Dampier Sharks through to NPFL grand final, Wickham advance to preliminary final against Karratha Kats

Dampier Sharks are through to the grand final and a step closer to defending their premiership after defeating Karratha Kats by 36 points, 12.6 (78) to 6.6 (42), in the North Pilbara Football League qualifying final.

The final took place at Windy Ridge Oval on August 27 with both sides having their moments in a close opening term, but the Sharks made the most of their time with the ball to lead by nine points at quarter time.

It was an explosive second term for Dampier, with the home side booting 3.2 to extend their lead to 26 points at the main break.

Kats came out firing in the third quarter trying to close the deficit, however Dampier refused to budge to keep a 25-point lead at the end of the back-and-forth quarter.

Dampier finished the game strong, overrunning the game Kats in the final quarter, booting three goals to Karratha’s 1.1.

Aaron Victor and Lance Jungine were the stand-out goalscorers for the Sharks with four and three goals respectively, while the Kats had six individual goal kickers.

Meanwhile, Wickham Wolves outclassed Karratha Falcons by 39 points in the Karratha club’s first league finals appearance in eight years.

A close opening term ended with Wickham leading Falcons by just one point.

Both clubs had their moments in the second quarter but Wickham were able to extend their lead to 17 points at the main break.

An explosive eight goal third quarter changed the tone of the game, with the Wolves blasting their way to an ominous 47-point lead at the end of the quarter.

The Falcons rallied in the final term but were unable to bridge the gap with Wickham Wolves defeating Karratha Falcons 16.12 (108) to 10.9 (69).

Tom Higgins bagged six goals for Wickham while Riese Wilkey booted four for the Falcons.

Wickham will now go up against Karratha Kats at Kevin Richards Oval on September 3.