Bulldogs Closing In On Super SeasonTuesday, September 2, 2025 - 1:33 PM - by Mark Readings

For the first time since 2016, South Fremantle has claimed the Rodriguez Shield in the Sullivan Logistics WAFL season.

Named after renowned former West Australian football administrator Pat Rodriguez, the Rodriguez Shield was introduced in 1957 to reward the team with the best combined record at league, reserves and colts level.

Last year, the WAFLW and Rogers Cup competitions were added to the overall calculation of the award.

10 Points are awarded for a WAFL league win with four points allocated for colts and reserves wins and five points awarded for a WAFLW league win, and two points awarded for a Rogers Cup win.

South Fremantle’s league side finished the home and away season with a remarkable record of 17 wins and one loss to leave them minor premiers, 10 points clear of Claremont.

Bulldogs Chief Executive Cam Britt is delighted with the work of first year coach Craig White and the senior side as they search for their first flag since 2020.

“We’re incredibly proud of the season so far and the outstanding performances from all our teams,” Britt said.

“It has been a remarkable year.

“Winning the Rodriguez Shield is a wonderful endorsement of the strength and health of our entire football program.

“It recognises the collective effort of our male and female players, coaches, and staff.

“However, our work remains unfinished, as we look to deliver something special for our fans in our 125th year.”  

With three sides in premiership contention, Britt understands how much work is required to make this a truly special year. 

“The South Fremantle vibe is one of controlled excitement, he said.

“We’re fully aware of the opportunities ahead, but equally mindful that achieving them will require us to be at our absolute best.

“Reaching a Grand Final is just so incredibly difficult, let alone winning one or more.

“We remain balanced and committed to maintaining the highest standards in our preparation and performance.

“Our focus is to give all three grades the very best chance of success this finals series and perhaps, catch some luck on the way through.”

South Fremantle won the Shield by just 2.5 points from Claremont.

Despite being beaten by Swan Districts in the Qualifying Final, Bulldogs reserves coach Bradley Maney remains buoyant about the side’s prospects after finishing the home and away season with 13 wins and second position.

 “After a season of change at the football club, we increased our focus on individual development, and this has paid dividends on the field,” Maney said.

“We have been blessed with a young group that arrives every week wanting to learn and improve.

“South Fremantle is a football club that thrives on winning league premierships.

“If the reserves can also enjoy success in that process, then let's make that happen.” 

South Fremantle’s colts side collected 12 wins and four losses to finish on top of the table, a huge result for Matt Rogers and his side.

“It's been a really pleasing season for our colt's program, especially given how tough 2024 was both on and off the field,” Rogers said.

“There is no doubt the minor premiership is a great effort and something our squad should be really proud of, but we had a lot of other little wins along the way.

“Having seven players represent WA in the State 18's Carnival, nearly 30 kids make their debut at Colts level and plenty of underage players contributing to our side week to week is a great sign for 2026. 

“This year's group had a great attitude from day one of pre-season and demonstrated a work ethic and willingness to learn that was simply lacking in the previous season.

“I suppose it should come as no surprise the harder you work and the more you challenge others around you to get better, the on-field results and individual growth will take care of itself. 

“That being said, we know that when the teams that have qualified for finals roll out their best 23 there will be no easy games.

“We will need to go to another level, and I am excited to see our boys get stuck into the challenge.”