Federal’s Abe Ankers and Libby Taylor dominate in CAFL Minahan medal night

Federal’s season reached new heights in a dominant awards night, but they weren’t the only club to star on the CAFL’s night of nights. See all the winners.

Federal’s 2023 CAFL season reached new heights when the scooped up both the Minahan and Margaret Liddle medals on the back of strong seasons.

Midfielder Abe Ankers won his third Minahan Medal, beating teammate Robby Bartee by eight votes, adding to his previous wins from the 2016 and 2020 seasons.

Federal midfielder Libby Taylor also stormed home to win the Margaret Liddle medal as the best and fairest player in the women’s league, in her side’s first year in the comp.

Ankers said his season was “pretty up and down” despite running away with the league’s best and fairest award, particularly in the final four rounds.

“Part of that was in front of goal where I was pretty bad, but overall I enjoyed a rare full season with Feds,” Ankers said.

“It’s a footy club I’ve always loved playing for in the 10 years I’ve been there.

“I had a lot of fun this year, though personally I thought I could have been a bit better and more consistent.”

Ankers is already looking forward to Saturday’s grand final against a resurgent South Alice Springs, where the unbeaten Federal are looking to snap a seven-year premiership drought.

“We’d love to finish the season off with a win this weekend,” he said.

“Personal accolades are great, but every player is after the bigger picture and that’s team success.”

Taylor was still coming to grip with her four-vote win in the Margaret Liddle more than 30 minutes after beating Souths’ Ebony Abbott-McCormack.

She has been a shining light in Federal’s debut season and a big factor in their finals tilt, but she still didn’t rate her chances.

“I had no idea I would be up there with a lot of up and coming talent in the league,” she said.

“I really didn’t think I had a shoe in when it came to getting enough vote to win.

“I was so shocked when I was declared the winner, so a massive thanks to Federal, my partner and two kids for their support during the season.”

Federal also enjoyed goal kicking success as Jesiah Minor tied with West’s Travis Smith on 25 goals, while Jonathan Fernando won the league’s patrons award.

Alkamilya’s Kaitlyn Armstrong backed up her NTFL goal kicking with another medal in the CAFL having kicked 37 from the season.

Tanika McDonald secured the Rising Star award for Federal in the women’s while Pioneer speedster Kaleel Ross won the men’s.

Federal club president Gerard Coffey was full of praise for his players on a successful night for his club.

“But as all the boys are saying, nothing really counts for anything unless we come home with (premiership) trophy,” Coffey said.

“We’re looking forward to that with a bit of trepidation having not lost a match all season, but the players are all pretty excited and keen to hit the training track with a pretty healthy list.”

2023 AWARD WINNERS & VOTE TALLIES

TIO MINAHAN MEDAL

Abraham Ankers (Federal) - 19

Robby Bartee (Federal) - 11

Jackson Cole (Pioneer) - 9

Deacon Braun (South) - 9

Jayden Dick (South) - 8

TIO SENIOR MEN LEADING GOAL

Travis Smith (West) – 25 goals

Jesiah Minor (Federal) – 25 goals

MARGARET LIDDLE MEDAL

Libby Taylor (Federal) - 19

Ebony Abbott-McCormack (South) - 15

Jasmine Boyers (Alkamilya) - 14

Lara Harding (Rovers) - 12

Brylee Kerrin (Rovers) – 12

SENIOR WOMEN LEADING GOAL

Kaitlyn Armstrong (Alkamilya) – 37 goals

TDC REFRIGERATION & ELECTRICAL PATRON’S MEDAL (RESERVES SENIOR MEN BEST AND FAIREST)

Jonathon Fernando (Rovers) - 13

Curtis Haines Snr (Rovers) - 12

Eric Campbell (Rovers) - 11

Tom Clarke (Rovers) - 8

Aaron McArthur (Federal) - 7

TDC REFRIGERATION & ELECTRICAL RESERVES SENIOR MEN LEADING GOAL

Eric Campbell (Rovers) – 28 goals

KFC GOLDEN WHISTLE

Wally Gallio

TIO CAFL KEV PRIOR RISING STAR AWARD

Men’s: Kaleel Ross (Pioneer)

Women’s: Danika McDonald (Federal)

MULDOON MEDAL (UNDER 18 JUNIOR MEN BEST AND FAIREST)

Kaleel Ross (Pioneer) - 10

Cody Willmott (Pioneer) - 10

Robert Nardoo (Pioneer) - 10

Kyran Cole-Manolis (Pioneer) - 9

Nelson Anders (Pioneer) – 7

TJ SIGNS UNDER 18 JUNIOR MEN LEADING GOAL

Kaleel Ross (Pioneer) – 36 Goals

TIO CAFL UNDER 16 JUNIOR WOMEN BEST AND FAIREST

Demi-Lee Braun (South) - 16

Faye Ratara (Alkamilya) - 14

Mya Tommy (Pioneers) - 11

Latoya Young (South) - 8

Syrai Lansen (Alkamilya) - 7

TIO CAFL UNDER 16 JUNIOR WOMEN LEADING GOAL

Faye Ratara (Alkamilya FC) - 37 Goals

TIO CAFL UNDER 15 JUNIOR MEN BEST AND FAIREST

Zac Butter (Rovers) - 15

Leathan Rubuntja (South) – 11

Wal Wal (Rovers) - 10

Addyson Lowe (Federal) - 6

Mason Tilmouth (Souths) - 5

TIO CAFL UNDER 15 JUNIOR MEN LEADING GOAL

Akiel Webb (Rovers) - 24 Goals