South Freo through to WAFL grand final after dominant win over RoyalsSaturday, September 6, 2025 - 4:23 PM - by Jordan McArdle

Minor premiers South Fremantle are the first team through to the Sullivan Logistics WAFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium on September 21 after a dominant Second Semi-Final victory over East Perth.

The Bulldogs looked on from opening bounce coming off a week off in the first round of finals and were a class above the Royals in the 59-point win – 12.7 (79) to 3.2 (20) – at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.

After a four-goals-to-one first half, Souths turned it on in the premiership quarter to put the game to bed by three-quarter time to double their advantage as recruit Trey Ruscoe ran riot on the way to a game-high five majors and ruckman Hamish Free chimed in with two third-quarter goals.

GET YOUR WAFL GRAND FINAL TICKETS HERE

Jake Florenca was outstanding in the midfield, racking up 31 disposals to go with eight tackles and a stunning third-quarter goal on the run, with fellow on-baller Isiah Winder (30) also prolific in the engine-room.

Ruscoe was the main man up forward and Free had to the better of East Perth man mountain Scott Jones in the ruck, with his work around the ground and ability to drift forward particularly impressive.

Souths’ back six barely put a foot wrong, led by 150-gamer and skipper Chad Pearson and the ever-reliable Noah Strom.

For East Perth, Stan Wright never stopped trying on the way to a game-high 31 touches across half-back, while Liam Tedesco was the pick of the midfield brigade with 25.

The Royals get a second chance after defeating Claremont in last week's Qualifying Final in next Sunday's Preliminary Final at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

It capped off an excellent day for South Fremantle on their home turf, with their EGT WAFL Colts side also qualifying for the grand final after knocking off arch-rivals East Fremantle.

Highly-rated 2026 AFL draft prospect Lucas Robinson starred in the colts’ 30-point victory with 34 disposals and eight tackles, fellow draft fancy Toby Whan chipped in with 25 and a goal, while defender Lucas Cattalini was brilliant down back against the competition’s leading goal-kicker Ben Wood.

In the reserves, East Perth knocked out South Fremantle to keep their finals fairytale alive.

WAFL finals action continues on Sunday with Claremont featuring in all three grades at Revo Fitness Stadium including a do-or-die clash against Perth in the seniors, starting at 2.10pm.

The winner takes on East Perth next week.

The Tigers also take on Swan Districts in the reserves and West Perth in the colts.

The reserves and colts are live on Streamer.com.au and league is on Channel 7 and 7 Plus.

Get your tickets to the game here

Sunday, September 7 at Revo Fitness Stadium

League: 2.10pm, Claremont v Perth, First Semi-Final (Live on Channel 7 and 7 Plus)

Reserves: 11.25am, Claremont v Swan Districts, Second Semi-Final (Live on Streamer)

Colts: 8.50am, Claremont v West Perth, First Semi-Final (Live on Streamer)