Find out how each Central Australian Football League is shaping up leading into the 2024 season

There’s been plenty of changes from coaches to personnel, but finally the 2024 CAFL season kicks into life this weekend. See how each club is shaping up.

Reigning CAFL premier Federal will have a new name at the coaching helm after Sam LaPorta decided to stand down from the role after last season’s unbeaten campaign.

Alice Springs schoolteacher Andrew Richardson, a 2023 premiership player with the red and whites, will lead the Demons in their premiership defence after playing under LaPorta.

Club president Gerrard Coffey said Richardson’s work with Indigenous youngsters through his teaching background and playing career in Victoria’s Sunraysia League made him the ideal replacement for LaPorta.

Federal’s 2022 Minahan medallist Dan Gorry returns for the red and whites this season, while midfielder Robbie Bartee has relocated to Darwin after an impressive career in the CAFL.

Coffey said Gorry’s return as a ruck-forward in combination with last year’s league medallist Abe Ankers will be huge for the premiers, while the club’s youngsters who had spent their formative years in the Federal junior sides, brought a lot depth with them.

The Federal women, finalists in their first season of CAFL football, will be coached by long serving Demon Jayden Prior as they look to climb higher on the women’s ladder.

Daniel Gorry won the 2022 CAFL best and fairest. Picture: AFLNT Media

Runners-up South Alice Springs will again be under the tutelage of senior coach Chris Forbes, who is chasing his elusive first flag after claiming the bridesmaid tag in his first two seasons.

The Kangaroos lost to Federal last season and arch rivals Pioneer in the 2022 decider, losses that still hurt Forbes.

“I guess I want to make it third time lucky in my coaching career and for me, belief in your players and what they’re trying to achieve, is right up there in terms of motivation and a willingness to improve,’’ he said.

“We’ve lost a few players, including Thomas Gorey who won’t play at all this season with his knee injury and young Taylem Stubbs and Thomas Swan have joined Rovers, who are throwing out big money to try and get back on top,’’ Forbes said.

“My theory has always been if you lose one soldier you replace them with another and it’s why we’ll be giving another young bloke an opportunity to step up to A-grade footy.’’

Federal captain Abe Ankers with AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden after winning the 2023 CAFL grand final. Picture: AFLNT Media

Perennial finalists Pioneer has gone for a dual coaching role in 2024 with popular long serving Eagle Steven “Weeties’’ Hayes and former North Melbourne star Adrian McAdam in charge.

The pair bring a wealth of experience to a Pioneer team that won the senior flag two seasons ago and went as far as the preliminary final in 2023.

Club president Jawoyn Manolis-Cole said his side would be placing a major reliance on their under-18 players that won a premiership in the junior grade in 2023.

“That’s certainly our aim this season while the core of last year’s side that got us to the prelim final are still there and looking for a big season,’’ Manolis-Cole said.

“We’ve got a very good coaching team in Weeties and Adie (McAdam) who will get the best out of the players, so we’re looking forward to the new season.’’

Fred Campbell will take charge of the women’s side, with Manolis-Cole saying the club was always on the lookout for players.

“If there are women out there looking for a game, make yourself known at training on Monday and Thursday at Jim McConville Oval and we’ll make you welcome,’’ he said.

Rovers have a new coach in John Glasson as they look to improve on their first semi-final loss to eventual grand finalists Souths last season.

Club president Dan Molloy said the Double Blues were keen on rebuilding their league side after a highly successful period where they won five flags in a row from 2017-21.

“We’re looking to go higher this season with some new faces like (former Pioneer and Souths wingman) Thomas Swan and Eric Campbell in the side creating a positive attitude at the club,’’ he said.

Well known Centralian sportsperson Renee Smith will coach the Pioneer women’s side.

Reigning women’s premiers Alkamilya haven’t been out of the signing blitz with Maria Rioli and Shainia Cooper coming on board from the Tiwi Bombers.

The side dominated the 2023 season with the likes of Gabrielle King and Kaitlyn Armstrong among their standout performers, and now have two of Tiwi’s standouts to bolster numbers.

Alkamilya celebrate after winning the 2023 CAFL senior women's grand final. Picture: AFLNT Media

West Alice Springs has Ben Ellis as its senior coach for the 2024 season as the Bloods look to move off the bottom of the ladder.

Born and bred in the Red Centre, Ellis has returned to his hometown to resurrect a Wests side looking to return to the finals after some lean years.

Club president Jeremy Loudon said his club would be “100 per cent’’ better than its wooden spoon season in 2023 when the Bloods did not win a game.

“We’ve put a few things in place that needed to be changed, while the pre-season has been very good and several new and old players are back at Wests,’’ he added.

“Midfielder Reilly Webb is a big recruit from Victoria as we intend to bring the fun back into footy and get some on-field success.’’

David James has replaced grand final coach Alicia Stanley as the Bloods’ women’s coach.

Originally published as Find out how each Central Australian Football League is shaping up leading into the 2024 season