Players to watch on WAFL grand final dayFriday, September 19, 2025 - 8:42 AM - by Jordan McArdle

We take a look at the players to watch across all three grades on Sullivan Logistics WAFL Grand Final day at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Seniors

Ethan Hughes (South Fremantle)

Average marks: 6

The former Fremantle Docker has been an excellent addition to South Fremantle’s line-up this season after his AFL career came to an end.

He’s so reliable down back, intercepts the ball well and is a sound decision-maker with ball in hand.

The Bulldogs’ back six is the best in the competition and Hughes’ addition is a big reason behind that as he looks for back-to-back premiership after a flag with the Dockers-aligned Peel Thunder last season.

Tom North (East Perth)

Average disposals: 28.1

Another former Docker, North’s return for the Preliminary Final was crucial for an East Perth win over Claremont.

He’s so classy by foot and connects well with his forwards.

His performance last week after coming back from a calf injury was outstanding, booting two big goals from 19 disposals and using the ball well in tough conditions.

North enjoyed a top-five finish in the Sandover Medal on Monday night, a credit to his career-best season and stepping up in a new role after the departures of star midfielders Mitch Crowden and Angus Schumacher.

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Reserves

Sam Van Rooyen (Claremont)

2025 goals: 39

With 39 goals in just 16 reserves game this season, Sam van Rooyen is a hard player to stop when he gets going.

He’s been in serious form in recent weeks for the minor premiers with bags of nine, four and five in his last three outings.

Tyler Lindberg (East Perth)

Average disposals: 20.6

A couple more injuries and Lindberg would likely be playing in the seniors grand final instead of the reserves.

He’s a talented utility who has played more as a forward in the seniors but has looked right as home as an inside mid.

EGT Colts

Lucas Cattalini (South Fremantle)

Average marks: 6.2

A seriously talented key defender who was part of the State 18s squad, Cattalini will likely get the job on dangerous Claremont goal-kicker Cody Curtin.

One of four South Fremantle players named in the EGT WAFL Colts Team of the Year, Cattalini reads the play so well, has a great set of hands and doesn’t mind the tough assignments.

Heath Mellody (Claremont)

Average disposals: 22.9

Mellody has put together some impressive performances as a bottom-aged colt.

Just seven games into his colts career, the 17-year-old midfielder has already produced some massive games including a career-high 34 disposals and 14 tackles against Peel Thunder in Round 17.

He’s been excellent during the Tigers’ finals campaign and was arguably best-afield in the Preliminary Final victory over East Fremantle last week with 28 disposals and five tackles.

Grand final fixtures

Optus Stadium, Sunday, September 21

Reserves: Claremont v East Perth, 9.05am

EGT Colts: South Fremantle v Claremont, 12.10pm

Sullivan Logistics WAFL League: South Fremantle v East Perth, 3.20pm