Federal go undefeated, while Alkamilya women lose for the first time in 2023
Federal have completed a clean sweep of the CAFL men’s regular season, but there were some surprise results in the final round of the women’s league. Read the latest from the 2023 season.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The red and white jumpers of Federal completed a clean sweep of the CAFL’s Senior Men’s competition following a comprehensive 38-point win over fellow finalists Souths.
The Demons’ 16.9 (105) to 10.7 (67) win in the last minor round was their 12th in a row, setting them up for a second semi-final clash against defending premier Pioneer as the race for premiership honours moves into overdrive.
Pioneer finished a game clear of Souths to secure second place and the double chance after beating the Rovers by 18 points in a keenly contested match at Albrecht Oval.
Souths and the Rovers will contest the elimination first semi-final to complete the finals roster.
The Senior Women’s finals race saw a big leap from the Fred Campbell coached Pioneer from fifth place to a second semi-final berth.
The E-Girls grabbed the double chance with a 106-point win over Rovers, meaning the reigning women’s premiers will miss the finals.
Souths, last season’s men’s grand finalists, will get key pair Jamahl Lynch and Michaelis McMasters back for the Rovers game, while goalkicker Thomas Gorey (knee) will return for the preliminary final if the Roos win the semi-final.
Veteran Roo Bradley Turner on a wing and Dominic Forbes in a rotating forward-midfield role were Souths’ best.
Federal’s skipper Abe Ankers booted five goals in his side’s win against a Souths side playing for second spot.
The game was up for grabs at halftime with Federal leading by a single point and four points at the last change before a five-goal to nil last quarter sealed the result.
“It’s pleasing to get through the minor round without a loss but now that’s over and we move on to the next match knowing we haven’t won anything yet,” Ankers said.
“We know there are teams coming for us which comes with finals footy and the knowledge we have to adjust to that.
“I think we’re well prepared and well drilled and there is a lot of maturity within the group, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Patrick Coffey in his accustomed role down back, clever midfielder Robby Bartee and the returning Andrew Richardson on a wing were standouts for Federal.
Pioneer had to work hard to beat Rovers at Albrecht Oval, eventually winning by 18 points against a Double Blues side gearing up for the next week’s elimination final against Souths.
Their captain Cheyne Miles praised the Rovers for their intensity and determination.
“They kept coming at us, in fact it took a couple of our young blokes to keep us in the game towards the end,” he said.
“Wingman Kaleel Ross with his two goals, strong marking and important tackles went a long way to cementing his place in the side and Robbie Nardoo was a late inclusion for what was his second or third senior game and kicked three goals as a crumber.”
Consistent on-baller Kane Sevallos was Pioneer’s best with his ability to read the game, Tim Pepperill rebounded strongly out of defence and Darren Porter was another good player in the Eagles’ backline.
The Rovers got maximum value from midfielder Royce Close, Lucas Ross on a forward flank and captain-coach Luke Adams on a wing.
In women’s football Alkamilya’s unbeaten run in the Senior Women’s competition came to an end when a fired up West Alice Springs beat the Panthers by eight points at Traeger Park.
The Bloods burst the Alkamilya bubble by playing tough, contested football against an opponent that had won 12 of their 13 games and drawn the other one before falling to last season’s grand finalists.
Wests’ coach Alicia Stanley was rapt with her side’s second half after they trailed by 16 points at the main break.
A five-goal to one last half lifted Wests over the Panthers and into next week’s first semi-final against Federal.
“We played a disciplined team game to make the most of our inside 50s, it’s going to be an exciting finals series,” Stanley said.
“Hannah Murdoch’s strong hands and smart footy inside 50 were important, Jo Kenney provided a calm structure within our midfield and Jess Harnischfeger was explosive around the contest.’’
Alkamilya co-coach Brendan Verrier said Wests had brought the hunger, belief and passion needed to win big games.
“We lacked that as a combined mindset in what has been a long and really good year for the club so far,” he said.
“It is hard to bring your A-game every week and it showed today, even if we still went close to winning the game.”
Jasmine Boyers continued her stellar season in the middle of the ground, while Anne-Marie Mabus and Chelsea Hayes were other good contributors for the flag favourites.
Pioneer coach Fred Campbell saw his team fly into second place with their 17.10 (112) to 1.0 (6) win over an undermanned Rovers.
Keomi Ross in the ruck was superb all day, along with Kyanne Campbell in the midfield and goalkicker Taren White who booted eight goals in an eye-catching performance.
Federal celebrated a triumphant first season in the Senior Women’s competition by making the finals.
The Demons ladies will play Wests in the elimination final on Saturday after beating a determined Souths by 32 points despite a scoreless third quarter.
Ageless AFL star boots four in stunning CAFL opening quarter
Federal’s pursuit of the club’s first CAFL senior flag since 2016 moved into overdrive with a 104-point win over West Alice Springs in the second last minor round.
The Demons’ 17.18 (120) to 2.4 (16) win over the hapless Bloods had all the hallmarks of a side headed for the second Saturday in September.
Elsewhere, reigning premier Pioneer ensured the battle for the double chance will go down to the last round with its comprehensive 42-point win over South Alice Springs lifting them to second.
Ageless forward Darryl White, the three-time Brisbane Lions premiership player, booted four first quarter goals for the Eagles.
It was Pioneer’s second win over their traditional rival since beating them in last season’s grand final and the 15.10 (100) to 8.10 (58) triumph sets up a nailbiting final round.
Souths must overcome unbeaten minor premier Federal at Traeger Park and hope Rovers can produce a big upset by beating Pioneer in their Round 15 clash at Albrecht Oval.
Federal will enter the Rovers clash full of confidence after dismantling Wests with a display of hard running football that secured the minor premiership ahead of the finals series that kicks off on August 26.
Eli Dayman at centre half back was impassable all day, setting up several forward moves with fellow defenders Caylan LaPorte and Patrick Coffey in another reminder of the Demons’ strengths right across the ground.
Coach Sam LaPorte was pleased with his side’s use of the football and accountability when in possession.
“As I’ve said every week our aim is to continue improving in a lot of areas and we’re doing that with a win against Wests we’re glad to get out of the way,’’ he said.
Veteran utility Darryl White pulled on the Pioneer jumper for the second time this season against Souths and proceeded to kick four goals in the first quarter for the side where it all began for him.
The three-time Brisbane premiership player continues to impress against players years younger than his 50 years in one of the great stories in Northern Territory football.
Pioneer’s captain Cheyne Miles won the No More Campaign trophy as the best player on the ground, while Darren Porter and Kane Sevallos in a variety of roles were other good contributors for the Eagles.
Miles said his side’s ability to play four quarters of football against a Souths side that never stopped coming at them.
“Normally our third quarters against Souths have been pretty stagnant, but this time we kept our discipline and continued to play the ball and the whistle instead of complaining and things like that,’’ he added.
Souths fell short of expectations in a performance coach Chris Forbes described as a lesson they had to learn before next week’s must win against Federal.
Jamahl Lynch across half forward, Dominic Forbes and Michaelis McMasters were the best for the Roos.
It has been a similar story in women’s football this season, with the unbeaten Alkamilya Panthers dominating the competition.
A unique three-man coaching panel including Cyril Rioli Jr, Brendan Verrier and Raymond Walters has Alkamilya poised to make a big impression on the 2023 season.
The Panthers won their 12th game from 13 starts when they beat Rovers by 63 points on Saturday night, a record that includes a Round 10 draw with last season’s grand finalists Wests.
Rioli said the 6pm timeslot was the side’s first night game of the season and a positive for his players, who had to work hard to overcome the Double Blues.
“Rovers took it up to us and with the players really gelling this season we were able to run away with it in the end,’’ he added.
“The ladies are putting in the effort after a massive pre-season put some fitness behind them and its shown in the matches we have played with the unbeaten run we’ve had.’’
Anne-Marie Mabus at centre half back was Alkamilya’s best player with her poise and superb delivery from the key defensive post.
Jasmine Boyers in an on-ball role was again in dominant form and captain club Kahlisha Rioli shone in a midfield role.
Wests upset third-placed Federal at Albrecht Oval in a performance coach Alicia Stanley described as the best of their season with the rare positive of being able to field a full side.
Captain Redgie Walker off half back was Wests’ best player in a game where she intercepted a series of Federal forward moves and Flo Bourke worked tirelessly around the ball to limit the workload of the Federal ball winners.
The win moved the Bloods ladies to within a game of fourth-placed Pioneer with the formidable task of beating unbeaten ladder leaders Alkamilya in the last minor round game and relying on sides above them to lose if they are to play finals football.
South Alice Springs threw a spanner in the works of Pioneer when they beat the E-Girls by 25 points at Traeger Park.
The Lady Roos won their third game of the season, beating the E-Girls 10.4 (64) to 6.3 (39) in their best display of the season.
Demi-Lee Braun through the middle and Felisha Swan and Latoya Young in similar roles were the pick of the blue and white jumpers.
Pioneer played nine under-16 girls against Souths, with Mya Thommy, Bella Foster and Peta Lee Cole-Manolis their best.
Federal seize big win against depleted CAFL rivals
Just three sides remain in the race for the CAFL senior men’s crown after 13 rounds, with one still-undefeated team running away from the chasing pack.
Runaway ladder leader Federal beat a 17-man Rovers by 82 points at Traeger Park when the Hart’s Range races and community sports carnivals combined to draw players away from the double blue jumpers in a disappointing result for the league.
It was Federal’s 10th win in as many starts under first year coach Sam LaPorte after the game was called off at halftime with the red and whites careering away.
Bottom side Wests and third-placed Souths are their opponents in the last two minor round games as Federal chase its first Senior Men’s flag since 2016.
The Chris Forbes-coached Souths bounded out of the blocks by kicking seven goals in the first quarter and nine in the second on the way to a 144-point win over Wests at Albrecht Oval.
The Roos got maximum value from their forward line, Troyston Corbett kicking five goals and big marking Daniel Stafford and wingman Thomas Swan booting four of their 26 majors.
More good news for Souths was the form of Michaelis McMasters out of the middle and Swan on his wing as the Roos prepare for next Saturday’s Round 14 clash with traditional rivals Pioneer.
Jamahl Lynch was another Roo who found plenty of the football across half back, creating several forward moves and kicking two goals in an impressive performance.
Their selectors gave under-18 trio Joseph Byrnes, Rhys Craig and the coach’s son Tyreece Forbes their first taste of senior football and were rewarded with a goal from each of the youngsters.
Forbes is already focusing on Saturday’s twilight game against Pioneer that will decide second spot on the ladder and the important double chance in the finals.
“We were switched on from the start this week and we’ll have to play the same way against Pioneer next week,” he said.
Women’s flag favourites Alkamilya shortened their odds to win the club’s third premiership and first since 2018 by demolishing Pioneer by 95 points at Albrecht Oval.
Kaitlyn Armstrong was the best player on the ground after playing in the back half until half time before moving forward where she kicked five goals in the last two quarters to seal a big win for the Panthers.
Joint coach Brendan Verrier described the 16.8 (104) to 1.3 (9) win his side’s best team performance of the season.
“We kicked over 100 points, something I don’t think Alkamilya has done before in its history,” he said.
“Jacq (Jaqualyn Bresnahan) kicked four goals in an impressive performance and young gun Monica Turner-Collins came back into the side where her speed, hard running and skills were amazing.”
Verrier also praised Nicholle Cooke-Hayes’ versatility in defence where her intercept marking, tackling and disposal skills stood out.
Federal remained third on the ladder in its inaugural women’s season following a comfortable 30-point win over second-placed Rovers at Traeger Park
The Demons led from the first bounce to record a 7.5 (47) to 2.5 (17) as the Anika Ferrari coached Demons prepare for finals football in their first season.
West Alice Springs snapped an unlucky run of close losses by beating Souths by 18 points in Saturday’s late game Albrecht Oval.
Last season’s grand finalists were left with one player on the bench, but still did enough to hold off the courageous Roos with a four quarter performance that impressed coach Alicia Stanley.
Georgia Calub continued her superb season in the ruck and around the ground, Brydie Carmichael provided a target and encouragement in front of goals and the wing combination of Rachel Devine and Tiffany Tregea worked a treat.
Federal pull through in high-tension match against premiers
Federal moved three games clear of second-placed Pioneer in the CAFL Senior Men’s premiership race when they beat the Eagles by 20 points at Albrecht Oval.
The top-of-the-table game between the first and second-placed sides provided a big appetiser for next month’s finals when the unbeaten Federal booted 12.9 (81) to Pioneer’s 9.7 (61) in one of the games of the season.
With so much tension and physicality, tempers became frayed in the last quarter in a match played in a finals-like atmosphere.
Federal was able to keep its nose in front to win their ninth game in a row under first year coach Sam LaPorte.
“Pioneer always structure up very well which meant we definitely had to work for the win,” LaPorte said.
“We got a bit of a break late in the game, probably the last 15 minutes, but we were never in front by very much.”
Braydon Weily in an unaccustomed role as first ruck was Federal’s best player, while Caylan LaPorte down back, four-goal midfielder Abe Ankers and Kynan Barnes across half forward were also prominent.
Pioneer again got maximum value out of midfielders Kane Sevallos and Jackson Cole, while Santa Teresa product Nason Lawrie showed he has the talent to be a permanent fixture in the Eagles’ line-up.
Rovers climbed back into the winners circle with a 15.12 (102) to 9.8 (62) win over a brave Wests side at Traeger Park.
The Double Blues led by a big margin in the first half on the back of a six-goal first quarter from spearhead Jak Baldissera before Wests regained their poise to win the second half and reduce the final margin to 40 points.
Baldissera kicked 8.4 for the match, placing him in his side’s best players along with Shaydan Close in an on-ball, forward role and big possession getter Francis Bruce who dominated the game in an on-ball role.
In women’s football unbeaten ladder leaders Alkamilya had the weekend off when Souths were forced to forfeit their lunchtime game at Traeger Park due to a player shortage.
But second and third placed Pioneer and Federal engaged in a tough, no-nonsense match at Albrecht Oval where coach Fred Campbell’s E-Girls did enough to win by 15 points.
Scarlett McDonald, Janaya Kopp, Lahni Gilby, Kyanne Campbell and Amani Francos played their roles to perfection in a win Campbell described as a season definer for Pioneer.
“They (Federal) made it tough for us where we had to work hard to win the contested ball,” he said.
“I was very proud of the girls and the way they fought the game out against a very good opposition.”
Rovers recorded their sixth win of the season when they beat an unlucky Wests by nine points in Saturday night’s game at Traeger Park.
Coach Sean Sandry called the 6pm game an awesome game of football where both players from both sides threw themselves into the game.
Double Blues skipper Lara Harding was her side’s best in a midfield role, with Lucy Nicolai and Brooke Wilson other standouts.
“Our senior players got it together after we started slowly before finding our feet and playing some very good team footy,” Sandry said.
“Our ‘mega’ coach Ian McAdam has instilled a skills set and intent among the players that has lifted the side and hopefully we can go on with it from here.”
Wests coach Alicia Stanley was left to reflect on another close loss in a result that could have gone either way.
Chelsey Nelson’s work around the ball, Jess Harnischfeger’s creativeness up forward and Georgia Calub’s ability to give her side first use of the ball from ruck hit-outs were highlights for the Bloods.
More Coverage
Originally published as Federal go undefeated, while Alkamilya women lose for the first time in 2023
‘I’m prepared’: Police graduates ready to hit the streets
In a matter of days, 21 new cops will join the ranks of men and women putting their lives on the line every day to protect their community. Read how they’re feeling before hitting the frontline.
Locked up NT kids bearing the brunt of ‘a failed system’
A Territory child was reported as the victim of abuse and harm 70 times before they ended up in the clink. See why the children’s watchdog believes we’re failing vulnerable kids.