Federal and Rovers in major semi-final, Pioneer and Souths to contest the elimination final

All the CAFL finalists will be well rested after a week’s bye due to this week’s AFL blockbuster in Alice Springs

Pioneer’s Ethan Liddle goes long out of defence in their win over Wests. Picture: Charlie Lowson

FEDERAL gave its CAFL premiership rivals a brief glimpse of their goalkicking firepower by kicking 20 goals against fellow finalists Souths.

In perfect warm-up for the September 5 second semi-final against reigning premier Rovers, Kimberley import Waylon Manson and Josh Dixon four in the Demons’ 80-point win over fellow finalists Souths.

The Roos rested several senior players before they meet Pioneer in the elimination first semi-final on the same day.

Federal’s coach Dave Thomas liked his side’s intent as they prepare for the major semi-final against Rovers.

A win will open up the short route to their first grand final since losing to the Double Blues in the 2017 decider.

“We played the game right out to the end in what was a good lead-up to the Rovers semi final,’’ Thomas said.

“Sam Pearce was terrific on his wing and Jack Cattanach gave us a lot of drive through the middle of the ground.

“Sam is a good story after forcing his way into the team early in the season and maintaining his form.’’

Waylon Manson was another good contributor with his five goals as he continues to straighten up teammates running the ground.

Pioneer got the hard hitout they needed against a Wests side finding its best form at the end of the season.

The Eagles only led by three points at the last change before a four-goal to two last quarter got them home.

It means a rematch of last season’s preliminary final against Souths.

The Roos kicked seven goals to a single point in the last quarter to come from five goals down to win.

Curtly Hampton in a forward-midfield role was his side’s best, kicking three goals in his third game of the season.

Jamie Hampton also booted three goals and Ethan Liddle’s work in the back half was instrumental in holding out the enthusiastic Bloods.

Wests were best served by Shade Evans around the ball and the consistent Mishai Wollogorang on a wing.

Jayden Dick rotating between half back and the wing was another big contributor.

The winless Wests bow out of the competition after pushing three of this years finalists in their last three matches.

Club president Dom Fecteau said the big finish was just reward for his players who had remained positive all season.