WAFL top-five locked in after thrilling final round

South Fremantle kept their Sullivan Logistics WAFL premiership defence alive with a stunning come-from-behind win over minor premiers Peel Thunder at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.

The Bulldogs needed to win to lock in their top-five spot after Subiaco upset Sullivan Logistics Stadium co-tenants East Perth.

Livewire Chase Bourne was the hero for Souths, kicking a classy goal during time-on in the final term to book his team a home Elimination Final against last season’s grand final opponents East Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval this Sunday.

It was a brilliant comeback from the Bulldogs are trailing by 16 points at half-time with star midfielder Matthew Parker leading the way and gun forward Trey Ruscoe booting a game-high five majors.

Epic contest at Fremantle Community Bank Oval with South Fremantle keeping their premiership defence alive with a thrilling four-point win over minor premiers Peel Thunder, coming back from 16 points down at half-time. Chase Bourne the hero with the match-winning goal during time… pic.twitter.com/MxO34NSiYL

— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) August 22, 2026

Perth clung onto third spot and the double chance after a hard-fought five-point win over West Perth in an emotion-charged contest at HIF Health Insurance Oval.

The Falcons nearly got the job done to farewell 300-gamer Aaron Black and fellow stalwart Shane Nelson in style before the Demons responded late to lock in a Qualifying Final date with Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium this Saturday.

The Demons had a milestone of their own to celebrate with co-captain Corey Byrne reaching 150 games.

Subiaco easily accounted for East Perth in a one-sided affair at Sullivan Logistics Stadium by 35 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep their season alive.

Claremont overcame a fast-finishing West Coast by 33 points at Mineral Resources Park to tune up for finals in style with top-10 AFL Draft prospect Heath Mellody starring with a game-high 33 disposals to go with a final-quarter goal.

Ridiculous second game of senior footy from Larke medallist Heath Mellody today for Claremont against West Coast. Finished with a game-high 33 disposals, 10 tackles and a crucial final-quarter goal in the hard-fought win over a fast-finishing Eagles. His draft stocks continue to… pic.twitter.com/Vqjjrn7geH

— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) August 22, 2026

In the final game of the round, Swan Districts finished their season with a comfortable 25-point win over East Fremantle at The Good Grocer Park

The Sharks farewelled a trio of key players with 150-gamer Jarrad Jansen, forward Alex Montauban and midfielder Tom Joyce all hanging up the boots.

Sullivan Logistics WAFL fixtures – Finals Week One

Saturday at Revo Fitness Stadium
League – Claremont v Perth at 2.10pm
Reserves – East Perth v Perth at 11.25am
Colts – South Fremantle v Claremont at 8.50am

Sunday @ Fremantle Community Bank Oval
League – South Fremantle v East Perth at 2.10pm
Reserves – Peel Thunder v West Perth at 11.25am
Colts – Subiaco v West Perth at 8.50am