Yeperenye CAFL Teams Named Ahead of Clash With NTFL

The Central Australian Football League (CAFL) proudly supported by Yeperenye Shopping Centre is thrilled to name the final teams that with clash with the Northern Territory Football League at TIO Traeger Park, tomorrow, on Saturday April 5. 

The CAFL representative players have been participating in both the 2025 TIO CAFL Pre-season trainings for their club and the league representative sessions for preparation for the clashes. 

History will be made on Saturday afternoon with a CAFL Women’s side to take a Women’s NTFL side for the first time. In the Men’s, it would be the first time that these sides have clashed since 1984 when each side was named after Alice Springs and Darwin. The last time CAFL defeated the NTFL was in 1952, when Alice Springs claimed victory by 23 points in Alice Springs. 

In the Women’s, eight players from the Under 23 & Over 23 clash features for the CAFL with 10 players in the Men’s side, who have previously donned the famous CAFL jumper.  

*Listed with the team are replacement/ emergency players who will be named on match day as required. 

The Women’s match is scheduled to start at 3.00pm with the Men’s at 5.00pm, tickets are available for purchase from the gate on match day.   

For those who can’t make it to the games, both matches will be broadcast live and free to watch via AFLNTv YouTube. 

 History: 

This exciting match will reignite a historic rivalry that dates all the way back to 1948, with nine thrilling inter-town games played between Darwin and Alice Springs from 1948 to 1984.   

 Over the years, Darwin claimed victory in eight of these encounters, with the only loss coming in 1952. These games have always been a showcase of the Territory's finest footy talent, with many of our game’s greatest players stepping onto the field for this fierce contest.  

 After extensive community feedback, we’re excited to bring this beloved tradition back to life with the inclusion of both Men’s and Women’s representative matches. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the skill, pride, and passion that both the NTFL and CAFL bring to the game.  

The CAFL vs NTFL rivalry has been rekindled in recent years through thrilling representative matchups. In 2023, the CAFL representative side narrowly lost to Waratah, with just five points separating the teams in a heart-pounding contest. The CAFL put up a fierce fight but couldn’t hold off a late surge from the Warriors. Despite the loss, CAFL Representative Abraham Ankers was awarded Best on Ground for his brilliant performance.  

Last year at TIO Traeger Park, the CAFL representatives faced off against St Mary’s in what turned out to be another captivating chapter in the rivalry. After a dominant first half, the CAFL side surged to a commanding 35-point lead. Despite a resilient effort from St Mary’s, including standout performances from Ethan Bush and Zac Robinson, the CAFL finished strong with an emphatic eight-goal blitz in the final quarter to secure a big victory. Kane Sevallos was named Best on Ground for his pivotal role in the match.