Quadruple champions Dampier Sharks claim 2024 flag in 14-point win

The Dampier Sharks have secured their fourth consecutive premiership with a thrilling 14-point victory over the Karratha Falcons in a hard-fought NPFL grand final. The Sharks, already dominant across the last three seasons, stamped their authority on the competition again with a 10.12 (72) to 8.10 (58) win at Windy Ridge Oval on Saturday night, capping off an incredible run of four premierships from 2021 to 2024. The game started with both teams struggling to find their footing. The Falcons managed to edge out a narrow lead in the first term, 2.3 (15) to the Sharks’ 0.6 (6), but the Sharks roared back in the second, firing off four goals to take a slender nine-point lead at half-time, 4.8 (32) to 3.5 (23). The battle only intensified in the second half, with the Sharks extending their lead to 16 points at the third-quarter break. Despite a valiant effort from the Falcons, the Sharks were able to maintain their composure in the final term, securing the premiership with two late goals. The Shark’s Guy Langdon, whose presence was felt across the ground, was named best on ground for his commanding performance. The reserve grade contest saw the Karratha Kats come out on top in a nail-biter against the Sharks, securing the 2024 premiership with a 10.3 (63) to 8.6 (54) win. The Kats led for most of the match, although the Sharks briefly took the lead in the third quarter. However, the Kats held strong, with a late surge sealing the victory and the reserves’ title. In the women’s grand final, the Dampier Sharks completed a stirring comeback to take home the title in a thriller against the Kats in a massive upset. It marked the first time the Kats women’s team had ever lost a match. Trailing by nine points at half-time, the Sharks stormed back in the second half, turning the game on its head and clinching the premiership by just two points, 5.2 (32) to 4.6 (30). The Sharks’ Adele Arnup was named best on ground for her relentless efforts that proved instrumental in the Sharks’ victory. With their fourth consecutive flag, the Dampier Sharks have cemented their place in NPFL history, showing they are a force to be reckoned with across all levels of the competition.