GNFL grand finals: Chapman Valley ends longest drought in league as season comes to a close

The 2024 Great Northern Football League season came to an end on the weekend with four thrilling grand finals sending off what was a competitive year of footy in the Mid West.

Crowds packed out Wonthella Oval on Saturday in the hundreds, gathering to watch the top sides clash for premiership glory.

The Royal army was the majority by far, with Chapman Valley fielding three sides over the four days.

They came up short in the reserves and women’s, but league brought it home to end a 32-year drought for the Valley faithful.

It was a close bout between Brigades, who entered as underdogs after storming through finals with upset wins over Railways and Northampton.

They couldn’t keep it going and the Royals showed their class to close out the game, winning 9.11 (65) to 8.6 (54) and bringing the cup back to Nabawa.

Lee Hutchins was named the Geraldton Guardian’s best on ground for kicking 2.2 and providing an impact around the ground. Skipper Ringo McKenna was named East Fremantle best player. East Fremantle has partnership with the GNFL and every year names a best on ground from each grand final.

In the women’s, Towns won their maiden flag with a commanding 8.4 (52) to 3.0 (18) win over Valley.

Royals had the early jump in the tight match, but the Bulldogs blitzed it in the second half to capture their first premiership.

Gemma Dix was awarded best on ground after she kicked five goals in the win, marking the second year in the row that she has been named as the best player in the decider. Olivia Bidwell took out the East Fremantle award.

It wasn’t all bad luck for the Brigades football club, with their reserves pulling off a late win to break Chapman Valley’s hearts.

Down one point, Khegan Cross slotted a goal for the Hawks with only minutes to go in the fourth quarter to take the lead and win the decider 7.4 (46) to 6.6 (42).

Jaxon Luff took out the best on ground honours and Dion Dann was given the East Freo honours.

The day started with Mullewa defending their crown in the colts grand final, with the Saints young guns beating Northampton in the decider for a second year in a row.

Last year’s final came down to the wire, and this game looked like it was going to play the same tune in the first half.

However, Mullewa were able to take control after half-time and run away with the 11.16 (82) to 8.1 (49) win.

Dwayne Ryder won the best on ground award, while Gregg Galby was given the East Fremantle nod.