Typically, it’s the last weekend in September that’s known as grand final day but why wait until then to enjoy the thrills and emotion of a grand final? Three of the best regional and remote footy leagues are about to battle it out this weekend in different parts for the Territory.
So on Saturday 1 September if you’re in Alice Springs, Gove or Groote Eylandt be amongst the finals fever and come down to the game. Alternatively, show your support in the uniqueness of country footy by following their respective social media channels and stay involved that way.
Alice Springs:
This weekend the Central Australian Football League (CAFL) concludes in picturesque Alice Springs when the Rovers will be looking to become back-to-back premiers by defeating South Alice, who last won the TIO Men’s Seniors in 2014. Rovers have been the standout team all year, but Souths got a one-point win only four weeks ago. On the women’s side, Rovers will be looking to break through for their first premiership, but standing in their way is Alkamilya, who is last year’s victor. It’s a full day of town footy on Saturday from Under 15s, to Under 18s and on to the senior divisions before the big Country League grand final between Ti Tree and Papunya on Sunday. In the Community Cup, the two teams who have the furthest to travel Nyirripi Diamonds (425 km) and Laramba Cowboys (225 km) will be putting it all on the line to claim this year’s spoils. It’s going to be Territory footy at its finest, for all the updates follow AFL Central Australia on Facebook!
Gove:
In North East Arnhem Land, the Yolngu people will travel from near and far to watch their families’ clans battle it out on the Yirrkala Football Oval for the Gove Australian Football League (GAFL) premierships. In both the Senior Men’s and Women’s game, Gopu and Nguykal will compete for the Premiership Cup. The women’s game will be played at 1pm, followed by the men’s game which will commence at 3pm.
The men’s competition saw Nguykal finish on top of the ladder with the same number of wins as Gopu, only separated by percentage points. Gopu was the minor premiers in the women’s competition, but both teams have the potential to take home the cup. The Grand Final day in Gove will be an exciting event for fans of all ages, celebrating a successful year of football for the region.
The best place to follow is on the Gove AFL Facebook page.
Groote Eylandt:
On the largest island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Warnindhilyagwa people of the Groote Eylandt will compete in the senior men’s grand final on Saturday. The Swans and the Lions will be battling for premiership glory at the Angurugu Oval which is at 3pm. The winning team and family members will celebrate in style with live bands and entertainment to follow the game in the remote community. This will be a fast and free-flowing game that will provide plenty of entertainment and highlight packages for all spectators. For a truly unique look at what remote Territory footy is all about then keep an eye on the AFL Groote Eylandt Facebook page.