After nine rounds of fiercely contested footy, the Canterbury AFL competition is closing in on crowning its 2025 premiers — and the stage is set for a thrilling finish.
The season kicked off with two nail-biters. The Christchurch Bulldogs drew first blood in a Grand Final rematch, edging past the reigning premiers, while the Mid-Canterbury Eagles began their campaign with a narrow two-point victory over the University Cougars.
The Eagles quickly hit their stride, going unbeaten through the first four rounds to sit atop the ladder early. The Bulldogs kept close behind, keeping the pressure on week after week. Meanwhile, the defending champion Blues endured an uncharacteristically slow start — winning just one of their opening three matches. But from Round 4 onwards, they rediscovered their trademark form, storming home with six straight wins to finish the regular season as minor premiers.
The battle for second spot went down to the wire, with the Eagles and Bulldogs finishing level on points. However, a pair of emphatic late-season victories boosted the Bulldogs’ percentage, securing them the coveted second-place finish and setting up a tantalising first round of finals.
While the Cougars’ season may not have gone to plan, they finished with a flourish — toppling the Bulldogs in the final round and offering a glimpse of their growing potential for 2026.
With the men’s competition set to conclude on Saturday, November 8, all eyes turn to whether anyone can dethrone the dominant Blues. Can the Bulldogs or Eagles pull off an upset, or will the Blues cement their dynasty with a fourth consecutive premiership?
The CAFL Women’s competition is also set to come to a close on Friday 7th November, Tune in to their socials to catch the games, and to go down and get involved – CAFLW Instagram
