Freo Dockers Schoolgirls Cup Goes from Strength to StrengthWednesday, September 21, 2022 - 3:57 PM - by Mark Readings

The annual Freo Dockers Schoolgirls Cup produced two entertaining Grand Finals to complete another successful competition. 

Some of the state’s best female footballers showcased their skills in the premier schoolgirls competition for Year 8 and 9 students across WA. 

Co-ordinated by the West Australian Football Commission and supported by the Fremantle Football Club, games were played through Term 3, with the Grand Finals held last Tuesday (Division 1) and yesterday (Division 2) at the Fremantle Football Club’s Victor George Kailis Oval in Cockburn. 

Comet Bay College was held scoreless in the opening half of the Division One Grand Final but kicked three goals to one behind in the second half to defeat Mater Dei College 3.2(20) to 2.1(13) 

Year 8 student Alira Cooper was awarded the Comet Bay College Coach’s Award and presented with a match ball for a best-on-ground performance, which included two second-half goals. 

The Coach’s Award for Mater Dei College was awarded to Tiarrah Brandis, who also received a matchday ball. 

In the Division 2 Grand Final Darling Range Sports College proved too strong for Emmanuel Catholic College, running out 33-point winners 5.10(40) to 1.1(7) 

The Coach’s Award for Darling Range Sports College was awarded to Larissa Macgregor who was presented with a match ball, while Holly Barnes was named best afield for Emmanuel Catholic College and given a match ball after winning her side’s Coach’s Award. 

Regan Atkinson, Schools Specialist at the West Australian Football Commission, endorsed the quality of the two Grand Finals. 

“While a strong breeze was a factor in the Division 1 decider, the competitive nature of both sides was great to see. 

Both sides had momentum, which produced a tight contest. 

Then in Division 2, we saw some great passages of play and highly skilled players on both sides. 

Neither of the two schools involved would look out of place in Division 1,” Atkinson said. 

Trophies and medals were presented by AFLW players. 

Division 1: Meg Kauffman (presented the premiership cup), Amy Franklin, Tahlia Read. 

Division 2: Hayley Miller (presented the premiership cup), Kiara Bowers and Janelle Cuthbertson 

This was the fifth year of the competition. 

The Freo Dockers Cup Lightning Carnival (Year 8/9 girls) had run for many years, but in 2017 the need for a home-and-away competition for these age groups was established, with the Freo Dockers Schoolgirls Cup introduced to run alongside the one-day carnival. 

“The Freo Dockers Schoolgirls Cup keeps going from strength to strength.? 

We continue to see more schools across the districts and regions of WA express their interest in being involved in this home-and-away competition for Year 8/9 schoolgirls, with 58 schools taking part in 2022. 

Congratulations to Comet Bay College on taking out Division 1, and to Darling Range Sports College who won the Division 2 premiership. 

I’d like to thank the Fremantle Football Club for their continued support of the Freo Dockers Schoolgirls Cup and look forward to continuing this partnership in the years to come,” Atkinson said. 

High schools interested in participating next year can contact their local WAFC development officer (metro) or WAFC regional development specialist (regional) to register their interest.