Thrilling finish to 2026 Country Championships

The 2026 Country Championships came to a thrilling conclusion, with Peel, Central Midlands Coastal and North Pilbara crowned Nutrien Ag Solutions Senior Men’s Division premiers following an outstanding Grand Final day at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

Across three thrilling deciders, the best footballers from country Western Australia showcased the passion, talent and pride that continue to make the Country Championships one of the state’s premier football events.

Peel capped off an outstanding carnival by claiming the Division One title with a 12.7 (79) to 6.10 (46) victory over defending premiers South West. Tye Kemp produced a best-on-ground performance to lead Peel to the championship, while Brett Hill finished with three goals in an impressive team display.

In Division Two, Central Midlands Coastal completed an undefeated Championships campaign, defeating Eastern Districts 10.4 (64) to 7.6 (48) to secure the premiership and earn promotion to Division One for the first time in 33 years. Robert Warrell starred with four goals, while Josh Harris was recognised as Grand Final Best on Ground after an influential performance through the midfield.

North Pilbara claimed Division Three honours after holding off a determined Mortlock outfit, winning 11.8 (74) to 10.3 (63). Rhys McLean was outstanding with four goals and was deservedly awarded the Grand Final Best on Ground Medal after leading his side to the premiership.

The Championships also recognised the outstanding individual performances across the weekend, with Great Southern’s Isaac Baum taking home the prestigious Division One Jock Coleman Medal, Ongerup’s Timm House awarded the Bud Byfield Medal in Division Two, and Hills Football Association’s Denver Roberts receiving the Jock Beattie Medal for Division Three.

Peel’s Ryan Henley was named Coach of the Championships following his side’s undefeated campaign, while Tye Kemp added to his remarkable weekend by claiming both the Division One Grand Final Best on Ground Medal and the Rising Star Award.

The 2026 Men’s Championship All Stars team was also announced, recognising the tournament’s standout performers from leagues across regional Western Australia, with Peel leading the selections after its championship-winning campaign.

Country Football WA Competitions Manager Brent Sheridan said the Championships once again highlighted the incredible standard of football being played throughout regional Western Australia.

“The Country Championships are about much more than football. They celebrate country communities, lifelong friendships and the immense pride players have in representing their leagues,” Sheridan said.

“Congratulations to Peel, Central Midlands Coastal and North Pilbara on outstanding Championship victories, and to every player, coach, umpire and volunteer who contributed to another fantastic carnival.”

Country Football WA also acknowledged naming rights partner Nutrien Ag Solutions for its continued support of the Championships.

“Nutrien Ag Solutions has become an integral part of the Country Championships, sharing our commitment to supporting regional communities and helping showcase the very best of country football,” Sheridan said.

“Their partnership enables this event to continue providing opportunities for footballers from every corner of Western Australia to represent their regions on the state’s biggest country football stage.”

Country Football WA extends its thanks to Nutrien Ag Solutions, all Championship partners, volunteers, officials, umpires, host venues and the many supporters who helped make the 2026 Nutrien Ag Solutions Men’s Country Championships another outstanding celebration of country football.

Results & Awards

Division 1 – Peel Football Netball League

Match Score: Peel 12.7 (79) d South West 6.10 (46)

Best:    Peel – Tye Kemp, Luca Cangemi, Jye Clark, Rohan Kerr

South West – Jamahl Mulholland, Durak Tucker, Jack Fletcher, Bailey Sanford

Goals: Peel – Brett Hill 3, Michael Stevens 2, Tye Salter 2, Zac Miguel, Riley Mitchell, Michael Randall, Brody Wemm, Ryan Bennell

South West – Liam Creighton, Bailey Sanford, Connor Carbone, Ben Ganzer, David Cowan, Robbie Turnbull

Division 2 – Central Midlands Coastal Football League

Match Score: Central Midlands Coastal 10.4 (64) d Eastern Districts 7.6 (48)

Best:    Central Midlands Coastal – Robert Warrell, Mitchell Fitzgerald, Josh Harris, Jamie Paul, Gus Devitt

Eastern Districts – Sam Collins, Eli Alexander, Benson Alvaro, Chazzon Foss, Josh Chapman

Goals: Central Midlands Coastal – Robert Warrel 4, Leo Lambert, Jesse Reinke, Jaygar Martin, James Williams, Josh Harris, James Harold

Eastern Districts – Eli Alexander 5, Tom Baldwin, Seth Connor

Division 3 – North Pilbara Football League

Match Score: North Pilbara 11.8 (74) d Mortlock 10.3 (63)

Best:    North Pilbara – Rhys McLean, Jedd White, Ryley Barrack, Ryan Newick

Mortlock – Sam Schlaghecke, Zac Ridley, Jak Watson

Goals: North Pilbara – Rhys McLean 4, Morris Colin Skeen 2, Ryan Newick, Shannon Coyne, Daniel Farmer, Mark Hamilton, Blaine Boekhorst

Mortlock – Luke Tanner 3, Bradley Jetta, Charlie Harding, James Moore, Sam Schlaghecke, Thomas Moore, Jaxon Saylor, Shaun Smith

AWARD WINNERS

Overall Championship Fairest and Best Awards

Division 1 – Jock Coleman Medal

Isaac Baum, Albany, Great Southern

Division 2 – Bud Byfield Medal

Timm House, Gnowangerup, Ongerup

Division 3 – Jock Beattie Medal

Denver Roberts, Midland, Hills

Coach of the Championships – Dick Smith Memorial Award

Ryan Henley, Peel

Field Umpire of the Championships – JJ Lussick Award

Talen Guthrie, South West

Goal Umpire of the Championships

Jason Morrow, South West

Boundary Umpire of the Championships

Zade Colley, Great Northern

Peter Troode Umpire Development Award

Daniella Schoeman, South West

Rising Star Award – Donated by WAFL Past Players & Officials

Tye Kemp, Halls Head, Peel

Championship Grand Final Fairest and Best Awards

Division 1 – Nutrien Ag Solutions Medal

Tye Kemp, Halls Head, Peel

Division 2 – Nutrien Ag Solutions Medal

Josh Harris, Cervantes, Central Midlands Coastal

Division 3 – Nutrien Ag Solutions

Rhys McLean, South Hedland, North Pilbara

All Star Squad

Avon

Traye Bennell, Kellerberrin/Tammin

Central Midlands Coastal

Robert Warrell, Dandaragan

Jason Gilbee, Dandaragan

Josh Harris, Cervantes

Eastern Districts

Tom Baldwin, Narembeen

Eli Alexander, Hyden/Karlgarin

Goldfields

Callum Johnson, Boulder

Great Southern

Isaac Baum, Albany

Bodhi Stubber, Railways

Hills Football Association

Denver Roberts, Midland

Lower South West

Brett Wilson, Bridgetown

Mortlock

Thomas Moore, Goomalling

North Pilbara

Ryan Newick, Dampier

Jed White, Karratha Kats

Ongerup

Timm House, Gnowangerup

Peel

Riley Mitchell, Halls Head

Jye Clark, Halls Head

Tye Kemp, Halls Head

Ryan Bennell, Waroona

South West

Liam Creighton, Busselton

Caleb Stephens, Dunsborough

Jack Fletcher, Harvey Brunswick Leschenault

Coach – Ryan Henley, Peel FNL