Entering any competition is no easy feat, even more so when you’re up against a dozen established teams, but that didn’t stop Hammond Park from taking to the 2025 season with force. The club has wasted no time making its mark on the Perth Football League, capping off their first season with a finals appearance and an infectious optimism for what lies ahead.

Hammond Park submitted its first ever team into the league this year, introducing the club’s young players to the amateur level competition. The establishment of a team in the EGT West Coast Colts Division was far from easy with the club working hard behind the scenes to build the foundations for its talent now pushing into a senior age bracket.

“Launching the Colts team this year was a major milestone for our club,” said Paul Artis, Senior Vice-President of Hammond Park Football Club. “It provided a much-needed senior pathway for our youth players and marked a new chapter in our development.”

The club had a mixed start to the season, winning their first game by a landslide before experiencing a handful of losses. Whilst others might’ve been disheartened, Hammond Park pulled together to then win four games in a row.

“The pre-season was tough. We were starting from scratch, but thanks to the dedication and determination of our Colts committee, we were able to recruit and register a committed group of players who embraced the challenge and helped shape the identity of our team.”

That identity came through loud and clear with Hammond Park finishing eighth on the ladder and qualifying for finals in its first year.

“That achievement [making finals] meant a lot to everyone involved, it validated the hard work, the long nights, and the belief we had in each other.”

The team beat Swan Valley in a Qualifying Final with a convincing twenty-eight-point margin, making it through to the semis. Unfortunately, the club’s inaugural journey came to an end when the would-be Premiership winners, Swan Athletic, knocked them out of the 2025 competition. Despite the elimination, the club was proud of how far the team had come in its first season.

“Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on the momentum from this year. We’ve learned a lot about preparation, consistency, and the importance of fostering a positive culture.”

Hammond Park has a strong football foundation supported by several thriving junior teams. Hammond Park’s entry into the Perth Football League this year has helped establish new pathways for the club’s younger players to transition into an amateur level competition, with many already training alongside the Colts throughout the year. The close connection between the Colts and Hammond Park’s younger teams has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie both on and off the field which has been pivotal to their ongoing success.

“It’s been amazing to see friendships form and a strong sense of club culture take root. Our coaches have grown as well, learning to collaborate and adapt to deliver effective training and game-day strategies.”

The club’s emerging talent is likely to see an infusion of new players to the Colts team next year as junior players move up into the senior competition, building on what Hammond Park has worked hard to establish thus far.

“We’ve also had a great experience with the other clubs in the league. Every team we played and every venue we visited was a pleasure to deal with. There were no issues on or off the ground, and that mutual respect made the season even more enjoyable.”

The club is excited for the future now that the first season foundations have been laid and pathways for their players into the Perth Football League have been created.

“Our goals are to be more competitive, continue developing our players and coaches, and strengthen the pathways between our youth and senior programs,” Artis said, capturing the club’s vision. “The energy around the club is contagious, and we can’t wait to see what next year brings.”

By Kristina Oldfield.