WEST Perth has denied East Fremantle the WAFL Colts minor premiership and secured a finals berth in one fell swoop after defeating the Sharks by four points on Saturday. Bolstered by a pair of state and League representatives, the Falcons wrapped up fourth place with a 8.13 (61) to 8.9 (57) victory.

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West Perth notched late goals in the first and second quarters to remain in touch, and snuck ahead come three-quarter time after shaking off bouts of goalkicking inaccuracy. They surged 19 points clear in the final quarter, only to be reigned back and made to hold on to win by only four points.

Midfielder Sam Swadling had the ball on a string, racking up 47 disposals and seven marks as his side mounted its comeback victory. Leading West Australian prospect Jacob Farrow (27 disposals) was also prominent, with both players recently piecing together senior appearances for the Falcons.

Judd Marcello snapped home three goals, while Max Connell (16 disposals, six marks, three behinds) provided a reliable forward target. Fellow tall Harvey Spawton-Guy also had his moments with nine touches and a goal, but was reported for striking Joshua Nomlatyu in the third quarter.

Defender John Coleman (23 disposals, six marks) also served the Falcons well, while wingman Lachlan Pugh (15 disposals, seven marks) was busy and captain Lochlain Carpenter (13 disposals, five marks) proved reliable as ever down back. The latter also has senior experience under his belt this year.

Sharks defenders Kaiden Summerell (23 disposals) and Joshua Nathan (18) helped rebound the ball effectively, while tall forward Benjamin Wood (16 disposals, six marks, one goal) provided an ample connection piece up the field alongside Kye Ormerod (eight disposals, five marks, one goal).

The theme of twos continued into East Fremantle’s midfield. Rhama Evans showed burst speed with 20 touches and seven tackles, while Tom Grylls (18 and eight) also got stuck in. On the wing, state Under 16 MVP James Artemis showed flashes of talent to end with 17 disposals, four inside 50s and a goal.

Having needed either a draw or win to claim top spot, East Fremantle ultimately conceded that mantle to arch-rivals South Fremantle. Meanwhile, West Perth locked up fourth and would likely have held onto a finals berth with a loss given its superior percentage to the sixth-place Perth.

The Demons went down by 11 points to Subiaco to be eliminated from the finals race. The Lions fought back from a half time deficit, with their four-goal third quarter proving decisive. Despite inaccuracy in front of the big sticks, Subi restricted Perth to two second half majors to win 8.14 (62) to 7.9 (51).

Dwayne Rider played a key hand for the victors, booting two goals from 18 disposals, five marks and five inside 50s. Lucas Blair (19 disposals, seven marks, one goal) also hit the scoreboard, while Dylan Prance topped his side’s disposal tally with 25, and Isaac Billing got stuck in with 14 tackles.

Perth’s defeat came despite Dale Sutherland leading all comers with 29 disposals and 10 marks. The Tomasini boys – Nate and Finn – were named among the Demons’ best alongside Jadd Hill, who notched 20 touches and six tackles. Robert Warrell and Rohan Keys bagged two goals apiece.

Swan Districts ensured Perth would be made to pay for its defeat, accounting for Peel Thunder by 36 points to snatch fifth spot. The Swans started slowly and trailed by 10 points at the first two breaks, but piled on eight goals to one after half time to win 12.15 (87) to 7.9 (51) and confirm Peel’s winless season.

Midfielder Blake Kelly had a day out for the Swans, amassing 33 disposals, six tackles and eight inside 50s. The likes of Liam Hrabar (21 disposals, five tackles and one goal) and Anthony Hansen (18 disposals, six inside 50s, one goal) were also lively contributors to the victory.

Peel’s final attempt at getting on the board in season 2025 was led by 27 disposals and seven tackles to Lachlan Birch. Ruck Bol Makuach continued to show improvement with 15 touches and 29 hitouts, while Brodyn Robinson (21 disposals, 10 marks) and Austin Lekias (11 disposals, 1.3) were kept busy.

Meanwhile at Revo Fitness Stadium, Claremont locked up a finals double chance after defeating East Perth by 42 points. A rampant first half saw the reigning premiers post 8.8 to the Royals’ 0.1, a scoreline which was given a touch of respectability thereafter in the 12.13 (85) to 6.7 (43) result.

Key forward Cody Curtin stood tall with 5.1 from just seven disposals, while Samson Jennings-Hopkins put on a best afield display with 25 touches, seven inside 50s and one goal. Talls Charlie Watson (16 disposals, six marks) and Benji van Rooyen (14 disposals, 36 hitouts) also imposed themselves.

The Tigers will move on to face East Fremantle in Saturday’s qualifying final having locked up third place as the best of the trailing pack. Despite being the lower-ranked side, that game will be played at their home ground, while West Perth and Swan Districts do battle at The Good Grocer Park on Sunday.

ROUND 20 RESULTS

Claremont 12.13 (85) def. East Perth 6.7 (43)
Peel Thunder 7.9 (51) def. by Swan Districts 12.15 (87)
East Fremantle 8.9 (57) def. by West Perth 8.13 (61)
Subiaco 8.14 (62) def. Perth 7.9 (51)

Bye: South Fremantle

WAFL COLTS LADDER

1. South Fremantle | 12-4 | 186.2% | 48 points
2. East Fremantle | 12-4 | 152.9% | 48 points
3. Claremont | 9-7 | 114.9% | 36 points
4. West Perth | 9-7 | 104.2% | 36 points
5. Swan Districts | 9-7 | 101.9% | 36 points
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6. Perth | 8-8 | 100.0% | 32 points
7. Subiaco | 8-8 | 93.2% | 32 points
8. East Perth | 5-11 | 69.2% | 20 points
9. Peel Thunder | 0-16 | 46.6% | 0 points

WEEK ONE FINALS FIXTURE

Saturday August 30:

Qualifying Final: East Fremantle (2nd) vs. Claremont (3rd) @ Revo Fitness Stadium

Sunday August 31:

Elimination Final: West Perth (4th) vs. Swan Districts (5th) @ The Good Grocer Park

Bye: South Fremantle (1st)