Fremantle CBC claim Sandover Shield to end 22-year premiership drought

Fremantle CBC have won their first A Grade premiership in 22 years with an 18-point win over minor premiers Curtin Uni Wesley at Steel Blue Oval.

The victory capped off an excellent year for Fremantle CBC, finishing second on the ladder, the club’s highest finish since 2018 when they also featured in a Grand Final.

Curtin Uni Wesley jumped out to a 12-point lead kicking the first two majors with the first coming from Cory Dell’Olio with a classy snap from 40 out.

Rallying behind skipper Luke Pearson, Fremantle CBC were able to respond and played the rest of the quarter on their terms with Jack Perham winning a big contest to kick CBC’s first to head into the first break down by 6 points.

The second term was dominated by CBC as they booted four majors to Curtin’s one with Dion Anthony kicking the goal of the day with a miracle snap from the pocket.

Cory Dell’Olio was able to steady the ship for Curtin, kicking his second major of the day before George Hampson and David Bongiascia piled on two goals for CBC to go into the main break with a 13-point lead.

Thomas Hooker kicked the first major at the 6-minute mark of the third term for CBC but Curtin’s James Corner was able to respond just 2 minutes later with a massive goal to steady his side.

Fremantle CBC took a 14-point advantage into the final break and had the breeze to kick with.

It took until the 13-minute mark of the final quarter to see the first major kicked through David Bongiascia for his second goal of the day.

CJ Jamieson Medallist (A Grade Fairest & Best) Chris Leonard then delivered a sense of hope for Curtin to bring the margin back to under 3 goals with 10 minutes left on the clock.

George Hampson delivered a devasting blow just seconds later after the next centre bounce, crumbing at the feet of Jack Perham and snapping his second major of the day.

Jack Perham then delivered the final blow at the 20-minute mark of the final quarter to seal a drought-breaking premiership for Fremantle CBC.

Matt Ward was instrumental through the midfield throughout the day for Fremantle CBC and George Hampson put on a monster display kicking two majors and was proved to be damaging with every possession.

Fremantle CBC Captain Luke Pearson was awarded with the BJ Giles medal after being judged best afield as he put in a heart and soul performance to get his side over the line.

Fremantle CBC Coach Liam Anthony said, “It means a lot to bring happiness back to some of the old stalwarts who still attend most games and are involved with the club.”

SCOREBOARD

FREMANTLE CBC: 1.1, 5.3, 6.4, 9.5 (59)

CURTIN UNI WESLEY: 2.1, 3.2, 4.2, 6.5 (41)

GOALS – Fremantle CBC: G Hampson, J Perham, D Bongiascia 2, T Hooker, D Anthony, M Jones. Curtin Uni Wesley: C Dell’Olio 2, B Gillam, C Leonard, J Corner.

BJ GILES MEDAL: Luke Pearson (Fremantle CBC)

UMPIRES: J Smart, L Retallack, A Markusic

MATCH REPLAY