Country Championships: Great Southern finish undefeated to clinch division three title over Esperance

From not having a team in 2022 to premiers in 2024. A staunch Great Southern secured the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Championships division three title with a grinding victory over their southern rivals Esperance at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Sunday. Having qualified for the big dance after an undefeated round-robin where they conceded just three goals in four games, Great Southern flexed their muscles again in a low-scoring, stoppage-heavy encounter to emerge 27-point victors. Versatile rebounding defender Kane Pinney was prolific in the defensive-50 and was named player of the final, but it could have gone to any one of his fellow defenders including vice-captain Brayden Parker, who was also immense in the absence of injured captain Isaac Baum. Great Southern ruck Nathan Powell was enormous in the 7.7 (49) to 3.4 (22) victory, while hard-nosed on-baller Jayden Scott (one goal) thrived in the wet and slippery conditions. Scott opened the scoring in the first few minutes with a brilliant long-range snap out of a stoppage before setting up Revis Alone moments later for his first. Great Southern’s control around the contest proved pivotal in the early stages and former Fremantle and St Kilda player Brett Peake was the beneficiary when he slotted his first. After a slow start, Esperance worked their way back into the encounter when Riley Mayfield pounced on an uncharacteristic turnover from Pinney deep in defensive-50. Esperance dominated for most of the second quarter but failed to register a score and then a 50m penalty gifted Great Southern’s Declan McNamara his first of the day before Camball McMahon made it two in as many minutes. As the rain started to pour, Esperance got the ideal start to the second half when Powell conceded a 50m infringement which walked Sam Johnston to the line for his first. At the other end, Peake missed three golden chances to extend his side’s lead in a game where goals were now hard to come by. Peake appeared to have booted the sealer after strolling into an open goal at the beginning of the last before Nathan Francis provided the highlight of the day and potentially the spark Esperance needed to ignite a fightback when he unleashed an enormous barrel from beyond the arc. Esperance continued to push hard in the final 10 minutes but Great Southern’s defence held firm before Peake snapped truly for his third in the last four minutes and ultimately sealing premiership glory. Esperance were buoyed by the tireless run provided by winger Thomas Stead between the arcs, while Ruben Wakeham and Oakley Wallace were also crucial. Great Southern’s Bailey Taylor was selected in the championship all-stars team and Hills’ Brad Jetta was awarded the Jock Beattie Medal as player of the tournament in division three.