SOUTH Alice Springs has completed a rags to riches CAFL season by coming from last in 2021 to win this year's minor premiership.
First year coach Chris Forbes has steered the Kangaroos to six consecutive wins from Round 9 and into the major semi-final against Federal in a major form reversal by the blue and white stripes.
The Roos beat Wests by 20 points in the last home and away round at Traeger Park to move into the finals in a confident mood.
Full forward Thomas Gorey continued his prolific scoring with a nine-goal haul against the Wests defence, while Tyrell Martin on a wing and Deacon Braun across half forward and the middle were other good contributors.
Forbes said the players were looking forward to the grand final qualifier against a Federal side in good form.
"We've had some close games so far this year (wins by eight and four points in Rounds 6 and 11) so we'll be loading up with all of our regulars and stars after resting them in the last couple of weeks,'' he added.
"There's about 12 or 13 blokes who will come straight back into the side to make sure we have a good crack at making the grand final.''
Pioneer won some bragging rights for next Saturday's knockout first semi-final against Rovers when they beat them by four points at Albrecht Oval.
Reigning premier Rovers were left to rue some poor finishing in front of goals in a game where the lead changed six times in the last quarter.
Pioneer booted five goals to three in the last quarter to overturn an 11-point deficit at the last change, a points margin that would have been a lot greater if Rovers had converted some chances in the third term when they kicked 0.8.
Rovers coach Danny Measures expects the premiers to be better prepared for the semi-final.
"Our playing list is looking a lot better and the team that runs out for the semi will be ready to go,'' he said.
"We kicked Pioneer into the game this week with our inaccuracy and it cost us in the end.''
In women's football Rovers and West Alice Springs tuned up for the serious stuff that is finals football with contrasting wins.
Rovers beat a brave Pioneer side by 46 points in Friday night's game at Albrecht Oval after the Eagles took a surprising lead at the quarter time break.
The Double Blues were without several senior players, but still had enough class to steady under Pioneer's pressure by kicking the last seven goals of the match.
Coach Warren Lally said the 8.7 (55) to 1.3 (9) win had provided a good hitout before next Friday's second semi-final.
"That win sowed up the minor premiership and the coaching staff and the players were happy with that,'' he said.
Lara Harding in a roving commission, Brooke Wilson in the ruck and Tayla Hart-Aluni in a dual role between full forward and centre half-forward were prominent players in a blue jumper.
Wests won a four-quarter defensive slog against fellow finalists Souths in their final minor round game at Traeger Park.
Brydie Carmichael in the last line of defence was impassable for the Bloods, taking a series of big marks when Souths threatened.
Winger Rachel Davine used her leg speed to chase down and tackle opponents, Emily Duncombe in Wests' forward 50 was always a threat and Dalyce Jenner in the ruck was a tower of strength.
Souths lost no friends in a game where Maddie Tickle's first quarter goal separated the sides in Wests' 1.6 (12) to 0.2 (2) win, setting the scene for Wests' qualifying final against Rovers and South's elimination final against Alkamilya.
Papunya and Mt Allan won thrilling preliminary finals to advance to the grand final in the Community competition.
Papunya came from behind to beat Ltyentye Apurte in Sunday morning's grand final decider at Traeger Park.
The minor premiers trailed by 17 points at the last change after a five-goal to one third term gave Ltyentye Apurte the lead.
But a six-goal to two last term got Papunya home by five points and a berth in the August 28 grand final.
An accurate Mt Allan was taken to the final siren by Western Aranda in the other preliminary final.
The lads from the mountain led by 18 points at three quarter-time and won by eight, their 13.1 from 14 deliberate shots at goal proving the difference.
