G’day friends! Massive day at Optus Stadium yesterday. Even bigger one coming at the MCG this Saturday.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Sullivan Logistics sports deck to say hi on their way into Optus Stadium yesterday, to Soulsbys Barbers for cutting hair, and to Varsity for helping with some prizes.
Planning another event around the AFL draft in November, so keep an ear out.
In today’s newsletter: The Hayden Young game, the young tall who will push Freo’s big three next season, another Ella game, all the news from the WAFL grand final and who won the PFL A-Grade comps?
Let’s get stuck in.
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FREMANTLE
Dockers 12.11 (83) def Swans 10.11 (71)
The Fremantle Dockers are into their second AFL Grand Final. Justin Longmuir said it well post-game - they didn’t do it the easy way, but that’s kind of built into the Fremantle experience.
In so many ways this prelim will be remembered as the Hayden Young game. Even before his stunning goal late in the third, he looked the most likely Docker to bring them back into the game. And then he had eight touches in the last term to help get them over the line. They’ve had to manage him through the season, but they’ve got him ripe for this time of year.
Forget the dubious call in the lead-up, the Jye Amiss goal in the third quarter is crazy from a tall forward. Feel like this has been overlooked a bit…
I repeat, the Fremantle Dockers are in the AFL Grand Final.
WAFL GRAND FINAL
Peel Thunder 16.17 (113) def Claremont 7.9 (51)
Most of us thought Peel would probably win, but not like that. As dominant a grand final performance as I can remember. The clock hadn’t even ticked over a minute before Tobyn Murray slotted the first goal for the Thunder. It was over early, the only questions were the margin and the medallist.
The medallist was Jeremy Sharp. The Fremantle-listed midfielder had a WAFL season to remember. He finished second in the Sandover by four votes - which he probably could have covered if he didn’t get a Freo call-up for two games. He took the Simpson home on grand final day with 27 disposals, seven inside-50s and a goal. Was probably between him and Cooper Simpson, who was terrific with 25 disposals, five tackles and a goal.
Been big on Charlie Nicholls this season and he was great on Grand Final day. The young Dockers key forward kicked three and took seven marks working in tandem with Corey Tregenza. Nicholls finished the season with 30 goals from 14 games. Freo are a tough side to crack, but expect him to push the big three through next pre-season.
This was an insane goal from Scott Tuia.
WAFL COLTS GRAND FINAL
East Fremantle 11.12 (78) def South Fremantle 3.16 (34)
Turns out the reserves (a four-point win to Swan Districts) was the only good game of the day. The Sharks dominated the colts decider from the start, and based on the strength of their bottom-agers and futures players, we could see them do this many times over the next few years.
Big game from Josh Nathan in the middle for the Sharks. The Freo NGA product finished the season in the seniors but had a massive impact for the colts on grand final day. 27 disposals, seven marks, two goals to win the medal as best on ground.
My man Marcus Motton had some extremely nice moments. There’s still something about him I like that I just can’t put my finger on. He’s got some similarities to Jeremy Sharp at the same age. Looks great at full stride, has a booming kick. Keep an eye on how he develops.
Heartbreaking result for the Dogs - set the pace for most of the season, as they did last year, and have two GF losses in two years to show for it.
WEST COAST AFLW
Eagles 5.6 (36) def Saints 3.7 (25)
Daisy Pearce said finals were still possible after their bad start and people scoffed. Now they’ve won two on the trot and it’s not out of the question.
So glad to see everything start to come together for Amy Franklin. She kicked two big goals against the Saints and now has nine from six games. She’s showed her talent over the years but struggled for consistency. It looks like things are falling into place.
Are we allowed to write about Ella Roberts every week in this section? Clearly their best again, this time with 25 disposals, nine tackles and a game-high 530 metres gained.
FREMANTLE AFLW
Bulldogs 6.4 (40) def Dockers 4.6 (30)
Cockburn is not proving to be a happy hunting ground for the Freo girls. The loss to the Dogs takes their record to 1-3 at their new home ground.
The Dockers looked pretty good through the first three quarters but had it ripped away by the Dogs late, in a game where the wind was doing PLENTY.
Worth noting the continued outstanding form of 34-year-old Kiara Bowers - nine clearances and eight tackles in 24 touches.
PERTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
It was a weekend for grand final blowouts. North Beach go back-to-back in the PFL A-Grade men’s comp, beating Fremantle CBC by 71 points. Former Docker and Subiaco premiership player Zac Clarke was named best on ground.
Great story in the A-Grade women’s - Trinity Aquinas took home the flag with an eight-point win over University. They’ve been in the PFL for five years, making the C3 grand final in their first season, then going C2 premiers, C1 premiers, B-Grade premiers and now A-Grade premiers. What a run! Madeleine Booth was best on ground.
That’s us all caught up.
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Catch you next week.