SWFL 2022: SWFL return to the top of WA country football after dominant senior carnival

The SWFL returned to the WA country football summit on Sunday at the WACA after trouncing Avon 17.13 (115) to 3.3 (21) in the division one country football championship grand final. Coached by Chris Kinninmont, the SWFL finished the carnival undefeated — and saved their best performance for the decider. Keen to start strongly, Zac Trigwell put the red-hot favourites in front inside the opening minute. And aside from a brief period of resistance in the first term, Avon were unable to quell the SWFL’s crumbing forwards. Avon’s Tom Lee — who tied with SWFL forward Patrick Farrant for player of the carnival honours — was unable to find space all game, such was the tight marking from disciplined South West defender Zac Pethybridge. The only sour part of the awesome performance was a hamstring injury to SWFL big man Tyson Wood, who limped off with five minutes left in the game. Farrant was also unable to play in the grand final because of concussion protocols. Several players — including Sam Lewis, Trigwell, Farrant, Tyson Wood and Mitchell Tenardi — received All-Star status, while Braden Fimmano also had an excellent carnival. Kinninmont was naturally thrilled with the final outcome and believed every single player did what was asked of them. “We made some late changes from the original list that was selected,” he said. “However, the people who put their hands up to play wanted to be there for all of the right reasons. I believe this showed in the overall outcome — where we were able to blow away a pretty good side. “It is a credit to the players, coaches and volunteers, who should all be commended for what they did over the three days, due to the team effort which was put in.” There was also a small slice of fortune involved for the SWFL, who came within seconds of losing their opening round robin clash on Friday morning at Fremantle Oval. Trailing all game against Upper Great Southern, Trigwell was able to mark in the goal square with 20 seconds left in the contest, with his goal putting them five-points in front on the final siren.