South Fremantle Clinches WAFL Flag in Two-Point Thriller
What a game it turned out to be at Optus Stadium, as South Fremantle capped off a near-perfect WAFL season with a dramatic two-point win over East Perth in the Grand Final. In front of more than 23,000 fans, the Bulldogs held their nerve to claim their 15th premiership flag, a victory that came at the end of a remarkable run of 15 straight wins under first-year coach Craig White.
The Bulldogs had looked in control for much of the afternoon, building a 22-point lead midway through the final quarter. At that stage, it seemed the premiership was safely in their keeping. But East Perth refused to go quietly. The Royals surged late, kicking the final three goals of the match to slash the margin to just two points. With only seconds left, a holding-the-ball free kick was awarded in the centre, and when the siren sounded almost immediately after, South Fremantle players and fans erupted in relief. The Royals protested for a 50-metre penalty, but their pleas went unanswered, sealing the Bulldogs’ triumph in nail-biting fashion.
Also Read:- Texas Dominates Sam Houston as Arch Manning Finds His Rhythm
- Remembering Matt Beard: A Champion of Women’s Football
Hamish Free, back at South Fremantle after a stint with North Melbourne, was named the Simpson Medallist for best on ground. His influence in the ruck was immense—14 disposals, 19 hit-outs, five clearances, and two crucial second-half goals. Captain Chad Pearson led a resolute backline that consistently shut down East Perth’s scoring chances, while Ethan Hughes and Jamaine Jones added polish in defence and rebound. Midfield contributors like Tom Blechynden, Isiah Winder, Jake Florenca, and Matthew Parker also played significant roles in keeping the Bulldogs in front.
For East Perth, there was no shortage of effort. Stan Wright and Jordyn Baker combined for a remarkable 63 disposals, Hamish Brayshaw added 24 touches and two goals, and Corey Watts did an impressive job restricting South Fremantle’s Trey Ruscoe after his early opener. Former West Coast youngster Coby Burgiel lit up the stadium with a boundary-line goal in the first quarter, while Scott Jones and Mitch Schofield kept the Royals alive with final-term majors.
The second quarter had belonged to South Fremantle, highlighted by a goal to Sandover Medallist Haiden Schloithe, who returned earlier this year after a battle with cancer. His contribution, alongside the energy of young forward Roan O’Hehir, lifted the Bulldogs at crucial moments. By three-quarter time, the margin was out to 20, setting the stage for East Perth’s desperate final push.
When the final siren rang, South Fremantle stood tall as deserving champions, though tested right until the very last kick. Their ability to hold strong under pressure spoke volumes about the team’s discipline, resilience, and belief. For Craig White, it was a dream start as senior coach, guiding the club to a premiership in his debut season—a feat that places him in rare company.
In the end, South Fremantle’s 2025 flag was not just about one game but about a season of dominance, unity, and the ability to respond when it mattered most. And for the thousands of Bulldogs fans who made the trip to Optus Stadium, it was a day that will long be remembered in red and white history.
Read More:
0 Comments