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WAFL Story Lines: Dees close in on finals, see-sawing Shark Park clash, Curtin call, WAFLW race heats up and moreMonday, July 21, 2025 - 12:55 PM - by Jordan McArdle
We take a look at all the biggest story lines across the WAFL and WAFLW competitions in our weekly column.
Drought over for Demons?
Perth have got a step closer to breaking a long finals drought after a hard-fought come-from-behind victory over Swan Districts at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.
The Demons, who have played finals just once since 1997, trailed by 12 points at the five-and-a-half-minute mark of the last term before booting five of the last six goals.
The win was all the more gutsy considering Perth were down two rotations before half-time with Oscar Hine-Baston suffering a suspected foot injury in the opening minute and Brodie McLean (knee) also going down in the first half.
Zac Derksen kicked three of his four goals in the last quarter, equalling teammate Blake Schlensog’s game tally.
Brandan Parfitt was also impressive for the victors with 28 disposals, 10 clearances and several important late defensive efforts, while fellow midfielder Corey Bryne (26 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal) was absolutely everywhere.
Midfield duo Jesse Turner and Jye Chalcraft were Swan Districts’ best alongside ruckman Nathan Blakely.
See-sawing Shark Park clash
It was an epic battle between East Fremantle and reigning champs Peel Thunder at The Good Grocer Park on Saturday, with the hosts prevailing in a see-sawing thriller.
The Thunder trailed by as much as 32 points early in the second term after East Fremantle booted seven of the first nine goals.
The visitors then went on a run of their own, turning a 25-point deficit into a 14-point lead by three-quarter time.
But the Sharks lifted late, inspired by Jono Marsh’s two final-quarter goals including the lead-changer at the 18-and-a-half-minute mark, to win by 10 and go a step closer to cementing their September spot.
Falcons cause upset over WAFLW ladder leaders
West Perth handed ladder leaders Subiaco just their second loss of the WAFLW season in a two-point thriller at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.
Kayla van den Heever, one of her side’s best all match, kicked the match-winning goal early in the final term of the low-scoring clash as the Falcons held on for a memorable victory.
The injury-hit Lions were well serviced by the usual suspects of Lisa Steane and Paige Sheppard who finished with 29 disposals apiece, while Dhara Kerr Medal fancy Krstel Petrevski had 22.
Claremont are now just percentage behind Subiaco in second spot after easily accounting for East Perth in the first game of the Sullivan Logstics Stadium double-header.
Jaime Henry continued her stunning form with 37 disposals and a goal as Swan Districts defeated Peel Thunder convincingly at Steel Blue Oval, while East Fremantle jumped into the top four with a win over Perth at Mineral Resources Park.
With two rounds remaining, six teams can still qualify for finals with West Perth and South Fremantle sitting just outside of the top-four.
Curtin call
State 18s vice-captain Cody Curtin returned to the EGT WAFL Colts competition with a bang, booting a whooping six goals in Claremont big win over Subiaco in the annual Albany clash.
Curtin finished with 6.3 to go with eight marks and 16 disposals in a dominant display.
Fellow WA under-18s leadership group member Charlie Banfield (20 disposals and three goals) also impressed for the Tigers, as did his younger brother Harper (23 disposals, eight inside 50s and six tackles).
Hudson Walker, also returning from State 18s duties, was excellent in a losing cause for Subiaco with 23 disposals, six tackles and five clearances as he pushes his case for a senior recall.
Midfielder Tom Grylls was another big performer in Round 15 of colts action, amassing 32 disposals, 10 clearances, six inside 50s and booting two goals in East Fremantle’s comfortable win over Peel at home.
Swan Districts gun Blake Kelly continued his strong colts form after a decent AFL Under-18s Championship campaign, racking up 29 disposals, seven clearances and six tackles in his team’s narrow away win over Perth.
Sandover trio star for Tigers
Sandover medallists Jye Bolton, Callan England and Bailey Rogers starred in Claremont’s massive win over Subiaco at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday.
The trio combined for 105 disposals, 18 inside 50s, 16 clearances and three goals in the Tigers’ 87-point victory.
Ruckman Ollie Eastland continued his strong season with 23 disposals, 32 hit-outs and four clearances, while young gun Talon Delacey kicked an equal career-best four goals.
In more good news for Claremont, captain Declan Mountford returned from a shoulder injury for his first appearance since Round 3.
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