Cohen Thiele kicks eight goals for West Alice Springs against Rovers in CAFL Round 7
An eight-goal effort and a few key ins helped West Alice Springs to victory while Federal remain undefeated after making their CAFL return. Check out the latest action.
A three-week break due to AFL commitments with the Melbourne-St Kilda game in Alice Springs and the Finke Desert Race has only inspired Central Australia Football League ladder leaders Federal.
The unbeaten Federal beat reigning premier Pioneer for the second time this season when they ran away from the Eagles in the second half to record a convincing 14.15 (99) to 9.7 (61) win.
In the remaining game of Round 7, West Alice Springs caused an upset when they beat Rovers by 31 points at Albrecht Oval on the back of an eight-goal haul by Cohen Thiele.
What had been a tight encounter in the first half in the clash between last season’s grand finalists turned into a Federal classic in the last two quarters when midfielder Jack Nugent and his captain Braydon Weily took control.
The Demons dominated in an eight goal to four second half, capped off with four goals by Michael Axen and more eye catching performances from Patrick Coffey down back and Ben Durkin in the midfield.
Coach John Glasson said consistent performances from every player had been important in overcoming the young Pioneer side.
“That was a whole team effort, something we knew we had to produce against Pioneer who have some very clever players,” Glasson said.
“We dug deep in the second half and the results came, including using the ball a lot better in the last two quarters when it really counts.”
Pioneer showed flashes of form, including a four-quarter performance by Kane Sevallos-Seden and six goals from Wes Steele, who will be a key player at finals time.
Wests coach Ben Ellis described his side’s win over Rovers as a defining win in his club’s bid to return to finals football.
St Mary’s recruit Kieren Parnell, eight-goal forward Cohen Thiele and midfielder Daniel Fulton were instrumental in the Bloods’ 14.11 (95) to 9.10 (64) win.
“A performance like that gives everyone the confidence to go out and win matches while placing a major focus on attending training sessions so we can get batter,” Ellis said after Wests moved to third on the Senior Men’s ladder.
“Winning a game like this boosts morale among the players and the coaching staff, so hopefully we can go on with it as the season rolls on.”
Wests were always a kick ahead of their opponents, leading by 17 points at half-time and increasing that margin to 31 at siren time to record a five-goal win.
In women’s football, defending premier Rovers beat last season’s grand final opponents Wests by 17 points on the back of superb games by the Hansen sisters.
Midfielders and occasional forwards Doreena and Delaicee Hansen were the catalysts in the Double Blues’ second half revival.
They combined to lead a Rovers recovery from a goalless second quarter to a five-goal to two last half and a big slice of revenge for a Round 1 thrashing at the hands of the Lady Bloods.
Coach Anthony McGuire was pleased with his side’s intensity in front of goals and defending them after Wests looked in command at the main break.
“We were missing a big chunk of players but we had our standouts, including the Hansen sisters, Keely Bishop who came off the interchange bench and Mel Churchill,” he said.
“The defence held up well despite Wests doing well in the second quarter and that’s important for us.”
Federal did what good sides do by beating the up and down Pioneer by 90 points at Traeger Park to boost their percentage to 352.
And the Cyril Rioli coached Alkamilya showed their class and intent by beating bottom side Souths by 104 points.
Regan Maher-Moldrich and skipper Danielle Woods both kicked five goals for the slick moving Panthers, who reinforced fourth position with their 16.14 (110) to 1.0 (6) win.
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