Football NSW reclaim the NAIDOC Cup trophy

The 2024 NAIDOC Cup came to an end after another successful tournament celebrating First Nations history, culture and football.

Following a dominant display during Thursday’s first round of competitions, Football NSW was able to withstand the strong-finishing Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) teams to claim a third-consecutive NAIDOC Cup.

The U14s Girls once again kicked off proceedings with the talented Football NSW outfit showing their superiority in a 5-0 defeat. An early goal to Isabella Langride (6′) and a brace for Tikka Jeffery was followed by Nakai Duffy-Kerr and Maddison Houghton finding the net to all but secure the win prior to half-time.

The scoreline would stay the same in the second half for Football NSW to be named U14 Girls Champions and the team’s captain, Jeffery, incredibly named Player of the Tournament for a second-consecutive year.

Following a 3-3 draw on Thursday, it was all to play for in the U14 Boys competition in Friday’s second match. After a tight start to the contest, the ‘Blues’ opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Jacob Kladis used his speed to break through NNSWF’s defensive line and give his side the lead going into the break.

NNSWF levelled the score after they were awarded a penalty kick in the 45th minute, successfully converted by Rockie Gruber. With the title on the line, it was Football NSW’s Tyler Hawkett who stepped up, ducking and weaving around the NNSWF defenders before slotting the ball cleanly into the back of the net to secure a 2-1 victory and the U14 Boys NAIDOC Cup Championship. Hawkett’s efforts were enough to also claim the age group’s Player of the Tournament Award.

The U16 Girls match was an incredibly tight affair with tensions high. With both sides able to create opportunities, the score remained 0-0 at half-time and the stalemate continued for much of the second period. A late penalty was awarded for NNSWF which was converted in the 75th-minute of play, giving the home side a slight advantage. Football NSW were finishing strong with multiple chances on goal, however any chance of a comeback disappeared when a NNSWF injury soakd up the final minutes of play, the game ending 1-0.

Over the two days of play, the teams could not be split with the same amount of points, goals and yellow cards resulting in both squads named being named joint Champions.

The U16s Boys’ match was entertaining from start to finish, with NNSWF securing a 3-2 win. Both sides fought hard before Germaine Wright opened the scoring for Football NSW in the 32nd minute, only for Jackson Clay to lock up the scoreline at 1-1 just one minute later.

In the second half, NNSWF came out firing with goals to Chase McFadyen and Ashtyn Ferguson giving the home side a 3-1 lead. Football NSW clawed one back in the final minute of the match with Benjamin Duroux finding the net, however the contest would finish 3-2.

Following Football NSW’s 6-1 victory in the first match, the away team was still able to claim the U16 Boys’ title with Benjamin Duroux named Player of the Tournament.

With eight matches played, Football NSW amassed a total of 16 points to NNSWF’s 7, convincingly taking home the NAIDOC Cup trophy for a third consecutive year.

2024 NAIDOC Cup Day Three 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 (Lacey Cooper)
Football NSW 0

Under-16s Boys 
Northern NSW 3 (Chase McFadyen, Jackson Clay, Ashtyn Ferguson)
Football NSW 2 (Germaine Wright, Benjamin Duroux)

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 (Northern NSW Football)

• Under-16s Boys – Benjamin Duroux (Football NSW)