The Spitfires and YDU have capped off a thrilling 2025 Barkly Australian Football League season by claiming premiership glory in their respective divisions.
In the women’s decider, the Spitfires entered as clear underdogs after suffering a bruising 60-point loss to the Elliott Hawks in the qualifying final just a fortnight earlier. But the minor premiers responded in perfect fashion, opening the grand final with three unanswered goals to take control early.
Elliott hit back in the second term with two majors of their own, but the Spitfires held firm, matching the Hawks’ output to maintain a 20-point halftime lead.
The Hawks found their spark after the main break, booting two goals to one to trim the deficit to 15 points and reignite hopes of a comeback. With their proven scoring firepower, Elliott looked capable of running over the top in the final quarter.
But the Spitfires were in no mood to surrender. Playing disciplined, possession-heavy football and slowing the tempo with stoppages and uncontested marks, they strangled the contest and sealed the flag with a final-term goal to clinch a 23-point victory.
Spitfires’ Delaicee Hansen was awarded the 2025 Best on Ground Medal, while Keara Baker-Storey, Asinate Bradbury and Thalia Kelly were influential across the midfield, racking up disposals and driving the ball forward. Dayna Dowling and Delaicee Hansen were deadly in attack, each slotting three goals to cap dominant performances.
Despite the disappointment of the result, Elliott’s Jasmine Bathern, Shakana Rankine and Luelle Raymond were standouts throughout the season and again fought hard on the big stage.
The men’s grand final delivered a nail-biting finish as YDU avenged their 2024 heartbreak in a tense rematch with Elliott.
The Hawks burst out of the gates with a three-goal opening quarter to build a 16-point lead, but YDU refused to buckle. With precision kicking and relentless pressure, they piled on four unanswered goals in the second term while restricting Elliott to just three behinds, swinging the momentum and snatching a five-point halftime advantage.
YDU maintained their edge in the third quarter, adding two goals to stretch the lead to 13 points. Elliott surged late, peppering the forward 50 and booting two goals to bring the margin back to single digits, but a steadier from YDU proved decisive. They held firm in the dying minutes to secure a hard-fought seven-point triumph.
Despite the result, Elliott’s Anthony Raymond claimed Best on Ground honours following a terrific effort to keep his side in strong contention.
From defence to attack, YDU impressed, their precise ball movement and trust in each other proving the difference. Their efforts around the ground played a vital role, showcasing strong support for each other.
Following the conclusion of an AFL Northern Territory investigation into player eligibility during the 2025 BAFL Finals Series, the result of this match is no longer recognised.
The Preliminary Final in which this match was contested has been deemed a forfeit. As a result, Elliott Hawks, as the 2025 Minor Premiers, are now formally acknowledged as the 2025 BAFL Senior Men’s Premiers.