Central Land Council

Desert communities flock to footy festival

Community teams have done well at the 2008 AFL Central Australia Lightning Carnival in Alice Springs with Ti Tree performing the best by winning the second division in extra time.

Yuendumu was another strong performer, finishing runner-up in division one.

The two-day carnival, held on March 22nd and 23rd, attracted about 25 teams from across Central Australia, including Warburton in Western Australia.

About 5,000 spectators watched the 12 hours of football at Traeger Park in Alice Springs each day in what is a highlight for football fans in the region.

The lightning carnival provides small Aboriginal communities in Central Australia with the chance to enter their own team under rules that are more relaxed than the regular season.

In division two, Ti Tree won its way through to the grand final against Mount Allan (Yuelamu) by defeating the Ngannyatjarra Devils in their semi-final.

Mt Allan overcame Plenty Highway to take its place in the grand final.

It was an exciting play-off for the silverwear with the match going into extra time after Ti Tree and Mount Allen finished level on three goals apiece. It took Ti Tree just another minute or so of extra time to score the golden point needed for victory.

Coach of the Roosters Kim Brown said the victory will bring some joy to the Stuart Highway community.

“It’s good for Ti Tree. We’ve struggled over the last few years,” Brown said. “In the last game we showed what we can do. In the past we let our supporters down.”

Ti Tree have combined with Central Anmatjere in the AFLCA’s newly-formed competition this season that combines both the town and country leagues.

Central Anmatjere takes in the Mt Allan community, which Ti Tree defeated in the lightning carnival grand final.

Brown said the new combined Anmatjere team will field a competitive line-up.
Division one sides Yuendumu and Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte) had shown strong form throughout both days but each had varying success in their respective semi-fnals.

Yuendumu won through to the grand final when it defeated Lajamanu, but Santa Teresa went down to the Power and Water under 18 development squad.

In the grand final, the development squad was too strong for the Magpies, recording a 6.5 (41) to 2.0 (12) victory.

The loss was disappointing for a team more accustomed to winning grand finals. Yuendumu has won three of the past four Country Cup grand finals.

Magpies coach Lindsay Williams was able to see a positive side though.

“It was a good build-up for the season,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the coming season and the new combined competition.

“It’ll take community football to another level and we’ll enjoy the challenge of playing against the town teams,” Williams said.