistcoat replied with a remarkable goal before 2026 Minahan Medallist Deacon Braun added another for Rovers. Late goals to Mackiah Jones and Swan kept Pioneer within reach, reducing the margin to 29 points at the final change.
Rovers refused to surrender momentum in the final term, with Waistcoat again producing a classy finish from the boundary before Anderson sealed the result, as Rovers ran out 30-point winners.
Close was awarded best on ground for a standout midfield display, driving Rovers forward and creating repeated scoring opportunities.
Both match replays are available on the AFLNTv YouTube Channel, in partnership with ICTV.