The 2024 Perth Football League season culminated with seven thrilling Women's Grand Finals showcasing the very best of community football. Each game had its own story, filled with standout performances, dramatic moments, and hard-fought victories as champions were crowned and unforgettable moments were etched into history.
Toyota A Grade Women: Wembley vs Melville
Wembley continue their reign in the Toyota A Grade, claiming their second consecutive premiership with a thorough 22 (3.4) to 7 (1.1) victory over the Melville Rams at Pentanet Stadium on August 31st. Wembley’s relentless pressure and cultivated teamwork led to Parris Laurie standing out as the best on the ground, leading from the front with her leadership and skill.
Wembley’s rise to A Grade glory has been nothing short of remarkable. They progressed from C1 to B Grade before storming into A Grade, ultimately capturing the magpie’s 4th premiership flag in a row. This journey is a testament to their hard work and development as a club, and their grand final victory adds another chapter to their incredible story.
From the opening bounce, Wembley looked determined to stamp their authority on the game. Despite Melville’s defensive efforts, Wembley continued to pressure them, adding a behind late into the first quarter. Georgia Webb set the tone with a great goal (inside 50), with just over a minute left in the first quarter, putting Wembley in front.
The second quarter saw a defensive tussle, with Wembley adding another point, keeping Melville scoreless and struggling to gain momentum in attack.
The third quarter brought a lot more action, with ex-GWS captain and former West Coast AFLW player Aimee Schmidt slotting a well-worked goal early, further asserting the magpie’s dominance. The Rams responded with a goal from Emma Lunt with 10 minutes to go, lifting their spirits momentarily, but Webb’s second goal at the end of quarter time put Wembley firmly back in control. Melville could only manage a behind as the siren went, leaving them trailing into the final quarter.
In the final quarter, Wembley maintained control, shutting down any hopes of a Melville comeback. Melville fought hard but could not penetrate Wembley’s defence, ending the game with a single behind as the final whistle blew.
Melville’s journey to the grand final was equally commendable, having rapidly climbed from C1 to Toyota A Grade over the past two years. After winning the B Grade premiership last season and defeating Wembley twice this year, Melville proved they were a force to be reckoned with. However, on the biggest stage, Wembley’s experience and tenacity proved too much for the Rams.
Final Score:
Wembley: 22 (3.4)
Melville: 7 (1.1)
Best on Ground: Parris Laurie (Wembley)
Toyota A Reserves Women: North Fremantle vs Curtin Uni Wesley
Curtin Uni Wesley emerged victorious in the Women’s A Reserves Grand Final, narrowly defeating North Fremantle 19 (3.1) to 13 (2.1) in a gripping contest at Pentanet Stadium. Best on ground, Saynab Bayahow, led Curtin Uni with a standout performance, guiding her team to victory in a match that was fiercely contested until the final siren.
The first quarter saw an intense start, with North Fremantle breaking through first with a goal from Ellie White, who going into this game had an impressive tally of 33 goals for the season. The Tigers responded with a late goal to level the scores as the quarter came to a close.
In the second quarter, Curtin took the lead with an early goal just a minute in, but North Fremantle struck back moments later with White’s second goal minutes later. A behind from North Fremantle kept them in the hunt, but Curtin Uni’s defensive pressure made scoring a tough job for North Fremantle.
The third quarter was a defensive struggle, with Curtin Uni managing just a single behind to extend their lead slightly. With both teams working tirelessly, the quarter ended with the scores still tight, setting the stage for a dramatic final term.
Curtin Uni sealed the match with the only goal of the fourth quarter, capitalising on their opportunities and displaying composure when it mattered most. Despite North Fremantle’s best efforts and the standout performance of Ellie White, who ended her season with 35 goals, Curtin Uni Wesley’s determination and grit proved decisive.
Final Score:
Curtin Uni Wesley: 19 (3.1)
North Fremantle: 13 (2.1)
Best on Ground: Saynab Bayahow (Curtin Uni Wesley)
Toyota B Grade Women: Bullcreek Leeming vs Baldivis
Bullcreek Leeming edged out Baldivis in a tightly contested Toyota Women’s B Grade Grand Final, winning 20 (3.2) to 16 (2.4) at Wyong Reserve on the 31st of August. The midday match was marked by intermittent rain, which made conditions slippery and scoring difficult. That didn’t stop Brianna Cleggett though as she secured best on ground for her excellent performance.
Baldivis started the game well, kicking an early goal and starting on the front foot. Bullcreek responded with a behind midway through and late into the first quarter. The second quarter remained tight, with Baldivis managing only a couple of early behinds.
The third quarter saw Bullcreek break the deadlock with a goal six minutes before the siren, giving them momentum heading into the final term. Bullcreek continued to push forward, scoring two crucial goals in 6 minutes in the fourth quarter. Baldivis fought back with a behind and a goal on the siren, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Bullcreek’s lead.
Despite the tough conditions, Bullcreek’s ability to handle the pressure and adapt to the wet weather saw them secure the premiership in a gritty and determined performance.
Final Score:
Bullcreek Leeming: 20 (3.2)
Baldivis: 16 (2.4)
Best On Ground: Brianna Cleggett
Toyota C1 Women: Scarborough vs Trinity Aquinas
Trinity Aquinas claimed a decisive victory in the Toyota Women’s C1 Grand Final, defeating Scarborough 20 (3.2) to 7 (1.1) at Richard Guelfi Reserve. The match saw strong performances from Trinity Aquinas, particularly the Schleicher duo, who dominated early.
Mia Schleicher kicked the first goal for Trinity Aquinas with 12 minutes left in the first quarter, followed by a goal from Jessica Schleicher five minutes later. Scarborough managed only a single behind in the second quarter, struggling against Trinity’s defence.
In the third quarter, Abbey Waddle extended Trinity Aquinas' lead with an early goal, but Scarborough responded with a goal from Jessica Murray eight minutes later, their only major score of the game.
The fourth quarter was a defensive battle, with Trinity Aquinas adding two late behinds just before the siren to seal their win. Trinity’s work, effort and early scoring set the tone for their well-earned victory, showcasing their strength and teamwork in the grand final.
Final Score:
Trinity Aquinas: 20 (3.2)
Scarborough: 7 (1.1)
Best On Ground: Montanna Godsell
Toyota C2 Women: Kelmscott v Koongamia
Kelmscott crowned an incredible undefeated season with a hard-fought 36 (5.6) to 27 (4.3) win over Koongamia in the Toyota Women’s C2 Grand Final. The intense match saw Kelmscott control the early stages, with a strong first quarter scoring 2 goals.
Kelmscott extended their lead with an early second-quarter goal, but Koongamia responded with two quick goals, including a spectacular strike three minutes apart. Despite Koongamia’s fightback, Kelmscott maintained composure, adding a crucial goal just before halftime to keep the pressure on.
The third quarter saw Koongamia surge back into contention with a brilliant outside-the-boot goal from their number 9, closing the gap and setting up a tense final term.
In the final quarter, Kelmscott sealed their victory with a goal five minutes before the final siren, followed by a behind that confirmed their undefeated season and premiership glory.
Kelmscott’s victory not only confirmed their status as undefeated premiers but also showcased their resilience and determination in a match that highlighted their season-long dominance.
Final Score:
Kelmscott: 36 (5.6)
Koongamia: 27 (4.3)
Best on Ground: Louise Knitter (Kelmscott)
Toyota C3 Women: Ballajura v Fremantle CBC
Ballajura delivered a dominant performance in the Toyota Women’s C3 Grand Final, defeating Fremantle C.B.C 30 (4.6) to 8 (1.2) at Pentanet Stadium on the 31st of August. The match saw Ballajura take control after a slow start, turning the tide in the second quarter with a string of goals that set up their victory.
The first quarter was a low-scoring affair, with Ballajura managing a late behind. Fremantle C.B.C struck first in the second quarter through 20. Sophie Spanghero, but Ballajura quickly responded with a goal from 22. Jaydean Cockie at the halfway point. 30. Ashleigh Reidy followed up with another goal five minutes before second quarter time, and 1. Larah Harris added a third just over 2 minutes later, extending Ballajura’s lead significantly.
The third quarter was dominated by Ballajura’s forward pressure, resulting in three behinds in just over a minute. They continued to control the game and limit Fremantle’s scoring opportunities.
In the final quarter, Fremantle managed an early behind, but Ballajura responded almost immediately with a goal from 1. Harris, just seconds later, reinforcing their dominance. Ballajura added another behind two minutes after, and despite Fremantle’s late behind with eight minutes remaining, the game was firmly in Ballajura’s grasp.
Final Score:
Ballajura: 30 (4.6)
Fremantle C.B.C: 8 (1.2)
Best On Ground: Nyra Anderson (Ballajura)
Toyota C4 Women: Swan Valley v Armadale
Swan Valley claimed the Toyota Women’s C4 Grand Final title with a dominating 31 (4.7) to 1 (0.1) win over Armadale at the Richard Guelfi Reserve on August 31st.
Swan Valley’s strong start set the tone, with three goals in the first quarter, establishing a commanding lead they never relinquished. Armadale struggled to break through Swan Valley’s defence, unable to register any significant scores in the first half.
Swan Valley continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, adding four behinds while keeping Armadale scoreless. The third quarter saw a minor exchange, with both teams managing just one behind, as Armadale's defensive unit worked hard to limit the damage.
The final quarter saw Swan Valley seal the game with a goal and two behinds, further extending their lead and highlighting their dominance. The late goal capped off a brilliant team performance, solidifying Swan Valley’s status as the standout team of the day.
Armadale’s only score came in the third quarter with a solitary behind, reflecting the tough challenge they faced against a well-organized and disciplined Swan Valley side.
Swan Valley’s relentless attack and rock-solid defence throughout the match showcased their superiority, earning them the C4 premiership in a dominant display that left little doubt about their quality and teamwork.
Final Score:
Swan Valley: 31 (4.7)
Armadale: 1 (0.1)
Best On Ground: Caitlin Mann