Kingsway claim maiden Sandover Shield in thrilling Grand Final win over Curtin Uni Wesley

Kingsway are the kings of the Perth Football League for the first time.

Twelve years after joining the competition from the Sunday Football League, the Roos prevailed in their maiden A Grade Grand Final appearance against Curtin Uni Wesley.

Kingsway produced a 68-point turnaround from their 50-point loss to the Tigers a fortnight ago to prevail by 18 points – 11.3 (69) to 7.9 (51).

The Roos led at every change, including by 13 at three-quarter time, but minor premiers Curtin Uni Wesley wouldn’t go away, booting two goals in as many minutes in the final term to stay in the hunt.

Luke Halligan kicked the sealer at the 19-minute mark to share a flag with his older brother a dual WAFL premiership player Kyle, in his second season back at their junior club.

Kyle Halligan booted two clutch long-range goals, took a heap of marks around the ground and used the ball with his usual class by foot to put his stamp on the contest.

Ben Reid stood tall in defence, reading the play so well and rarely making a mistake, Jaxon McGowan provided the rebound from half-back.

Pressure forward Matt Jackson provided a late spark, with a massive tackle in the goal square before converting just before three-quarter time.

The State PFL representative added his second early in the final term before Liam O’Connor joined the party with another against the breeze.

Triple Subiaco premiership forward Rhys Waters was the main man in the midfield for Kingsway to cap off his debut season with yet another flag.

Kingsway have become a family orientated club with Rhys and Brad Waters being one of the five sets of brothers in the squad which has been a core reason behind the club’s rise from C to A Grade over the last few years.

Bradyn Furmark was the hero for Kingsway, kicking two clutch goals including a remarkable snap from the pocket in the third term after turning his opponent inside out.

Furmark was awarded with the BJ Giles medal after being judged best afield.

A crowd of approximately 4500 made the trip to Steel Blue Oval and witnessed three close encounters.

Collegians were victorious in the Phil Scott Colts, sending off their coach Andrew Fordham in thrilling six-point win over University 6.8 (44) to 5.8 (38) with James Carrigg claiming the best on ground medal.

Curtin Uni Wesley prevailed over North Beach by four points in the A Reserves, 4.3 (27) to 3.5 (23) with Kyle Wheeler earning the best on ground honours.

AFL royalty was also in attendance, with CEO Gillon McLachlan taking on the coin toss duties, along with the AFL Premiership Cup being on display.

SCOREBOARD

KINGSWAY 3.2, 5.2, 8.2, 11.3 (69)

CURTIN UNI WESLEY 1.1, 4.6, 5.7, 7.9 (51)

GOALS – Kingsway: K Halligan 2 B Furmark 2 M Jackson 2 L Vanirsen R Waters L Ricketts L O’Connor L Halligan. Curtin Uni Wesley: C Dell’Olio 2 Z McCarrey M Carter R Mason R Cronin C Taylor.

BEST – Kingsway: B Furmark R Waters R Brookes M Jackson B Reid K Halligan L Vanirsen. Curtin Uni Wesley: R Mason S Bewick C Dell’Olio J Bechelli M Carter.

UMPIRES: M Worobec, L Retallack, M Moore

Article Credit: Jordan McArdle | The West Australian. To read the full article go to: The West – Bush and Burbs

Photo Credit: Ryan Miller/Matthew Boggs