The 2024 Toyota A and B Grade Men’s Grand Finals showcased the very best of community football as four teams claimed premierships at Pentanet Stadium in September. Each game had its own story, filled with standout performances, dramatic moments and hard-fought victories as champions were crowned.

Toyota A Grade Men: Kingsway vs Trinity Aquinas

Kingsway secured their second A Grade title in club history with a powerful 84 (13.6) to 55 (8.7) victory over Trinity Aquinas in the Toyota A Grade Grand Final at Pentanet Stadium on September 14th. Kingsway’s dynamic performance, led by standout contributions from Connor Patterson, Kyle Halligan, and Jaxon McGowan, who won the BJ Giles Medal, saw them outpace a determined Trinity Aquinas side.

The game started with intensity as Trinity Aquinas struck first, with Blake Borrett and Michael Sinclair combining for two quick goals within the first four minutes. Kingsway responded strongly, with Connor Patterson and Kyle Halligan finding the scoreboard to bring their team back into contention. Halligan’s goal midway through the quarter set the tone for Kingsway’s forward pressure, and Braydn Furmark’s goal with 40 seconds left put Kingsway ahead at the first break.

In the second quarter, Kingsway’s momentum continued as Halligan kicked two goals in quick succession, showcasing his poise and skill. Trinity Aquinas struggled to keep up, managing only behinds as Kingsway’s defence tightened. Mitchell Hassett and Blake Morris added to Kingsway’s lead, extending the margin and putting Trinity Aquinas under significant pressure heading into the second half. 

The third quarter saw Kingsway maintain their dominance with an early goal from Furmark. Trinity Aquinas showed resilience with Jordan Leeson kicking a goal 16 minutes from time, but Kingsway’s Rowan Brookes responded almost immediately to maintain their lead. Haydn Busher gave Trinity Aquinas a glimmer of hope late in the quarter, kicking two goals in quick succession, narrowing the gap as the teams headed into the final term.

In the fourth quarter, Kingsway continued to assert control. Kyle Wilden and Blake Morris kicked crucial goals to stretch Kingsway’s lead further, while Busher’s third goal kept Trinity Aquinas within reach. However, Trey Kennedy and Brookes sealed the victory with late goals, ensuring Kingsway’s triumph in a comprehensive performance.

Final Score:
Kingsway: 84 (13.6) 
Trinity Aquinas: 55 (8.7)
Best on Ground: Jaxon McGowan (Kingsway) 

Toyota A Reserves Men: University vs Curtin Uni Wesley

University delivered a commanding performance to defeat Curtin Uni Wesley 67 (10.7) to 22 (3.4) in the Toyota A Reserve Men’s Grand Final at Pentanet Stadium on September 14th. Led by best on ground Patrick Donovan, University showcased their dominance from start to finish, securing the premiership in emphatic style.

The match began with University asserting their control early, scoring four unanswered goals in the first quarter. Sean Trombetta kicked things off 16 minutes in, followed by goals from Nicholas Cooley, Jack Cooper, and Samuel Southern. University’s forward pressure and sharp ball movement overwhelmed Curtin Uni Wesley, who struggled to find their rhythm in the opening term.

Curtin Uni Wesley managed to claw back some ground in the second quarter, with Jack Hunter and Alexander Howson kicking two quick goals to bring their side back into contention. However, University’s defensive pressure remained relentless, keeping Curtin Uni Wesley to only two goals for the half and limiting their scoring opportunities.

The third quarter saw University regain their grip on the game, with a goal early on, followed by a major goal from Ben Culloton and a superb effort from Leighton Howard. Trombetta continued his standout performance with another goal just before the quarter ended, extending University’s lead and putting Curtin Uni Wesley under significant pressure heading into the final term.

In the fourth quarter, Curtin Uni Wesley made one last push with a goal from Howson and a couple of behinds, but University quickly responded. Trombetta added his third goal of the game, and Leighton Howard capped off the scoring with his second goal to seal the victory for University. Curtin Uni Wesley’s efforts were not enough to overcome the dominant display put on by their opponents.

Final Score: 
University: 67 (10.7) 
Curtin Uni Wesley: 22 (3.4)
Best on Ground: Patrick Donovan (University) 

Toyota B Grade Men: Whitford v North Fremantle

North Fremantle emerged victorious in a nail-biting Toyota B Grade Grand Final on September 7th, defeating Whitford 62 (9.8) to 58 (9.4). The match at Pentanet Stadium was an intense back-and-forth battle, with both teams showing tremendous skill and resilience. Ultimately, North Fremantle’s late surge proved the difference in a game that went down to the wire.

Whitford started strong in the first quarter, responding quickly to North Fremantle’s opening goal with a goal from Angus Innes. Whitford continued to build momentum, with Alex Wenn and Ben Mountford kicking crucial goals late in the quarter, putting Whitford in control early. North Fremantle managed a few behinds, but Whitford’s efficiency in front of goal gave them a handy lead heading into the first break.

The second quarter saw Whitford extend their advantage with an early goal by Jay Cutler. Despite struggling with their accuracy, North Fremantle stayed in the contest, kicking two behinds before Lachlan McManus broke through for a crucial goal on the siren. The late goal brought North Fremantle back into the match and kept the pressure on Whitford.

The third quarter was action-packed as both sides traded blows. Brandon Shepherd kicked a quick goal for North Fremantle, sparking a period of dominance for the Magpies. While North Fremantle managed to put points on the board, Whitford responded with a goal from Blake Monaghan midway through the quarter. However, North Fremantle finished the term strongly, kicking three goals in the final nine minutes, including a late goal with just a minute remaining. This surge gave them a narrow lead heading into the final term.

In the final quarter, North Fremantle continued to apply pressure, extending their lead with a series of goals in the early stages. Frazer Foley kicked an early goal for Whitford, but North Fremantle’s response was swift and decisive, with consecutive goals that pushed their lead further. Whitford fought valiantly and managed to kick a goal on the final siren, but it wasn’t enough to overcome North Fremantle’s solid lead.

Final Score: 
North Fremantle: 62 (9.8) 
Whitford: 58 (9.4)
Best on Ground: Hamish Rodgers (North Fremantle)

Toyota B Reserves Men: Whitford vs Collegians

Collegians claimed the Toyota B Reserves Men’s Grand Final with a gritty 52 (8.4) to 41 (6.5) win over Whitford in a tightly contested match. The victory, anchored by best-on-ground Sean Lindsay, was a testament to Collegians’ resilience and ability to perform in critical moments.

Whitford started the match strongly, scoring the opening goal through Tyler Bartle within the first minute, quickly followed by a behind to signal their intent. Christopher Keunen added another goal shortly after, putting Whitford in a commanding early position. However, Collegians responded with Thomas Simpson kicking their first goal with 12 minutes left in the quarter, followed by James McCormick who added another soon after. Collegians finished the quarter with a narrow led.

The second quarter saw Collegians extend their lead, capitalising on their forward entries with goals from Tom Ristovsky and Simpson, who scored just four seconds apart, swinging the momentum firmly in their favour. Whitford managed a late goal through Keunen just before the halftime siren, keeping them within striking distance.

Whitford came out firing in the third quarter, with Steven Waddington scoring an early goal to narrow the gap. Collegians responded quickly with a goal of their own, followed by McCormick’s second of the day. Whitford kept pressing, with Troy Skilton’s late goal cutting the deficit and setting the stage for a thrilling final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Whitford continued their pursuit with an early goal by Baylee Payne, closing the gap even further. However, Sean Lindsay, who was instrumental throughout the match, kicked a crucial goal with 17 minutes left, halting Whitford’s momentum. Collegians maintained their composure, adding another goal shortly after, and defended well to ensure Whitford’s late push was not enough to overtake them.

Final Score: 
Collegians: 52 (8.4) 
Whitford: 41 (6.5)
Best on Ground: Sean Lindsay (Collegians)