One Gunnedah team reached the grand final while another reached the semi-finals at last weekend’s National Indigenous Touch Football Knockout (NITFK) at the Dubbo-based Katrina Gibbs Oval.

The Gomeroi Roos finished runners-up to Darkeye in the 16 and Under Mixed division, while the Gunnedah Goannas finished one game shy of the grand final.

The points table was tight with Darkeye, the Roos and Gomeroi Dhiiyaan on 13, followed by the Goannas on 11, Wiradjuri Dreaming and Wonnarua Wayila on 9, Wongaibon Crows (Kiyamali) on 7 and YOTS/Walwaay on 5.

The two Gunnedah teams faced off last Saturday, with the Roos defeating the Goannas 4-2 before the Roos won their next two games 9-4 and 6-3 against the Crows and Wiradjuri Dreaming respectively.

The Roos’ winning stretch came to a halt with a 7-2 loss to Darkeye, also on day one.

Following their first-up defeat, the Goannas won their remaining fixtures on day one: 6-3 against Wonnarua Wayila, 5-2 against the Crows and 6-4 against Gomeroi Dhiiyaan.

The Goannas contested Darkeye twice on day two, with the latter winning a round-robin match 5-3 before winning a semi-final 3-1.

The Roos won their final round-robin match 9-4 against YOTS/Walwaay and then edged out the other Gomeroi team 5-4 in a semi-final, before going down 6-5 to Darkeye in the decider while the Goannas stayed to support the Roos.

Goannas coach Kylie Milsom said it was a big achievement for the Goannas to reach the finals, considering it was the first time anyone from the Goannas team had taken part in the annual event.

Ms Milsom said the Goannas felt they “faced a tough draw, competing against the top teams”.

Ms Milsom said it was “a huge accomplishment” to beat Gomeroi Dhiiyaan – last year’s champions from Moree – particularly after this team had narrowly beaten Darkeye.

“For a group of young players to come together and perform at that level was a true testament to their dedication,” she said.

Ms Milsom said the most impressive aspect for the Goannas was the strong bond the team formed.

“They played seamlessly together, supporting each other both on and off the field,” she said.

“Regardless of the challenges they faced or calls that didn’t go their way, they consistently dug deep and gave it their all.”

Ms Milsom said every Goannas player performed exceptionally well, while Daniel Rushbrook was named players’ player for the Goannas after they held a vote at the end of each game.

“We’d like to sincerely thank all the players and their families for their incredible commitment on such short notice,” Ms Milsom said.

“The team truly felt like a family – everyone was ready to lend a hand and contributed to making the event an unforgettable experience.

“In fact, the kids were already talking about entering an open’s team next year before the competition even ended.”

Ms Milsom also thanked the sponsors for helping make the opportunity possible.

Players’ player Daniel Rushbrook with manager Kirby Insch and coach Kylie Milsom. Photos: Supplied.