The 2024 Toyota E Grade Men’s Grand Finals delivered unforgettable moments as Trinity Aquinas, Wembley, Kingsway and Forrestdale all claimed premierships on Saturday 7 September.

Each game had its own story, filled with standout performances, dramatic moments and hard-fought victories as champions were crowned.

Toyota E1 Men: Trinity Aquinas v Armadale

Trinity Aquinas claimed the Toyota E1 Men’s Grand Final title with a comprehensive 91 (14.7) to 55 (8.7) victory over Armadale at Richard Guelfi Reserve on September 7th. Led by best-on-ground Simon Franich, Trinity Aquinas produced a powerful performance, coming from behind in the first quarter to secure their second consecutive premiership.

Armadale started the match on the front foot, kicking four goals and three behinds in the opening term while holding Trinity Aquinas to just three goals. However, Trinity Aquinas quickly found their stride in the second quarter, outscoring Armadale with three goals and three behinds to Armadale’s two goals and one behind, closing the gap to set up a competitive second half.

The third quarter proved decisive as Trinity Aquinas took control of the match. They piled on five goals and two behinds while keeping Armadale to just a single goal and one behind. The relentless pressure and clinical finishing from Trinity Aquinas gave them a comfortable lead heading into the final term.

In the fourth quarter, Trinity Aquinas continued their dominance, adding three more goals and two behinds to their tally. Armadale managed to slot one goal and two behinds, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap. The reigning premiers’ superior ball movement and defensive structure proved too much for Armadale, allowing Trinity Aquinas to cruise to a 36-point victory. Trinity Aquinas’ triumph marked a historic back-to-back premiership, solidifying their status as the powerhouse of the E1 competition. Franich’s standout performance in the midfield, combined with his impact across the ground, was instrumental in the team’s success.

Final Score:
Trinity Aquinas: 91 (14.7)
Armadale: 55 (8.7)
Best on Ground: Simon Franich (Trinity Aquinas)

Toyota E2 Men: Wembely v Swan Athletic

Wembley clinched the Toyota E2 Men’s Premiership with a convincing 56 (8.8) to 25 (3.7) victory over Swan Athletic at Richard Guelfi Reserve on September 7th. Wembley’s attacking prowess and tight defensive structure proved decisive, as best-on-ground Brad Cox and his teammates dominated the contest, putting the game out of Swan Athletics’ reach by halftime.

The first quarter started with Wembley’s Tex Gorski opening the scoring seven minutes in, setting the tone for the match. Despite a couple of missed opportunities, Wembley’s pressure paid off when Leyton Wightman kicked a late goal to extend their lead. The Swans struggled to find their rhythm, managing just two behinds in the first term, and trailed heading into the second quarter.

Wembley shifted into a higher gear in the second quarter, with Alex Zulberti, Tex Gorski, and Matthew Ferguson each kicking goals in quick succession. Samuel Sloan added another goal to cap off a dominant quarter for Wembley, while Swan Athletic managed only one behind. By halftime, Wembley had surged to a commanding lead, and their structured play continued to frustrate Swan Athletic.

In the third quarter, Swan Athletic showed signs of life as Matthew Baltovich kicked his team’s first goal, but their momentum was short-lived. Wembley’s Callum Narbey responded almost immediately, keeping Swan Athletic at bay and maintaining Wembley’s stronghold on the game. Both teams missed a few chances late in the quarter, but Wembley remained firmly in control heading into the final term.

The fourth quarter saw Wembley put the finishing touches on their victory, with Alex Zulberti kicking his second goal of the game. Although Swan Athletic managed two late goals through Leon Ottobrino and Riley Groose, it was too little, too late. The match concluded in fiery fashion, with three yellow cards handed out after the final siren, adding tension to an otherwise one-sided affair.

Final Score:
Wembley: 56 (8.8)
Swan Athletic: 25 (3.7)
Best on Ground: Brad Cox (Wembley)

Toyota E3 North Men: Kingsway v Mosman Park

Kingsway emerged victorious in the Toyota E3 North Men’s Grand Final, defeating Mosman Park 73 (10.13) to 57 (8.9) in a thrilling contest at Richard Guelfi Reserve on September 7th. Best on ground, Mitchell Cavanagh, led the charge for Kingsway, whose sharp execution and resilience helped them withstand Mosman Park’s late surge.

The first quarter began with Kingsway controlling the early play but struggling to find the target, scoring two behinds before Mosman Park took the lead with the first goal. Kingsway quickly responded, slotting two majors within five minutes to gain the upper hand. Mosman Park kept pace, scoring a late goal to end the quarter on even terms.

The second quarter was a heated battle. After both teams traded early goals, tensions boiled over, resulting in yellow cards for players from both sides within seconds of each other. Kingsway found a breakthrough with a goal and a string of behinds to nudge ahead at halftime.

The third quarter was filled with momentum swings as both teams wrestled for control. Kingsway extended their lead with an early goal, but Mosman Park fought back with three quick majors, threatening to overturn Kingsway’s advantage. However, Kingsway responded with a goal in the dying seconds, regaining their composure and ensuring they stayed in front going into the final term.

The fourth quarter saw Kingsway come out firing. Two quick goals early in the term created a buffer that Mosman Park struggled to reduce. Although Mosman Park added two goals late in the game, Kingsway’s strong defensive effort and accurate kicking saw them hold on to secure the premiership.

Final Score:
Kingsway: 73 (10.13)
Mosman Park: 57 (8.9)
Best on Ground: Mitchell Cavanagh (Kingsway)

Toyota E3 South Men: Forrestdale v Warnbro Swans

The Forrestdale Falcons secured a thrilling nine-point victory over the Warnbro Swans in the Toyota E3 South Grand Final, capping off a determined comeback at Gosnells Oval.

Warnbro burst out of the blocks in the opening quarter, with Michael Hansford and Jason Hind kicking early goals. The Swans took a commanding lead into quarter time, 3.0 (18) to Forrestdale’s 0.2 (2).

Forrestdale clawed their way back in the second quarter, with Trent Simpson getting them on the board with a composed set shot. Despite Warnbro extending their lead to 5.3 (33), the Falcons’ accuracy improved late in the term, reducing the margin to 23 points at halftime.

The Falcons took control in the third quarter, tightening their defense while their forwards clicked into gear. Goals from Simpson, Kian Scott, and Dean Whiteford sparked a resurgence, leaving Forrestdale ahead by a solitary point at the final break, 5.5 (35) to 5.4 (34).

The final quarter was a nail-biter as both sides traded momentum. Leigh Shepherd’s early snap briefly gave Warnbro the lead, but Forrestdale’s relentless pressure proved decisive. Simpson’s brilliance shone through with two crucial goals, while Whiteford’s composure under pressure sealed the result. Despite a late Warnbro goal, Forrestdale held on for a well-deserved 8.8 (56) to 7.5 (47) victory.

Final Score:
Forrestdale: 56 (8.8)
Warnbro Swans: 47 (7.5)
Best on Ground: Trent Simpson (Forrestdale)