WAFL Story Lines: Swans' shock, comeback kings, ultimate ressies and moreMonday, August 18, 2025 - 6:02 PM - by Jordan McArdle

We take a look at the biggest story lines across the WAFL and WAFLW competitions in our weekly column.

Swans stun Subi to book WAFLW Grand Final spot

Swan Districts are through to the WAFLW grand final after a stunning two-point upset win over Subiaco in Sunday’s preliminary final at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

The Black Ducks held off a fast-finishing Lions outfit to prevail by just two points – 6.4 (40) to 6.2 (38) – and book their date with minor premiers Claremont at Mineral Resources Park this Sunday.

Subiaco bounced back from a 26-point quarter-time deficit to get to within two points with two-and-a-half minutes left when Ruby Hobbs kicked a late goal.

The Lions booted four of the last five goals of the game, but Swan Districts held their nerve for a memorable win to keep their premiership hopes alive.

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State 18s MVP Carys D’Addario was best-afield as her AFLW draft stocks continue to rise, racking up 28 disposals, six tackles and a goal in a dominant midfield display.

D’Addario had 10 more possessions than any other player on the ground in another impressive performance in what's been an eye-catching campaign.

Veteran forward Emily McGuire kicked two goals, while16-year-old Summer Ajduk was lively with 14 touches and an important late major.

For Subiaco, Dhara Kerr Medal fancy Krstel Petrevski (18 disposals) stood out in the midfield, highly-rated AFLW draft prospect Olivia Wolmarans kicked two second-half goals and setup another, Tess Lyons was excellent in the ruck and 50-gamer Beatrice Devlyn was reliable as ever down back.

How did they win that?

It was a comeback for the ages as Claremont bounced back after conceding nine first-quarter goals to snatch a 13-point win over Perth at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.

Demons spearhead Aaron Clarke kicked five of his six goals in the opening term as his side opened up a 50-point lead.

But that was as good as it got for Mark Stone’s men who were outscored 12 goals to two after quarter-time as the Tigers came to life.

Sandover medallists Jye Bolton and Callan England were instrumental in the win, as were ruckman Ollie Eastland, pressure forward Zac Mainwaring and son of a gun Bailey Banfield, while key tall Jaiden Hunter booted three goals to remain in the Bernie Naylor Medal hunt.

The win seals Claremont’s top-two spot and a home qualifying final against East Perth in the first week of finals, while Perth have slipped to fifth and need to beat Subiaco in the final home-and-away round to have a chance of a home elimination final against East Fremantle.

Corey Byrne was the Demons’ best with 33 disposals and a goal.

Cartwright in the nick of time after Barnett burst

Swan Districts youngster Ayden Cartwright was the hero with a late goal as West Coast’s brave performance at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday night ended up heartbreak.

The Eagles trailed by as much as 18 points early in the final term before kicking three goals on the trot from AFL-listed big man Harry Barnett snatch a one-point lead in the dying seconds.

Then Cartwright stole the show at the 29-and-a-half-minute mark as the visitors came away with a hard-fought win.

Captain Jesse Turner and fellow midfield Josh Cipro combined for 61 disposals and 15 inside 50s, while young Luke Cotellessa was also impressive.

Teenager Leon Kickett capped off a memorable week, which included a State Draft Combine invitation, with a nice running goal on debut for the Black Ducks.

Barnett and fellow AFL-listed forward Jack Williams booted three goals apiece for West Coast, with WAFL premiership player Thomas Edwards-Baldwin also among the best.

Sam-sational Claremont ressies

Young forward Sam van Rooyen produced one of the best individual goal-kicking efforts at any level this season as Claremont reserves sealed the minor premiership with a thumping 154-win over Perth at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.

The younger brother of Melbourne forward Jacob booted nine majors to take his season tally to a competition-high 30 majors as he looks to add to his two senior appearances.

The Tigers have a staggering percentage of 242.5, with a 13-2 record with one game remaining.

South Fremantle are in second spot with a 13-3 record and a whopping 74.9 per cent behind the ladder leaders.

Luke-ing good in the seniors

Dashing East Fremantle wingman Luke Carrello has enjoyed a bright start to his Sullivan Logistics WAFL career.

A member of the State 18s squad who didn’t play a game due to a long-term ankle injury, Carrello went straight into the seniors as soon as he was given the all clear.

In his two senior appearances to date, the 18-year-old is averaging 21.5 disposals, five marks and two tackles.

He even kicked his first league goal in Saturday’s narrow win over East Perth at The Good Grocer Park.

Midfield duo Milan Murdock (31 disposals and two goals) and Tom Joyce (27 and a goal) were also vital in the Sharks’ victory.