The Eagles Schoolboys Cup Waalitj Division and Eagles Division grand finals were claimed by Christian Brothers College (CBC) Fremantle and Mater Dei College respectively, with the two matches taking place at Mineral Resources Park over a two-week period.
The Schoolboys Cup is the premier Year 8/9 schoolboy’s competition in Western Australia, run over terms two and three, with the 2024 season having over 100 schools and more than 3000 students involved from both the metro and regional areas of the state.
The Waalitj Division grand final was the first match of the two and saw a pair of strong sides go head-to-head, with a new face in CBC Fremantle looking to take down a dominant squad in Comet Bay; the back-to-back 2022 and 2023 premiers playing in their third straight grand final.
During the regular season it was Comet Bay who defeated CBC Fremantle, however it was the latter who dethroned the reigning champs, scoring a late goal to win the game by 10 points – CBC Fremantle 3.6 (24) defeated Comet Bay College 2.2 (14).
It was the first time since 2013 that CBC Fremantle have won the competition, with the intense and strongly fought match on both sides being a testament to how close the 2024 season was.
The second game played the following week went down to the wire as well with the Eagle Division grand final being played between Mater Dei College and Willetton Senior High School.
Both teams performed exceptionally well and were in great spirits despite extremely wet and windy weather conditions, but it was Mater Dei who were ahead at the final siren by 8 points, claiming their first ever win in the Eagles Schoolboys Cup – Mater Dei College 2.6 (18) defeated Willetton Senior High School 1.4 (10).
West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) Schools Specialist Regan Atkinson reflected on the tight matches to finish a fantastic 2024 competition.
“For Mater Dei College, having not won the competition before it was really exciting and a great reward for the whole school football program, teachers and students who played and supported throughout,” Atkinson said.
“In the Waalitj Division it was fantastic to see the strongest side from the last two years play in their third grand final in a row, demonstrating the fantastic and high-quality football programs many of our WA schools are facilitating.
“To see these two schools have close battles both during the season and in the biggest match of the competition was fantastic, and I’m sure we’ll see both of these schools continue to be competitive in 2025 and beyond."
With over 15 years of collaboration, the West Coast Eagles have supported the WAFC led competition with the Eagles Schoolboys Cup achieving great results all over the state.
Community Partnerships and Governance Manager, Sam Rotham, highlighted the success and importance of the Eagles Schoolboys Cup in supporting grassroots football.
“It’s vital to keep these boys active in a setting that is safe for them to express themselves and have a lot of fun with their friends as they continue to grow throughout their schooling life.”
“The West Coast Eagles are proud to provide active lifestyle opportunities for students to compete at a high level and grow our game within schools across WA.”
