UGSFL 2025: Boddington and Kukerin-Dumbleyung make top four after big wins, Katanning Wanderers miss finals

Boddington and Kukerin-Dumbleyung snared the last two spots in the finals after an enthralling final round of the 2025 Upper Great Southern Football League competition on Sunday. The Eagles finished commanding 82-point winners to remain inside the top four while the Cougars powered to an 87-point win that helped them snatch fourth spot, at the expense of Katanning Wanderers who lost to Wickepin in round 14. The Tigers entered the final round inside the top four but were no match for the minor premiers Wickepin, losing by 91 points at Quartermaine Oval. A dominating display by from the reigning premiers secured their spot in finals and officially squashed Williams chances who failed to record a strong victory needed to make the top four. The Eagles finished comfortable 21.8 (134) to 8.4 (52) winners at home. The Cats were scattered from the first siren, struggling to man their players which set up plenty of scoring opportunities for their opponents. The Eagles worked as a well-oiled machine, finding high success in the ruck they wasted no time booting it down the field before the Cats could catch up as they led by 24 points at quarter time. In the opening minute of the second term Eagle Zak Pretty swiftly kick the the ball to unmanned teammate Matthew Sherry right in front of the goal, an easy major to further extend their lead. The Eagles continued making impressive marks, working extra hard to turn over the ball in the midfield to ensure it did not leave their hands for long. The Cats went goalless in the second term while the Eagles landed four majors, giving them in a safe 47-point half time advantage. In the second half the Cats managed five goals but the home side had all the answers, kicking 10 of their own. Eagles spearhead Lloyd Padwick pioneered the forward line with multiple diving marks and five goals and Dylan Kirk played his part with three while Harry Cabalzar, Jimi Gillespie, Pretty and Matthew Sherry also kicked multiple goals. An outstanding show of athleticism had Pretty and Kirk as influential players alongside Jacob Schorer, Samuel Cooper, Jimi and Lewis Gillespie. The Cats were best served by Nick Panizza, Noah Logie, Luca Gangemi, Bradley Jetta, Darcy Gillett and Jarryd Morton while Charles Cowcher kicked two majors. Needing a win to give themselves a chance of breaking into the top four, the Cougars started swiftly at Nenke Oval with four goals to one against Wagin. A seven-goal second term helped the Cougars skip well clear by the long break and then another seven majors in the third put the game to bed for the home side. Youngster Howie Clegg was brilliant with seven majors and Toby Perrin added four as the Cougars won easily, 22.6 (138) to 7.9 (51). Midfield star Will Liston was dominant and well supported by Perrin, Jye Depane, Clegg, Liam Park and Nick Groenenberg. The Bulldogs were well led by Nicholas McMahon, Nick Menegola, Mark Allington, Bronson Harry, Josh Kirk, George Gibson and Kym Monteath (three goals). The Warriors piled on 11 goals in the first half to set up their big victory on the road. The margin was 59 points by half time and the Warriors ran out 19.7 (121) to 4.6 (30) winners at the finish as player-coach Dion Anthony booted five majors. The visitors also had strong contributions from Flynn Spark, Kendal Ballard, Ryan Melvin (four goals), Joe Dowling and David Roche (four) as they finished on top of the ladder. The Tigers season came to an end despite the best efforts of James Laurino, Zane Sutherland, Toby Quartermaine, Brock Green and Jake Blight. In the other fixture Narrogin were emphatic 92-point winners over Brookton-Pingelly at Clayton Road Oval. Nine goals in the second term guided the Hawks to a 16.25 (121) to 4.5 (29) result.