While West Coast gave Subiaco Oval its big farewell on Sunday, some younger footballers went to war during the Eagles Schoolboys Cup grand final ahead of the Eagles’ clash with Adelaide on Sunday.

Sacred Heart College reigned supreme in the curtain-raiser fixture, winning the coveted cup following an epic three-point win over archrivals Emmanuel Catholic College in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

West Australian Football Commission schools and female competition coordinator Darren Clutton said it was fantastic to conclude the Eagles Schoolboys Cup with such a close contest.

“The game was played at an extremely high standard,” Clutton said.

“The Eagles Schoolboys Cup Competition has continued to go from strength-to-strength, which has seen an increase in the number of participants each year.”

The Eagles Schoolboys Cup is an interschool competition coordinated by the WAFC and proudly supported by West Coast Eagles. It contested by boys in Years 8-9.

West Coast Eagles general manager community and game development Richard O’Connell said the club loved being a part of the competition, which has now been running for 34 years.

“In terms of achieving healthy lifestyles, positive mental health outcomes and fostering a sense of belonging, team sport can be a powerful driver. This is why West Coast Eagles proudly supports the WAFC to deliver the Eagles Schoolboys Cup,” O’Connell said.

Each year metropolitan schools play in a district or conference-based competition to find a champion school to represent each of the nine WAFL districts. The nine champion schools later compete for the Eagles Schoolboys Cup.

In addition, regional schools have the opportunity to participate in a round robin competition or one-day lightning carnival to determine a country-based champion.