Kat-trick: Karratha Kats women’s defeat Hedland Blazers to win third straight premiership

Karratha Kats have made history, winning their third premiership in a row after defeating Hedland Blazers in a hard-fought match to claim the 2022 NPFLW flag. Kats went into the game at Windy Ridge Oval on September 10 as the heavy favourites, having been unbeaten in three seasons of football, and were pushing to extend their run to three straight premierships. However, they were up against Hedland Blazers in a rematch from last year’s grand final. Kats took the lead in the first term and looked a class above their Hedland rivals as they controlled the ball throughout the opening quarter to lead by eight points at the first break. Blazers came out guns blazing in the second term, kicking two straight to steal the lead at the main break. The wind continued to be a major factor, with the side kicking into the gusty breeze unable to score, and Kats made the most of this in the third term as the lead once again changed hands. Going into the final quarter, Kats led by 10 points and seemed set to cruise to their third straight flag but Blazers rallied, showing their class and put pressure on the favourites. In the end it proved too little to late with Karratha Kats coming out on top by three points 3.4 (22) to 3.1 (19). Speaking during the presentations, Kats captain Jessica Creighton paid respects to the Blazers’ efforts. “Your level is just improving every year, and the competition’s just getting harder and harder,” she said. “And one day you guys are gonna come out and beat us, and it’s gonna be a good day for you guys. “I just want to thank everyone and I want to thank my team especially because we just play so hard with so much heart and spirit.”