Weekend of female footy successThursday, September 1, 2016 - 7:48 AM

The WA Women’s Football Season for 2016 has officially closed, culminating in three grand finals that took place at Medibank Stadium on Sunday, August 28.

The WAFC Youth Girls Rogers Cup Grand Final between Peel Thunderbirds and Swan Districts opened the day.

Finishing their season undefeated, the Peel Thunderbirds put on a strong display of football and claimed the title of Youth Girl Premiers for 2016.

Thunderbird Kate Barlett was awarded Best on Ground.

Final Score:
Peel Thunderbirds 11.9 (75) def. Swan Districts 5.3 (33).

The Reserves Grand Final showcased minor premiers Joondalup Falcons and second-placed Coastal Titans. With both teams eager to claim bragging rights, it was a hugely competitive contest. 

The Titans dominated the first term and took control of the scoreboard by finishing at quarter time with a 15-point lead to Joondalup who were kept scoreless. But the Falcons woke up soon after, and kicked seven of the following nine goals for the game.

The Titans had nine scoring shots to the Falcons six by three quarter time, but it was simply a case of Joondalup taking their opportunities with accurate kicking and scoreboard pressure. Despite this, it was still anyone’s game as the margin stood at only two points at the final change.

The Titans initial last quarter surge to win seemingly ended there and then, as Joondalup took control, didn't look back and extended their lead.

Falcons player Brooke Hongell was named Best on Ground, racking up plenty of the ball throughout whilst even slotting a goal of her own in true premiership winning style.

Joondalup coach Paul Beaver praised his side for their hard work throughout 2016.

“We all get around each other, we all work hard for each other on and off the field,” he said.

Final Score:
Joondalup Falcons: 7.4 (46) def Coastal Titans 4.6 (30)

The main game for the day saw Swan Districts hold off East Fremantle in an absolute nail-biter.

Heavy winds over 30km/hr set an interesting tone for the game, but was unable to sway the Swans off their game as they kicked the first seven goals of the game unanswered.

A fiery surge of goals in the final term from East Fremantle arrived far too late as Swan Districts held onto their first three quarters of complete domination to secure their third grand final win in four seasons.

The umpires had their work cut out for them, with the intensity of tackling and pressure around the ball from both sides as good as it had been all season.

Defence for the Swans was impressive and made all the difference as the Sharks didn’t kick a goal until nine minutes into the third term.  

From this point, it was completely East Fremantle. The Sharks slotted the final four goals of the match as their opponents went goalless in the final term. Unfortunately for the sharks, their surge arrived far too late and Swan Districts ran down the clock and secured the win.

Their desperation around every contest, quick ball movement, effective return from entries inside 50 and textbook ball carry throughout culminated to win them the game.

Swan Districts Ashley Sharpe was awarded the Lou Knitter Best on Ground award.

Swan Districts coach Rob Kennedy praised his side for holding on for the win.

“We knew they [East Fremantle] would come at us,” he said.

“The girls dug deep, they did what they needed to do - it’s a great feeling."

Final Score:
Swan Districts 7.1 (43) def. East Fremantle 5.4 (34)