FALCONS FLAG NEW ERA OF DOMINANCE IN THE WAFL Monday, October 3, 2022 - 4:43 PM - by Mark Readings

Celebrations continue for West Perth in the wake of their stunning Grand Final triumph over Claremont at Leederville Oval on Saturday. 

The Falcons held on to win a gripping decider against the Tigers by 12 points to claim their first flag in 9 years. 

In front of more than 16,000 fans on a warm spring day, West Perth led for most of the day before holding off a gallant Claremont in the final quarter. 

Newly crowned Simpson Medallist Luke Meadows had 20 disposals, 6 tackles, five clearances and five score involvements to clinch the best on ground performance. 

Meadows was finally part of a Premiership side in his 118th League game, having previously won a flag with the club at reserves level. 

Speaking to The West Australian after the match, Meadows was still coming to grips with the result. 

“It’s a crazy feeling. 

There’s obviously joy and excitement and seeing the family there, I got a bit teary. 

It still hasn’t sunk in yet as its something I’ve always strived for. 

I’ve been at West Perth for so long and had a bit of success in the early years. 

But it’s been so long, and it sort of doesn’t feel real. 

We’ve talked about the staircase and getting to the staircase, and we just got there,” Meadows said. 

A Kingsley junior player, Meadows made his debut in West Perth’s Grand Final year of 2013 but didn’t play in the Premiership. 

Returning to the club this year after playing with Williamstown in the VFL in 2021, Meadows was taken as a COVID top up player by the West Coast Eagles earlier this season before finishing equal second behind Blaine Boekhorst in the Sandover Medal. 

Meadows and his teammates had to dig deep in the final quarter of Saturday’s decider. 

The game hung in the balance in the final quarter until Mitch Dobson’s soccer goal with three minutes remaining sealed West Perth’s 20th premiership. 

This was Claremont’s second heartbreaking Grand Final loss in three years, having fallen short against South Fremantle in 2020. 

The Tigers were led by Oliver Eastland in the ruck, Jack Buller in attack, along with ball magnets Jye Bolton (30 disposals) and Ben Edwards (21 disposals). 

The success of the day at Leederville Oval and the “Footyville” theme outside the ground has prompted calls for the Grand Final to be staged every year at a WAFL venue. 

For many West Perth supporters, returning to the club’s spiritual home to win a Premiership, is a day they’ll never forget. 

Photography credit: Michael O'Brien