The sun is set to make a grand appearance this Saturday as six teams from four different clubs battle it out for the right to call themselves Premiers in the last of the 2025 Budget Car and Truck Rental Grand Final weekends!

In three back-to-back matches, the A Grade Men, A Reserves Men, and the EGT Phil Scott Colts will take to the field at HIF Health Insurance Oval in what will be an epic weekend of finals footy.

We reached out to North Beach and University to find out who their three Men’s A Reserves players to watch are, and to get their thoughts on the 2025 season for their teams and clubs. Here’s what they had to say!

Men’s A Reserves: North Beach vs University

HIF Health Insurance Oval, 12:15PM, $20 Entry

It’s a top-of-the-ladder clash between North Beach and University in the Men’s A Reserves Grand Final this Saturday. North Beach was one of only two teams to beat University this season when they faced off in Round 3, but University came back to defeat them in Round 12 and again in finals.

University, which took out the 2024 A Reserves Premiership, is eager to go back-to-back on Saturday. North Beach was knocked out in last season’s preliminary and narrowly missed out on playing in the 2024 Grand Final. With renewed strength and dedication, North Beach is ready to show why they’re deserving of the Premiership this season.

“As a coach, I couldn’t be happier with how the season has unfolded,” said North Beach Men’s A Reserves Coach Anthony Ingham. “We’ve played over 65 players this year, giving opportunities to younger players graduating from Colts or coming through our C2 League and Reserves.”

“Our depth has been hard-earned, and it’s allowed us to field a strong Reserves team alongside our League side,” Ingham continued. “This depth was vital mid-season when injuries and holidays hit, and despite those challenges, we still managed to win most games while exposing new talent.”

North Beach hosts two teams this Saturday with their Men’s A Grade Team also in the running for a premiership. The strength of the club’s A Grade and A Reserves this season is a testament to the dedication, development and support at North Beach, and to the inclusive culture the club has worked hard to establish for new and existing players.

“At the beginning of the year, our goal was to win two A Grade Premierships,” said Ingham. “To now be on the cusp of that is something the entire club can be proud of.”

University finished atop the ladder for the 2025 season with a massive range of wins throughout the season.

“We have had some special wins this year whether that being a 112-point win in Round 5 or a 1-point win against Scarborough in the rain,” said University A Reserves Coach Sam Gelavis. “Our biggest achievement as a group this year has been being able to finish on top of the ladder and giving ourselves the best chance to be a part of this grand final.”

Like many clubs, University has had to deal with the challenges injuries posed throughout the season. Despite losing players to injury, the club has maintained a strong presence it both it’s A Grade and A Reserves teams, with over 65 players representing the club across the two divisions.

“[It] highlights our depth as a squad but also gave many of our players a chance to test themselves at the top level in the competition,” Gelavis explained.

University is one of two clubs to have teams play this weekend, with their Phil Scott Colts team also taking to the field ahead of the A Reserves game in a grand final match against Fremantle CBC.

“Having the Colts side in the grand final as well is really exciting for us as a club and everyone will be in full voice for both games come grand final day.”

Players to Watch

From the North Beach bench, players Brayden Jones, James Logan, and Jonas Rocke have been named as three to watch.

“A new recruit from Manjimup, Brayden is a young, big-bodied midfielder who brings real presence around stoppages with his pace and power,” explained Ingham. “With ball in hand, he’s an elite decision-maker and a precise user by foot.”

Logan, a graduating Colt who has also had a taste of league action this season, has transitioned perfectly into senior football as a developing defender. Meanwhile, Rocke made his debut in league earlier this year after playing at North Beach and going through the club’s Colts program.

“He [Logan] can lock down opponents while also providing rebound and run from the backline,” Ingham explained. “His pace and ball use are real assets. A medium-sized forward, Rocke makes an impact both aerially and at ground level, applying strong pressure and hitting the scoreboard.”

From University, players Patrick Donovan, Sean Trombetta and Finn Kelly have been named as players who will be instrumental on the field this Saturday.

“Donovan, our veteran ruckman who has a great set of hands… can sneak forward for a goal,” said Gelavis. “Trombetta, our small forward leading goal kicker for the year… is a set shot guru and pressure forward. Kelly is an explosive midfielder out of contests and works hard round the ground.”

Kelly was named runner-up Best and Fairest at the 2025 Perth Football League’s awards night for the Men’s A Reserves and is expected to bring the same strength and determination he’s brought across the season to the field this Saturday.

Catch the 2025 Budget Car and Truck Rental Men’s A Reserves Grand Final match between North Beach and University after the Phil Scott Colts play at HIF Health Insurance Oval this Saturday. Then, stick around for the Men’s A Grade Grand Final!

If you can’t make it down to the game in person, make sure to catch it live on Streamer or download the PlayHQ App for live score updates!

By Kristina Oldfield