Souths through to EGT WAFL Colts Grand Final, champs knocked out

South Fremantle are through to their second EGT WAFL Colts Grand Final in a row after knocking out reigning champs Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday morning.

The Bulldogs took control from late in the second term and never looked back to avenge last year’s grand final defeat, prevailing by 27 points – 14.4 (88) to 9.7 (61).

It came just two weeks after the Tigers won a tight Qualifying Final by just eight points.

It means we will have a Fremantle Derby for a Colts decider next Sunday at Optus Stadium in the 4.40pm twilight fixture after minor premiers East Fremantle were the first team to qualify last week when they took care of the Tigers.

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It’s the first time Claremont won’t feature in the Colts finale since 2022 when Peel Thunder defeated West Perth.

Bottom-aged Jack Clarke Medal hopeful Chace Vanderhoek continued his standout season for Souths with another midfield masterclass, finishing with 24 disposals and a goal.

Jack McAuliffe helped his side regain the momentum with three second-quarter goals in a stunning purple patch, while AFL Draft prospect Hudson Graham had some big moments on the way to 16 disposals and five marks.

Livewire Cam Maynard, one of seven West Aussies invited to next month’s AFL National Draft Combine in Melbourne, kicked a beauty from the pocket on his way to two majors, with Jarrah Hayden also chiming in with two goals.

Sons of guns Harper Banfield and Noah Braun battled hard in a losing cause for Claremont.

Banfield provided his usual physicality and found plenty of the footy, tallying a game-high 25 disposals and laying eight tackles.

Fellow West Coast father-son prospect Braun returned from a quad injury in style with 23 disposals, six tackles and a goal.

Under-18s All-Australian Benji van Rooyen had some good moments in the ruck, finishing with 31 hit-outs to go with 14 disposals and four marks, while fellow tall Isaac Darling provided a forward target with two goals.