The 2024 Toyota C Grade Men’s Grand Finals delivered some epic footy battles as ten teams 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 C1 Men: Swan Athletic v Cockburn Lakes

Swan Athletic claimed the Toyota C1 Grade Grand Final with a 47 (6.11) to 19 (2.7) victory over Cockburn Lakes at Steel Blue Oval on September 7th. Led by best-on-ground Ben Weymouth, Swan Athletics’ control of the contest and efficiency in attack paved the way for their premiership success.

The first quarter saw Swan Athletic take the early lead with two quick behinds before Gavin Munt scored the opening goal. Cockburn Lakes responded with a behind, but Swan Athletic kept the pressure on, adding goals through Joshua McElwee and Jacob Neville to establish a solid lead by the first break.

In the second quarter, Swan Athletic continued to apply pressure. Three early behinds showed their intent, and Jacob Neville slotted another goal 8 minutes into the quarter. Cockburn Lakes found some momentum through Jacques Barwick’s goal and added three behinds late in the quarter. However, Swan Athletics’ defence held firm, and they went into halftime with a comfortable buffer.

The third quarter turned into a defensive struggle as both sides struggled to convert chances. Swan Athletic kicked an early behind, while Cockburn Lakes managed two minor scores. Gavin Munt broke the deadlock for Swan Athletic with a goal five minutes from the siren, further extending their lead and putting Cockburn Lakes on the back foot heading into the final term.

The fourth quarter saw Swan Athletic put the finishing touches on their victory. Despite Cockburn Lakes managing a late goal through Ethan Wakeling, Swan Athletic’s defensive structure and ability to win the ball ensured they remained in control. A series of behinds added to their tally, and they finished the match as deserved champions.

Final Score: 
Swan Athletic: 47 (6.11) 
Cockburn Lakes: 19 (2.7)
Best on Ground: Ben Weymouth (Swan Athletic) 

Toyota C1 Reserves Men: Swan Athletic v Jandakot

Jandakot hit the ground running, with Ryan Thompson opening the scoring just three minutes in with a brilliant goal from outside 50. Ethan Datson followed suit, showcasing his class with a long goal and a sharp snap from the pocket, helping Jandakot establish an early lead of 3.1 (19) to 1.1 (7) by quarter's end. 

Swan Athletic began to claw their way back, with Max Bittner and Adam Erceg converting crucial goals. However, Jandakot’s Ryan Perkins impressed with a boundary-line snap, keeping his side ahead. A late dribble goal by Joshua Edwards pushed Jandakot’s lead to 12 points at halftime, 5.2 (32) to 3.2 (20). 

The third quarter saw Swan Athletic turn up the heat. Goals from Utah John-Furnace and Beau Higgins brought the scores level at 5.3 (33) apiece. Jandakot managed to regain a slender lead thanks to minor scores, entering the final term ahead by just two points, 5.5 (35) to 5.3 (33). 

The intensity peaked in the final quarter as John-Furnace’s second goal put Swan Athletic ahead for the first time. Jandakot responded through Ryan Thompson, and by the 14-minute mark, the scores were deadlocked at 6.5 (41) each, forcing extra time. 

Jandakot’s resilience shone in the extra time. Ryan Thompson and Joshua Burns stepped up, with Burns' goal proving pivotal in the first half of extra time. In the second half, Ethan Datson sealed the match with a brilliant dribble goal from the far side pocket. Jandakot’s composure saw them emerge victorious, securing the premiership. 

Final Score: 
Swan Athletic: 41 (6.5)
Jandakot: 54 (8.6)
Best on Ground: Ryan Perkins (Jandakot)

 

Toyota C2 Men: Gosnells v Kwinana

Gosnells overcame a spirited Kwinana side to secure a 74 (11.8) to 51 (7.9) victory in the Toyota C2 Grade Grand Final at the Revo Fitness Stadium on September 7th. Best on ground, Robbie Woods, played a pivotal role in Gosnells’ success, helping his team build an early lead and withstand multiple challenges from a determined Kwinana side.

The match started with high intensity as Gosnells quickly took the lead, scoring a goal just three minutes into the game. They continued to apply pressure, adding three behinds in quick succession. Kwinana managed two behinds of their own but struggled to capitalise on their chances. Gosnells’ efficient ball movement resulted in two more goals late in the quarter, while Kwinana could only muster a single goal, leaving Gosnells with a solid advantage heading into the first break.

In the second quarter, Gosnells continued to pull ahead, kicking two early goals to widen the gap. However, Kwinana responded with back-to-back goals, reducing the deficit and swinging the momentum briefly in their favour. Just before halftime, Kwinana managed to sneak in another goal, keeping themselves in the contest despite Gosnells’ relentless forward pressure.

The third quarter saw a series of momentum shifts. Kwinana struck first with an early goal, but Gosnells quickly countered with two consecutive goals of their own. Both teams exchanged minor scores, but Gosnells’ ability to capitalise on their forward entries ensured they maintained a comfortable lead going into the final term.

In the fourth quarter, Kwinana fought hard to bridge the gap, opening with a goal in the first minute and another just three minutes later. But Gosnells responded with a series of crucial goals, including two in the final 15 minutes, which extinguished any hopes of a Kwinana comeback. Despite a final behind on the siren, Kwinana fell short of reversing the deficit. Their balanced team effort, supported by Woods’ standout performance, saw them emerge as deserving champions in a thrilling C2 Grade Grand Final.

Final Score: 
Gosnells: 74 (11.8) 
Kwinana: 51 (7.9)
Best on Ground: Robbie Woods (Gosnells) 

Toyota C2 Reserves Men: Willetton v Ellenbrook

Willetton secured a thrilling 56 (8.8) to 54 (8.6) victory over Ellenbrook in the Toyota C2 Reserves Men’s Grand Final at the Revo Fitness Stadium on September 7th. In a game that went down to the wire, Willetton’s strong start and composure in the dying moments proved crucial in holding off a spirited comeback by Ellenbrook. Best on ground Dwain Watkins was a standout for Willetton, leading his team to a memorable premiership win.

Willetton came out firing in the first quarter, scoring four goals and three behinds while restricting Ellenbrook to just two behinds. Their dominance in the early stages set the tone, giving them a solid platform to build on. By the first break, Willetton held a comfortable lead, putting the pressure firmly on Ellenbrook.

The second quarter saw Ellenbrook find their feet, kicking two goals and reducing the deficit. Willetton managed only a single behind for the quarter, but they still took a 14-point lead into halftime, thanks to their first-quarter efforts. Coach Timothy Boulton’s halftime message focused on maintaining intensity and converting their chances, knowing Ellenbrook would come out strong.

The third quarter turned into a shootout as both teams traded blows. Willetton added three more goals and a behind, but Ellenbrook responded with three goals and two behinds of their own, keeping the game within reach. Despite Willetton’s captain, James Pope, rallying his troops, Ellenbrook closed the gap, setting up a thrilling final term.

The fourth quarter was a tense affair as Ellenbrook continued to chip away at Willetton’s lead. Willetton managed just one goal and three behinds, while Ellenbrook surged with three goals and two behinds, bringing the game to a nail-biting conclusion. With the scores tightening, Willetton’s defence held strong in the final moments, clinching the win by just two points.

Final Score: 
Willetton: 56 (8.8) 
Ellenbrook: 54 (8.6)
Best on Ground: Dwain Watkins (Willetton)

Toyota C3 Men: Forrestdale v North Beach

North Beach’s Nathan Adler opened the scoring with a nice looking right-foot snap, albeit a behind. From their both sides wouldn’t allow an inch, hitting the ball at pace and creating a high number of stoppages. Blake Collins seemed to everywhere in defence early for the Falcons, repeatedly making it difficult inside the Tigers 50.

North Beach managed a mark inside 50 with Adler getting on the end of Riley Hinkley’s quick clearance from a boundary throw in. Adler’s shot gave the Tigers the first goal of the game, and clearly all the momentum. Jack Merson’s rebound fifty ended in a second mark inside fifty within a minute, this time with big Brody Hinkley on the end of a clean entry. The kick looked on target, but swung late to find the post.

Forrestdale’s clean ball use, and slow play strategy from the kick in found the ball inside their fifty and in the hands of Dakota Ninyette. Unfortunately for the Falcons, Ninyette’s shot faded to the right, handing the ball back to North Beach. After a few minutes back and forth, Adler took another mark inside fifty and added a second to his tally. With the Tigers clearly on top, Forrestdale needed to look within to turn the tide after quarter time. North Beach lead Forrestdale 14 to 1.

A high hit to Forrestdale’s Matthew Brough in the second term saw the umpires award a down the field free kick, resulting in a shot at goal from the goal square. Mitchell Western kicked truly, giving the Falcons their first goal of the match on the stroke of half time and all of sudden Forrestdale find themselves only two points behind the Tigers. The score reading Forrestdale 1.6 (12) to North Beach 2.2 (14) after a scoreless quarter for the Tigers.

Michael Millington opened the second half with a brilliant captain’s goal and put his team in front for the first time in the Toyota C3 Men Grand Final. Western earned himself a free kick 25m out, and with little angle to worry about he kicked straight to add another to the scoreboard. George Pullinger found himself on the end of a deep inside fifty, with safe hands he had an easy set shot on goal. An accurate kick by Pullinger gave the Tigers a well-needed major and bringing the margin back to only three points.

At the resulting centre bounce, North Beach’s Isaac Sneider managed to work a clean handball to Dion Cownie in space. Cownie’s kick found teammate Callum O’Shea who took an easy mark, but an off-the-ball free kick saw the ball brought further forward and into the hands of Adam Cockie who was never going to miss. North Beach found themselves ahead again and held that lead into the last change. Forrestdale 3.6 (24) trailed North Beach 4.4 (28).

With neither side willing to take a backward step, and only one quarter to play, it took until the 5^th minute for Forrestdale to find some quick link up play. Brandon Henderson found metres of space, which would have been the first time all day and marked cleanly inside fifty for a chance to edge his team back into the lead. There was no question once the ball left Henderson’s boot, as the crowd cheered the ball through the goal posts. Forrestdale now two points ahead and 15 minutes remaining, the match was set up for a classic finish.

The margin was trimmed to a solitary point after a contest in the goal square between North Beach’s Adam Cockie and two Forrestdale players pushed the ball over the goal line. Now only ten minutes remain, and a scrambled inside fifty by handball ends up on the ground however Brough is clean enough to pick the ball up and get a kick away under extreme pressure. The kick is straight and Brough’s second major puts Forrestdale two scores ahead.

Tully Wickstein found a chance late to bring his Tigers back to within one point when the umpire found a free kick in North Beach’s forward pocket. It proved too tough a shot, as Wickstein’s kick pulled to the left and rolled out of bounds. In similar fashion to the first quarter Braiden Quartermaine was a rock down back for Forrestdale, repeatedly stopping North Beach’s momentum going forward. Jakob Hand provided ample support to Quartermaine in the closing stages.

Thornton kicked the ball deep inside fifty for North Beach, somehow ended up with Seidner who got the kick away to score his second goal of the day and bring the margin back to one point and seconds remaining, but that would prove to be the final score of the match as Forrestdale hold on to claim the premiership.

Final Score: 
Forrestdale: 36 (5.6) 
North Beach: 35 (5.5)
Best on Ground: Lochlan Bloomer (Forrestdale)

Toyota C3 Reserves Men: North Beach v Forrestdale

In a low-scoring, hard-fought encounter at Wanneroo Showgrounds, North Beach prevailed over Forrestdale by 13 points in the Toyota C3 Reserves. Both sides struggled to find fluency in front of goal but North Beach capitalised on key opportunities to secure the win.

The opening term was a scrappy affair with both teams struggling to convert their chances. North Beach managed three behinds through Campbell Howie and Thomas Pullinger, while Forrestdale kept pace with two rushed behinds to leave the scores tied at 0.3 (3) apiece at the first break.

The arm-wrestle continued in the second quarter, but Forrestdale's Christopher Williams broke through with a clever goal from a ruck contest. North Beach responded late, with James Mortimer kicking a much-needed goal after a turnover, bringing the halftime margin to just three points in Forrestdale’s favor, 1.6 (12) to 1.3 (9).

North Beach found their rhythm in the third quarter, kicking two majors through Benjamin Tindall and Campbell Howie. Their defensive pressure caused multiple Forrestdale turnovers, which they converted into scoring opportunities. Forrestdale managed only a single behind, leaving North Beach with a 15-point lead heading into the final term, 3.8 (26) to 1.5 (11).

Forrestdale threatened a comeback in the last quarter, with Steven Farmer snapping a goal to narrow the gap. However, North Beach sealed the win with a goal from Jared Thompson after a stoppage clearance. Forrestdale added a rushed behind late, but their inaccuracy proved costly as North Beach held on for a deserved 13-point victory.

Final Score: 
North Beach: 32 (4.8)
Forrestdale: 19 (2.7) 
Best on Ground: Finley Buka (Forrestdale)

Toyota C4 Men: University v Maddington

University claimed the Toyota C4 Men’s Grand Final title with a commanding 55 (8.7) to 29 (4.5) victory over Maddington at Wyong Reserve on September 7th. Best on ground Matthew Moroney played a pivotal role, leading University to the win with his strong performance and a crucial first-quarter goal to set the tone for his team.

The first quarter started as a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to find the goals early. University finally broke through late in the term, with Moroney scoring a goal just two minutes before the siren to give his side a narrow lead.

The second quarter saw University hit their stride, piling on four goals in quick succession, starting with Joshua Nicholson seven minutes in. Mitchel Fraser and Shea Robertson added back-to-back goals to extend the margin. Maddington managed to respond with a goal of their own but struggled to contain University’s forward pressure. Oliver Sanderson slotted another for University with five minutes left, solidifying their control by halftime. A late yellow card to Maddington added further frustration for the trailing side.

In the third quarter, Maddington showed signs of life with two quick goals in the first ten minutes, narrowing the deficit. But University’s Samuel Pepper and Shea Robertson answered strongly, each scoring goals to re-establish their dominance. Despite Maddington’s efforts, University’s defence held firm, keeping them to just a single behind late in the quarter.

The final term saw Maddington push hard to mount a comeback, but they could only manage one goal midway through the quarter. University’s Tex Garstone sealed the victory with a goal three minutes before the siren, securing the C4 premiership in emphatic style.

Final Score:
University: 55 (8.7)
Maddington: 29 (4.5)
Best on Ground: Matthew Moroney (University)

Toyota C4 Reserves Men: Fremantle CBC v Curtin Uni Wesley

In a tightly contested clash at Wyong Reserve, Fremantle CBC emerged victorious, holding off a spirited Curtin Uni Wesley outfit to secure a four-point win in the Toyota C4 Reserves.

Fremantle CBC started strongly, asserting early dominance with two quick goals from Craig Smith and Jarrod Delavale-Wickens. Their efficient forward pressure saw them lead 2.1 (13) to 0.2 (2) at quarter-time, as Curtin Uni Wesley struggled to convert opportunities despite glimpses of attacking play.

The second quarter saw Fremantle CBC extend their advantage. Delavale-Wickens was again instrumental, adding another goal to his tally, while Mark Jones snapped a clever goal from a boundary throw-in. Curtin Uni Wesley found some spark through Petra Black, who scored their first major, but they still trailed 4.2 (26) to 1.3 (9) at the main break.

Curtin Uni Wesley began their fightback in the third term. Aidan Vinci opened the scoring for Fremantle CBC, but Curtin responded with two goals, including a classy effort from Dominic Rawlings. Missed chances, however, kept the margin at 11 points heading into the final quarter, Fremantle CBC leading 5.3 (33) to 3.5 (23).

The final term delivered a thrilling conclusion. Matthew Lupi led Curtin’s charge with two goals, reducing the deficit to just four points late in the game. But Fremantle CBC’s Blair Hallion broke through with a crucial running goal, sealing the victory for the home side despite Curtin's late push.

Final Score:
Fremantle CBC: 40 (6.4)
Curtin Uni Wesley: 36 (5.6)
Best on Ground: Miles Franklin (Fremantle CBC)

Toyota C5 Men: Kelmscott v Kenwick

Kenwick claimed the Toyota C5 Men’s Grand Final in a nail-biting finish, narrowly defeating Kelmscott 50 (7.8) to 47 (7.5) at Gosnells Recreation Ground on September the 7th. Best on ground, Steele Milne, was instrumental in Kenwick’s success, providing a commanding presence across the ground and delivering in key moments when it mattered most.

The opening quarter saw a close tussle between the two sides, with Kenwick scoring one goal and adding two behinds. Kelmscott, however, made better use of their forward entries, kicking two goals and three behinds to gain a slight edge and put early pressure on their opponents.

Kenwick responded strongly in the second quarter, finding their groove with two goals and three behinds to wrestle back control of the match. Kelmscott managed a goal and a single behind but couldn’t contain Kenwick’s momentum, giving Kenwick a narrow lead going into the halftime break.

The third quarter turned out to be the pivotal period of the match, with Kenwick capitalising on their chances to score three goals and two behinds, pushing their lead further. Kelmscott struggled to keep up, only managing one goal and one behind as Kenwick started to pull away. Despite this, Kelmscott remained within reach, setting up a tense final quarter.

The last quarter saw Kelmscott launch a spirited comeback. They kicked two crucial goals, applying immense pressure on Kenwick. However, Kenwick’s solitary goal and a crucial behind proved to be the difference, as their slender lead held firm in the dying minutes. Kenwick’s defence, led by the efforts of Steele Milne, stood tall under the pressure, and they managed to secure a thrilling three-point victory as the final siren sounded.

Final Score:
Kenwick: 50 (7.8)
Kelmscott: 47 (7.5)
Best on Ground: Steele Milne (Kenwick)

Toyota C5 Reserves Men: Kenwick v Bayswater

Bayswater secured the Toyota C5 Reserves Men’s Grand Final title with a hard-fought 54 (8.6) to 41 (6.5) victory over Kenwick at Gosnells Recreation Ground. Mike Higgs led Bayswater with a disciplined performance earning himself best on ground for the day. His ability to capitalise on key moments proved decisive in a tightly contested match.

The game started slowly, with neither team able to convert in the first quarter as both sides settled into the contest. Kenwick scored two behinds but couldn’t break through for a goal, leaving the game evenly matched.

The second quarter saw a burst of action as Kenwick came out firing, kicking three consecutive goals in under a minute to stun Bayswater and take a strong early lead. However, Bayswater responded immediately, with a goal of their own just seconds later. They continued to push, and by the end of the quarter, had closed the gap with three more goals, heading into the main break trailing by just a few points.

The third quarter was where Bayswater began to assert themselves. They piled on the pressure, kicking three crucial goals late in the term to swing the momentum and build a handy lead. Kenwick struggled to find a response, managing only a single behind as Bayswater’s defence tightened.

The final quarter saw both teams exchange goals as Kenwick tried to mount a comeback. Despite Kenwick’s efforts, Bayswater’s efficient ball use and composure under pressure proved too much. They kicked two decisive goals midway through the quarter, effectively sealing the match. Kenwick added one more goal late in the game but couldn’t bridge the gap.

Final Score:
Bayswater: 54 (8.6)
Kenwick: 41 (6.5)
Best on Ground: Mike Higgs (Bayswater)