The 2026 TIO Central Australian Football League turned its attention to an important cause over the weekend, with clubs uniting for NO MORE Round to take a stand against family violence.
In the women's, South climbed into second place on the ladder after a convincing win over Federal.
South controlled the contest from the outset, winning the stoppages and using the ball efficiently to repeatedly lock it inside their forward 50, creating constant pressure on the Federal defence.
Kiarra Tilmouth was outstanding for South, while Demi-Lee Braun and Telayla Turner continued their impressive form. Ebony Abbott-McCormack was the focal point up forward, finishing with six goals.
Despite the loss, Emma Forsyth and Alice Faulks worked hard and were among Federal's best.
Wests continued its dominance of the women's with another emphatic win.
The ladder leaders showcased their depth, with 11 individual goalkickers in a clinical display. Iesha Ronberg led the way with four goals, while Georgia Rudd, Chloe Oughtred and Hope Skehan each added three majors.
Meg McSkehan and Bianca Strugnell were instrumental in setting up Wests' attacking play throughout the afternoon.
For Pioneer, Kayla Costello and Issy Treloar never stopped competing.
The headline result of the weekend came in the men's, where West ended Pioneer's unbeaten start to the season with a thrilling one-point victory.
With first-placed West taking on second-placed Pioneer, the contest had all the makings of a Grand Final preview, and it certainly delivered.
West made the brighter start, kicking 4.1 to 2.4 in the opening quarter to establish a nine-point lead despite Pioneer creating several scoring opportunities.
The second term became a tight, low-scoring contest. West managed 2.5 to Pioneer's 3.6, taking a slender two-point advantage into the main break.
The Eagles took control in the third quarter, booting six goals to two to stretch the margin to a game-high 22 points and appear in command heading into the final term.
But West produced a stunning comeback, piling on five final-quarter goals to two to snatch a famous one-point victory and throw the race for the minor premiership wide open with five rounds remaining.
Fletcha Murphy starred for the winners, while Jack Sandry and Samuel Ward were influential throughout, particularly during the final-quarter surge. Jackson Renzi also proved the difference inside forward 50, finishing with four goals.
For Pioneer, Tyler Kelly was outstanding, while Dylan Alice booted three goals and Ignatius Dooley came close to helping the Eagles preserve their unbeaten record.
Pioneer will now turn its attention to a 2025 TIO CAFL Grand Final rematch this weekend.
Federal avoided what would have been a major upset, holding off a spirited Souths outfit to round out an entertaining weekend of football.
Souths came out with intent and held a seven-point lead at quarter-time, aiming to claim their first win of the season.
Federal responded emphatically in the second quarter, kicking six goals to two to take control and establish a 16-point halftime lead.
Both sides set the stage in an entertaining third term, kicking four goals apiece as the margin edged out to 18 points entering the final quarter.
Souths refused to give up, booting five final-quarter goals to mount one last challenge. However, Federal matched the charge with four goals of its own to secure a hard-earned 13-point victory.
Caleb Schwartz was outstanding for Federal, while Elijah Walker finished with three goals. Georidie Lelliott and Jack Nugent also made important contributions.
For Souths, Dylan Barry impressed, with Akiel Webb also among the visitors' best.
Although still searching for their first win of 2026, Souths showed encouraging signs and will be hoping to carry that performance into this weekend's clash with Rovers as their finals hopes continue to hang in the balance.
The CAFL extends its thanks to all participating clubs and supporters for embracing the NO MORE Round initiative. The round not only showcased thrilling football but also reaffirmed the league’s commitment to standing united against family violence.
To find out more about NO MORE, Click here.