UGSFL 2025: Brookton-Pingelly fend off Katanning Wanderers late challenge, Wickepin too slick in opening round

Last season’s wooden spooners Katanning Wanderers have gone close to upsetting Brookton-Pingelly in the opening round of the new Upper Great Southern Football League season. The Tigers have started 2025 with renewed optimism and fell short by just two points after a terrific second half in Pingelly on Sunday. The Panthers, under new coach Aaron Morton, led by 28 points at half-time but the visitors stormed back into the round-one contest. Led by captain James Laurino and returning pair William and Tyrone Roe, the Tigers kicked four goals to one in the third term, and won the fourth term as well. However, the Panthers kicked 1.5 in the final quarter, and that was enough to cling desperately to a 7.17 (59) to 8.9 (57) victory in the end. New recruits Jayden Woods, Liam Beacom and Reese Richardson were all outstanding in the win for the home side, while Jacob Sounness, Shannon Fernando and Lewis Parsons also played key roles. Jayden Woods kicked a vital goal in his new colours, while Nicholas Haslam booted two for the Panthers. The Tigers were left to rue a slow start on the road but were best served by Laurino, William Roe, Tyrone Roe, Brock Green, Ryan Pontillo, and Joshua McMahon. Corey Eades and Caleb Keley were the multiple goal kickers with two each in positive signs under new coach Darren Schloithe. The new league competition started on Saturday with a twilight fixture between Narrogin and Wickepin at Clayton Road Oval. Just three goals were kicked in the first half as the two sides grappled for control, before the Warriors took control after the long break. The Warriors, who were grand finalists last year, have a host of new players in their side under player-coach Dion Anthony. Former Collingwood player Kayle Kirby is the biggest of those signings, and he booted four goals in the 35-point victory. The Warriors extended their lead after booting three goals in the third and then added four more in the final term to coast to a 9.12 (66) to 4.7 (31) result. Anthony returned to the Warriors in strong fashion with two majors while Blake White, Sam Fortini, Ryan Melvin, Fraser Wittwer, Flynn Spark and Jordan Flavel were also influential. The Hawks were best served by new additions Byron Blevin, Gregor Taylor, Coen Jackman and Declan Phillips. Jack Walsh, on his return to the Hawks, kicked two goals, and Declin Mumby also played an important role. Boddington shrugged off a first-half challenge from Kukerin-Dumbleyung to record a 70-point win at home on Sunday. With former State player Mitchell Dobson their prized recruit for 2025, the Eagles kicked nine goals to one in the last half on their way to a convincing win. Lloyd Padwick booted six goals and Dobson added five in the 16.16 (112) to 6.6 (42) win. Jarrod Salmeri is back at his home club having spent the last seven years with South Fremantle in the WAFL, and he had a big say in the result. Matthew and Ben Sherry, Dylan Kirk, Blake Reynolds, Samuel Cooper and Salmeri were named in the best players for the reigning premiers. The Cougars showed early promise but were outclassed after half-time despite the best efforts of new Victoria recruit Will Listo, key position pair Peter Joyce and Charlie Keast (two goals), player-coach Jye Depane, Liam Park and Austin Shotter. Wagin caused an early upset as they beat Williams by 11 points at Matera Oval on Sunday. John Lee starred with four majors while George Gibson, Thomas Fleay, Max Mumme, Alfred Finlayson and Brayden Watt were outstanding for the home side. The Cats were overrun in the final term, conceding five goals as they went down 7.8 (50) to 9.7 (61). New recruits Jarryd Morton and Jackson Ryan (three goals) impressed, while Kyle Shanahan, Jonty Petchell, Myles Carne and Noah Logie were also among the best players.