The 2024 NAIDOC Cup came to an end after another successful tournament celebrating football with the First Nations community.
Following some great football played on day two, day three went one step further as goals, action and drama took centre stage with Champions announced for all four age groups.
Northern NSW Football’s under-14s girls suffered their second defeat of the tournament after they went down 5-0 to Football NSW in the first of four matches at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Friday.
Football NSW’s Isabella Langride opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Tikka Jeffery netted two in ten minutes to take the score out to 3-0.
Nakai Duffy-Kerr and Maddison Houghton scored two more for Football NSW to take them into the sheds at half-time 5-0 up.
NNSWF dug deep in the second half to deny the scoreline from extending any further but handed the win to Football NSW.
The under-14s boys match-up was another tight contest, with the two sides desperate for a win after their 3-3 draw on Thursday.
Football NSW opened their account in the 32nd minute when Jacob Kladis used his speed to break through NNSWF’s defensive line and give his side the lead.
NNSWF levelled the score after they were awarded a penalty kick in the 45th minute. Rockie Gruber stepped up and converted the penalty to put his team back in the contest.
But Football NSW was able to snatch the win after Tyler Hawkett ducked and weaved around his defenders before he slotted the ball cleanly into the back of the net.
In the under-16s girls, a 75th-minute penalty goal was the only thing that could separate the two sides as they each pushed each other for the win from the first whistle.
Each side created opportunities but neither could capitalise until Lacey Cooper was taken down inside the penalty area. Aaliyah Kilroy stepped up and converted the penalty to secure the win for her team.
The under-16s boys' match was entertaining from start to finish, with NNSWF securing a 3-2 win.
The two sides fought hard before Benjamin Duroux opened the scoring for Football NSW in the 32nd minute.
But NNSWF responded a minute later as Jackson Clay chested the ball into the back of the net to lock the scoreline at 1-1.
NNSWF edged ahead with a goal from Chase McFadyen in the 41st minute before Ashtyn Ferguson extended their lead in the 56th minute.
Football NSW clawed one back in the final minute of the match as Benjamin Duroux netted his second of the afternoon.
Following the accumulation of results, Football NSW retained the NAIDOC Cup for a third year.
“The tournament was a great success,” said NNSWF Legacy Development Officer - First Nations Football Programs Micheal Hugo.
“It was fantastic to have so many young footballers, coaches, match officials, families and friends to gather together and celebrate First Nations culture through football.”
Northern NSW Football would like to thank all participants, coaches, referees, volunteers, sponsors and supporters for making the event special as well as Football NSW for hosting the tournament. We would also like to thank the NSW Government for their on-going support of the NAIDOC Cup and promoting the First Nations Community.
2024 NAIDOC Cup Day Three NAIDOC Cup Results
Under-14s Girls
Northern NSW 0
Football NSW 5 (Isabella Langride, Tikka Jeffery 2, Nakai Duffy-Kerr, Maddison Houghton)
Under-14s Boys
Northern NSW 1 (Rockie Gruber)
Football NSW 2 (Jacob Kladis, Tyler Hawkett)
Under-16s Girls
Northern NSW 1 (Aaliyah Kilroy)
Football NSW 0
Under-16s Boys
Northern NSW 3 (Chase McFadyen, Jackson Clay, Ashtyn Ferguson)
Football NSW 2 (Benjamin Duroux 2)
2024 NAIDOC Cup Player of the Tournament Award Winners
Under-14s Girls – Tikka Jeffery (Football NSW)
Under-14s Boys – Tyler Hawkett (Football NSW)
Under-16s Girls – Aaliyah Kilroy (Northern NSW Football)
Under-16s Boys – Benjamin Duroux (Football NSW)
2024 NAIDOC Cup Group Winners
Under –14s Girls – Football NSW
Under-14s Boys – Football NSW
Under-16s Girls - Football NSW and Northern NSW Football
Under-16 Boys – Football NSW
The 2024 NAIDOC Cup is supported by the NSW government through the $10 million NSW Football Legacy Program.
