Federal beat West Alice Springs in Round 1 of the 2024 CAFL season

Federal got its title defence off to a winning start, while the Rovers women showed their stuff against reigning premiers Alkamilya in Round 1 of the CAFL. Catch up on all the action.

Reigning CAFL premier Federal got the defence of its Senior Men’s crown off to a barnstorming start when the Demons beat West Alice Springs by 153 points in the 2024 season opener.

And Pioneer’s dual coaching role with Adrian McAdam and Steven Hayes at the helm for the first time worked a treat when the Eagles beat long time rivals South Alice Springs by 35 points.

Federal spearhead Shane Inkamala kicked eight goals in his side’s 25.19 (169) to 2.4 (16) win at Albrecht Oval and Minahan medallist Abe Ankers began the new season in superb form in his customary on-ball role.

First year coach Andrew Richardson heaped praise on his troops after the emphatic win over a rebuilding Wests, saying the win was the result of a collective effort from his players.

Shane Inkamala playing for Federal in Round 1 of the 2024 CAFL season. Picture: Charlie Lowson / AFLNT Media

“Shane’s a good player who reads the game well and Jesiah (Minor) kicked a bag (six goals) as well, with the other forwards playing really good roles, including Sam LaPorta.

“Our ballers were solid with Abe dominating and even contributions around the ground, so it was one of those matches with Westies rebuilding.’’

A big last quarter by Pioneer got them over Souths in the 4pm game at Albrecht Oval after the Kangaroos kicked four goals to nil in the third term to creep to within 10 points at the last change.

McAdam was happy with his side’s resilience against a Souths side that knocked them out of the finals race last season.

“It was an exciting win after everyone had been waiting for the season to start and I think both sides produced on the day,’’ McAdam added.

“The three or four-goal breeze at the northern end of the ground played its part in the last half, but we kicked with the wind in the last quarter and got away by kicking six goals to their two and getting the win.’’

McAdam and Hayes liked the game of Kaleel Ross, the son of former Essendon footballer Lachlan Ross.

“We thought he’d give us some run out of defence in what was something new for him and he performed really well while kicking a couple of goals to add to his game,’’ McAdam said.

Eric Williams down back, Liam McDonald around the ball and young Eagles’ players Isaiah Miller and Kyran Cole-Manolis impressed after starring in Pioneer’s under-18 flag last season.

Delsey Campbell captained her Rovers to a Round 1 win in the 2024 CAFL season. Picture: Charlie Lowson / AFLNT Media

In the Senior Women’s games Rovers showed some early intent by thrashing last season’s premiers Alkamilya by 65 points in Saturday’s 9am season opener at Albrecht Oval.

The Double Blues kicked 11.11 (77) to Alkamilya’s 2.0 (12), with Delsey Campbell booting four goals and Ebony Abbott-McCormack three as new coach Renee Smith plotted a return to the finals after missing the top four last season.

Ella Slape, Delaicee Hansen and Rania Shelford were prominent for Rovers over four quarters.

Bella Foster kicked six goals in Pioneer’s 20-goal win over Souths in the 10.30am game.

Keomi Ross and Tallulah Ford joined in the goalfest with three each as the Eagles look to improve on third position in 2023.