As the Perth Football League B-E Grand Finals approach, all eyes are on the standout players who could make a difference on the big stage. Here's a look at the key players to watch across all 42 teams competing for premiership glory on Saturday 7 September.

Toyota B Grade - Whitford vs North Fremantle

Whitford are a team looking to sweep the season as they take on North Fremantle at Pentanet Stadium. The Warriors and Magpies are both proud clubs and while they move up to A Grade next season the job is not yet done.

Whitford have taken all before them this season with a host of talented players headlined by Ben Mountford and Sam Rotham. Mountford’s work in tight is a feature and his physicality and team first attitude sets the tone for the rest of his team mates. Rotham’s role as a key forward is critical for the Warriors with his strong marking and accurate set shots so important in the team’s forward structure.

The Magpies can also rely on leadership from their skipper Jake Mirco in the midfield while Trent Newton will have a lock down role in defence against the high-powered Warriors forward line.

For the Magpies to win they will need forwards John Sgherza and Adam Correia to kick goals with Sgherza a real X-factor. North Freo have been the second highest scoring team in the grade however will need to ensure they use the ball well in attack to keep Warrior Kurt Monaghan away from the footy. His ability to read the play and use his silky left foot could be important if Whitford are to finish the season both unbeaten and as premiers.

Whitford's Sam Rotham celebrates a goal

Toyota B Reserves - Collegians vs Whitford

Collegians strong finals form enabled them to be the first into the Grand Final and avoid a duplicate Whitford and North Fremantle Grand Final in the B Reserves. The five point qualifying final win for Collegians gives the chance at a first league or reserves title since the club won both B Grade and B Reserves in 2010.

The qualifying final was the only genuine contest between this season’s grand final combatants with the home-and-away fixtures being split between both sides and 70 and 71 point margins.

Three of the top four vote-getters in the competition’s best and fairest feature in this fixture with Christopher Keunen (13 votes) and Baylee Payne (12) from Whitford and Will Davidson (10) from Collegians. Davidson’s form as an inside mid and his attack on the footy will set the tone for Collegians however, he will need Ben Webster in the ruck to provide the important first touch to be effective. Webster looks set to continue his follow-up across the whole ground with Tom RIstovsky a crucial piece for the Collegians attack. His three goals in the qualifying final were ultimately the difference and as a key forward his hard leads will be called upon all day.

The Warriors have a team first approach and have their midfield marshalled by Troy Skilton. If Davidson and Webster get plenty of the footy for Collegians the Warriors will need a strong game from defender Lachlan Malone whose ball use is a real feature. Whitford possesses a host of even forward options but will look to Tyler Bartle to set the standard with his fierce attack on the contest and forward pressure.

Toyota C1 - Cockburn Lakes vs Swan Athletic

Swan Athletic will have a big crowd who have set up camp in their third Grand Final of the day at Steel Blue Oval however Cockburn Lakes enter the big dance as first qualified and with a week’s rest.

These two sides featured in the qualifying final with Cockburn Lakes coming out 10-point victors. The Warriors will be buoyed by that victory against the minor premiers and possess a ton of class in the front half of their ground. Harry Della Franca stands as ruck but also gives the ground level work of a rover with his football smarts set to provide Lachlan Johnson and Jacques Barwick plenty of opportunities up forward. Like Della Franca the key target of Johnson won’t be one dimensional with value in the air and on the ground. If Johnson isn’t able to win the ball at ground level it can be expected that Barwick won’t be far away when he splits his time in the middle and forward line. Barwick’s speed and agility provides a real threat to Swan Ath who will turn to club captain Brendan O’Kane to marshal the defence. If O’Kane can win enough of the ball his transition out of the defensive 50 could prove crucial for a Swan Ath win.

Cameron Symonds’ size as a towering full forward will give Ath a key target and his long-range kicking means the Warriors defenders will have to play him tight when he appears around the 50. It would be no surprise if Ben Weymouth’s work as an inside midfielder and winner of the contested ball gives Swan Athletic the impetus for a famous victory.

Swan Athletic's Cameron Symonds

Toyota C1 Reserves - Swan Athletic vs Jandakot

Another battle of the top teams of the season sees Swan Athletic aiming to win their fourth game of the season against Jandakot and take out the C1 Reserves.

Swan Athletic had comfortable wins in the regular season with the qualifying final marred by some inaccurate work in front of goals from Jandakot. With 3 goals and 12 behinds in that fixture, only a few straight kicks would have tightened the match in an eventual 15-point result to Ath.

Their Grand Final opponents are the team that the Jets have been defeated by this season and this game promises to be a close one.

Ruckman Nathan Yukich should get first hands on plenty of ruck contests and should support around the ground while youngster Max Bittner has had a great season reading the play in defence. His skills could be the catalyst to Swan Athletic attacking forays that look likely to centre around veteran Jeremy Polich who threatens to take the game away from the Jets with his presence in front of goals.

The Jets enter the Grand Final confident with the top two in the competition best and fairest count. Big forward Ryan Thompson (50 goals) was a runaway victor on 26 votes from teammate Ryan Perkins however the forwards will need versatile midfielder Riley Sheedy to continue his work around the ground if they are to challenge the Swan Athletic back six. Luke Gerhard is a rugged and reliable old school defender who brings effort and will marshal the Jets backs to help keep the dynamic Polich under wraps.

Toyota C2 - Kwinana vs Gosnells

Kwinana and Gosnells will meet for the fourth time this season in the C2 Men’s Grand Final with Kwinana holding a 2-1 head-to-head advantage. A 41-point qualifying final gives the Knights plenty of ascendency however the Hawks will look back to their own six goal win in the round 2 fixture between these teams.

As a tall key forward Wes Steele provides a focal point for Kwinana and his 53 goals leads the C2 competition. Cam Carmody’s return from retirement has been a timely one for the Knights and his role in the ruck will be pivotal. Co-captain Nafetalai Lepa provides the steadying physical presence needed down back and will no doubt be called upon to help stop Gosnells full forward Hayden Yarran.  

Tyson Headland will look to cap off a great week having earned the competition’s best and fairest on Monday evening and his efforts at clearance will be central to a Hawks victory. Helping link the midfield and forward line Kade Pescod will spend time in both parts of the ground and the Gosnells captain’s hardness around the footy will set the tone for a Gosnells attack at the flag.

Kwinana and Gosnells rightfully earned their spot in the most competitive of grades with only 6 points separating 1^st and 5^th at the end of the home and away season and with this evenness it is clear a big start is needed for either team to take out the flag.

Kwinana's Wes Steele celebrates a goal

Toyota C2 Reserves - Willetton vs Ellenbrook

The Blues host the Eels in the C2 Reserves finale at Revo Fitness Stadium in Claremont.

In one of the rare grades where both teams have been undefeated in the finals series, Willetton qualified first with a two goal win over Kingsley. Ellenbrook are pushing to win the flag from the difficult 5^th place position with a fourth finals win needed to take the flag back to District Open Space. Their five-point win over the same Kingsley side demonstrates how close these teams are with both laying strong claim for the premiership.

Daniel Hug’s endless running as an inside midfielder complements the composure and playreading of Matthew Burvill. With their key players being around stoppages for Willetton to take out the title they will need a dominant performance from ruck Koen Fowler. The agile big man offers plenty at ground level and can be expected to head forward at stages during the game to create a Blues forward target.

Luke Cameron runs out for his 100^th game for the Eels and will challenge Fowler at ruck while likely playing as a utility at stages during the game. James Leunig remains Ellenbrook’s best intercept marking defender and his ability to control the ball allows players like hard running wingman Matt Purdy into the contest. Wily forward Carl Bishop knows where the goals are and could prove the difference if he can hit the scoreboard.

Coming from 3^rd and 5^th both teams are yet to see each other in the finals and the one win head-to-head deadlock is to be broken when the C2 Reserves premiers are determined on Saturday.

Toyota C3 - Forrestdale vs North Beach

Two powerhouse sides meet in the C3 League decider as minor premier Forrestdale meets North Beach.

The Falcons only loss for the season came at the hands of the Tigers in round 11, yet it was the top ranked side who progressed through directly from the qualifying final with a 27-point win.

Lochie Bloomer is a ball magnet for the Falcons and will look to utilise the blistering speed of Todd Bennell. Doug Farmer brings a commitment to every contest and sets a great example and the Falcons will also look to Jakob Hand who was their leading vote getter in the competition best and fairest. Runner up in that award was North Beach’s Dion Cownie who brings a level of class by foot. Veteran Beau Witheridge joined Cownie in announcing his retirement this week and both players will be looking to finish up with a 2024 premiership medal.

The Tigers should use their foot skills to advantage with tall full forward Nathan Adler and midfielder Isaac Seidner damaging kicks also.

The C3 Reserves Grand Final between these same two sides could be a confidence booster for that winning club with everything on the line for these league side at Wanneroo Showgrounds at 2:30pm.

North Beach's Dion Cownie

Toyota C3 Reserves - North Beach v Forrestdale

The first of two Grand Finals between North Beach and Forrestdale sees the Tigers heading in favourites. A round 16 draw against Roleystone is the only blip on an otherwise perfect season for North Beach who have been convincing in two round robin wins against Forrestdale with 38 and 75 point margins.

Captain Campbell Howie will lead from the front and plays a key role in front of goal at full forward. Kade Golisano is the midfield bull for North Beach and his ability to create by hand will be central to good ball movement. If the Falcons are able to get midfield penetration Aran O’Connell will be called upon in defence for the Tigers with his ability in one-on-one contests a feature.

Forrestdale have however won their last two finals including a turn of the tables win against Coolbinia last week. Jerome Miller’s marking presence and disposal efficiency has been important for the Falcons while Finley Buka’s ability to break tackles should challenge the North Beach side.

Josh Van Sebille looks likely to help offset the defensive efforts of O’Connell with the Falcons defender a specialist at intercepts.

Toyota C4 - University vs Maddington

The scene is set for a great grand final with both University and Maddington defeating the previously undefeated minor premiers Manning Rippers in this year’s finals.

Five points is the biggest margin between these two teams with University taking out both wins. The Bulls however have had the perfect finals campaign and have already played three do or die finals that they have prevailed in.

For Uni, the reliable Tom Dowling will head an impressive defence in his role at full back. Their midfield will be led by Matt Moroney who has the stamina to run all day but also brings explosive pace and strong ball use by foot. Centre half forward Will Beckwith will be hoping Moroney can win enough of the footy to bring him into the game with his height and ability to get out the back a real threat to the Bulls.

Maddington’s finals run has come on the back of ruckman Vince Napoli who will also spend time forward and be a focal point. Co-captains Jake Mckinnon and Tian Kee headline a strong leadership group for the Bulls with Mckinnon’s use of the ball in the midfield important, and Kee expected to organise the backline while taking important intercept marks.

Toyota C4 Reserves - Fremantle CBC vs Curtin Uni Wesley

Fremantle CBC earned their place in the grand final with a comfortable 29-point win over their returning opponents Curtin Uni Wesley. Losing only the one fixture this season sees Freo CBC entering the decider as favourites however the Tigers have every chance to keep their momentum going.

Fremantle CBC’s strong season has been based around competition best and fairest Nathan Chircop and third placed Nick Iannello. Chircop’s role in the ruck should see the experienced Aaron Jewell win plenty of inside football while Iannello brings the important run to drive CBC forward.

For the Tigers Mark Haning will need to have a big game at Centre Half Forward with his strong leads and overhead marking. Competition best and fairest Willis Wiringi will challenge Chircop as a mobile ruckman who will also spend time forward while Isaac Jones creative game out of defence should also be a feature for the Curtin Uni outfit.

First bounce from Wyong Reserve at 12:15pm for the fourths teams of both powerhouse PFL A Grade clubs.

Toyota C5 - Kelmscott vs Kenwick

The Kelmscott Bulldogs enter the C5 League decider with fresh legs having earned their place with a 15-point qualifying final win against their returning opponents Kenwick.

It has been a dominant season for the Bulldogs with only one loss in round 7 against Coolbellup. Full forward Rodney Jetta has had a stellar season with a mammoth 85 goals and a game style that straightens up the Kelmscott attack. The Royals will need Oscar Butler to pay close attention to Jetta however he brings confidence after holding the competition’s best forward to one goal in the qualifying final. Callum Collard was the dominant forward on that day with his four goals ultimately providing the difference.

For the Bulldogs Nixon Hamlet has also had a terrific season finishing second in the competition’s best and fairest. Playing ruck Hamlet also has an impact around the ground.

Kenwick have proven to also be a strong side all season with utility Zareth Roe a key player that can be used at both ends. Captain Steele Milne will be asked to thwart the Bulldogs attacking thrusts in his role in defence however he can be expected to spend time in the middle. For the Royals to win it will be the run that gets it done while the Bulldogs potent forward line could be the difference.

The Bulldogs carry great club confidence after their Toyota C2 Women’s Grand Final last weekend and this fixture is set to be a beauty.

Kelmscott's Rodney Jetta out on the lead

Toyota C5 Reserves - Kenwick vs Bayswater

Gosnells Recreation Ground hosts the C5 Reserves decider as a dominant Kenwick clash with Bayswater. With a 12 team C5 competition, these sides met only once during the regular season and it was Kenwick that walked away with a 16-point win at Mills Park.

Bayswater entered the end of season having not been in C5 Reserve finals since 2009 and had important victories against Coolbellup and SNESA.

Kenwick will look to the veteran leadership of Shannon Penny who offers plenty of tricks off half back, while Chris Clarkson has featured as a key backman that has moved into the midfield. Jaxon Mikaere should spread his game time between the midfield and forward line with his ability to cover the ground.

Bayswater pushed the Royals to a point in the qualifying final and while that may have been a heartbreaker they will be ready for the challenge. Elder statesman Stephen Dodge defies his veteran status to bring remarkable speed and offers plenty with the ball. Captain Travis Murray brings his skills to the forward pocket and will need to kick goals for the Blues to have a genuine chance. How the game plays out will likely determine where the versatile Mike Higgs plays with the ability to hold down centre half back and also feature in the ruck.  

A good crowd can be expected with Kenwick playing off in the C5 League final and Bayswater looking to break a premiership drought.

Toyota E1 - Trinity Aquinas vs Armadale

Trinity Aquinas booked their place in the highest E grade decider with a hard fought four-point win over minor premiers Armadale. The Demons on the other hand earned their spot with an 11-point win over Yanchep last weekend.

Christoper Jones’ experience as a running wingman for the Boomers will be called upon and his combination with Jason Mileti important. The clean disposal of Mileti by hand and foot should help give the forward line service and the last clash between these sides was determined by James Embley’s two goals.

The Demons are loaded with skill with youngster Robbie Wynne providing run off the half back line. Armadale will hope Wynne is rarely needed and it will midfielders Leonard Blurton and Graeme Miller who bring ball winning and strong ball use to the Demons midfield.

Stirling Football Club hosts this decider at Richard Guelfi Reserve with first bounce at 3:30pm.

Armadale's Fairest & Best winner Graeme Miller

Toyota E2 - Swan Athletic vs Wembley

The rematch is on for one of the more pulsating PFL clashes of 2024 after Zac Rumsey broke Wembley hearts in the qualifying final with an after the siren set shot on goal for a one-point win.

Playing coach Leon Ottobrino hopes the round 5 match against Ocean Ridge is the only aberration for Swan Athletic however Wembley’s gruelling finals campaign has them on track should things get tight.

Rumsey headlines the Swan Athletic outfit with his midfield role covering the ground and he will be supported by the Phelan twins. Blake and Jesse provide valuable support across the wings with Wembley forward entries needing to be avoiding the versatile Carl Scarfone. As a key defender Scarfone reads the play well and has the skills to setup Swan Athletic forays.

Nick Misich at ruck for Wembley provides a level of skill and marking that Swan Athletic will need to watch while Jim Godwin’s support as an inside midfielder and use of the footy gives the Magpies every chance.

Up forward powerhouse full forward Alex Zulberti gives a dynamic option and if Swan Athletic are somehow able to stop him they will also need to focus on Tex Gorski. Hard at the footy and contest Gorski will create an intensity and forward pressure to challenge Scarfone and his defensive teammates.

Grand Finals often bring drama and this fixture is set for an epic finish after the qualifying final cliffhanger.

Toyota E3 North - Kingsway vs Mosman Park

This season has been a dominant one for Kingsway in the E3 North section with some stunning scorelines throughout the season. As the season approached finals, a number of opposition teams have worked away at game plans set to unsettle the title favourites. That momentum has started to change with their Grand Final opponents Mosman Park getting to within four goals of Kingsway in the Qualifying Final.

Michael Chandler capped a fantastic season with a runner up finish in the competition best and fairest on Monday evening. Despite being a key forward, Chandler finds space in even the tightest of contests.

Brayden Naylor will offer an offensive edge to his role as a ruck and while he is expected to dominate Jacob Haddon will also be called upon. A long ranging kick Haddon plays as a defensive half forward and his entries deep into the forward 50 could set up Chandler for a big day.

Mosquitos captain Tom McLeod plays an important role as a centre half back and while he will have an opponent it will be his intercept marks and rebound that features heavily. In the middle Wiliams Campbell’s tackling and use of the ball by foot is set to give Mosman Park every chance and the Mosquitos will hope bustling forward Jack Bird can get on the end of these forward 50 entries.

Kingsway go into the fixture as favourites to end the season undefeated, however Mosman Park know that there are two teams that can take out this Grand Final.

Toyota E3 South - Forrestdale vs Warnbro

The battle of the top two from E3 South takes place at Gosnells Oval with Forrestdale working their way into the decider with a 6-point win over their opponents Warnbro in the Qualifying Final. The Swans overcame that set back to score a six-goal win over Piara Waters and grab their ticket to the Grand Final.

Fixtures in the home-and-away season between these two sides were split with both sides recording one victory of more than ten goals.

Tackling machine Blake Lazic puts his body on the line each week and sets an example for his teammates. Nick Faulkner will be given a lockdown defensive role but can be expected to take intercept marks as is customary in his game. Ben Ivey will likely play a variety of roles such is his versatility and each one of these will involve 100% commitment.

For the minor premier, Swans captain Matt Rozvaczy is a ball magnet who uses the ball well. Surrounding him in the midfield is youngster Ethan Macpherson who boasts slick skills and often finds himself playing a quarterback type role.

In the big man stocks Warnbro will be looking to Jason Booth who will play centre half forward and pinch hit in the ruck. His ability to kick goals is based around football smarts and knowing where to be.

EGT Drew Banfield Colts - West Coast vs Wanneroo

The season’s two best sides in the Drew Banfield Colts battle it out at Pentanet as West Coast tussle with Wanneroo for the premiership.

Both teams have had a win against their opponent with West Coast holding a 2-1 head-to-head record after their 17 point qualifying final win.

West Coast has an even spread of talent across their lineup with standout performer Tom Clozza earning 19 votes in the competition best and fairest. Callum Wilde’s three goals proved the difference in their win over Wanneroo and he will be called upon again in the decider.

Wanneroo’s path to the decider had them on top of the table at the end of the regular season but needing their 17-point win over North Fremantle to get through last week.

Mehki Yarran is a tall athletic ruckman who is expected to feature heavily across the ground with hulking full forward Harry O’Donnell giving the attack some direction. If West Coast are to rush the ball forward Wanneroo will lean on defender Tama Poharama to use his invaluable foot skills to lead them out of defence.

EGT Ian Dargie Colts - Jandakot vs Swan Athletic

An intriguing battle for the flag in Ian Dargie Colts with Jandakot and Swan Athletic finishing the regular season with 14 wins each. A percentage difference of 14 was enough to have Athletic topping the table, however the head-to-head clashes favour Jandakot 2-1. In head-to-head battles there is only one point collectively separating both teams and it was the 2-point qualifying final win for Jandakot that proved the difference.

Jandakot’s Ashton Cox has had a stellar season with 45 goals from 17 games and will be hard to stop. Cox will be looking for Aston Clissold’s thumping left foot to give him opportunities, however if Ath’s Harley Pearce can win the ball from the stoppage the Jets will be relying on defender James Hansen to win the footy and push the ball forward.

Both sides have plenty of run from defence and Swan Ath will call upon the uncompromising Harrison Bos in their back half, while Thomas Ball provides a real asset to Swan Ath as a genuine utility who can play back and forward.

EGT Laurie Keene Colts - Piara Waters vs Quinns District

Revo Fitness Stadium hosts Piara Waters and Quinns District in the Laurie Keene Colts decider. For Piara Waters this fixture offers the opportunity of a perfect season with the Falcons winning all 18 home-and-away games and a qualifying final against Kingsley.

The Bulls path to the Grand Final has been vastly different with every one of their fixtures being decided within a kick.

Jayden Taylor headlines a powerful Falcons line up with his role in the ruck and great hands a cornerstone of their season. Piara Waters’ strength in the midfield is punctuated by the endurance and repeat efforts of Beau Troy while Ryan Jones offers extra support with his contested marking and elite ball handling.

If the Bulls are to upset the apple cart it will likely be through ruck Akway Nyok who brings his power and ability to cover the ground. Nyok will be supported by the midfield depth of Jaxon Sharpe and Jay Solly. As an inside midfielder Solly’s work in the clearances is a feature however the speed of Sharpe could be telling particularly if he is able to continue his form kicking goals.

The real question in this one will be whether a fresh Piara Waters can use their run against a finals hardened Quinns District lineup with both teams warranting claims for the flag.

EGT West Coast Colts - Lynwood Ferndale vs Coolbinia

Lynwood Ferndale hits Wanneroo Showgrounds looking to finish the perfect season with an unbeaten record in all 19 EGT West Coast Colts matches. Starting the season with a ten-goal win against the Grand Final opponents Coolbinia helped give the Panthers momentum from the very first bounce, however the Coolies have built their own form line with only one loss since round 13. That was to their Grand Final opponents in the Qualifying Final however a one-point win sets this game up to be a tight one.

Isaiah Hayden looks set to continue his award-winning form as competition best and fairest with time mixed between the ruck and forward line. Hayden’s ruck work and combination with midfield clearance player Corey Williams’ should see plenty of opportunities up forward for Breen Doyle who is clever around goals.

The Coolies possess plenty of athleticism with high leaping forward Oscar Weston providing a presence in the air and at ground level and Jacob Simpson leading an attacking half back line. Smiley Mettam will provide plenty of challenge for the Panthers and his combination of courage and footy smarts as an inside mid will ensure Lynwood Ferndale have earned their undefeated season should they take out the premiership.

Lynwood Ferndale's Fairest & Best winner Isaiah Hayden

EGT Brett Jones Colts - Trinity Aquinas vs Curtin Uni Wesley

A hotly contested finals series culminates in the Brett Jones Colts division with minor premier University knocked out by the two Grand Finalists Trinity Aquinas and Curtin Uni Wesley.

The Boomers qualified first with a four-point win and that was followed last weekend with an eight-point Tigers victory. While TAs arrive first it will be the two regular season victories for Curtin Uni Wesley that they will bring great confidence from.

Cooper Illich-King has been a dominant forward all season and will be looking to extend upon his 39 goals. For him to be in the contest he will need supply from midfielders like Dion Primerano who brings both character and competitiveness to the Boomers.

For Curtin Uni Wesley key forward Mitchell Hartland has been a cornerstone with his excellent marking and set shot conversion. The key forward will have the Boomers defender Josh McGrath not too far away and his efforts in the air and on the ground will be needed to restrict Hartland. Classy intercept defender Fynn Moulds will also be looking to offer Curtin Uni Wesley some drive with his expert reading of the play.

The Tigers finished a remarkable regular season in fifth spot due to the incredibly tight table that saw them only four points behind first. A key part of their success this season can be attributed to inside midfielder Clancy Tonkin who brings a will to the contest and getting the footy.