UGSFL 2025: Last-minute goal in grand final secures Katanning a premiership on home turf over Narrogin

Katanning Wanderers got their grand final revenge in the Upper Great Southern Football League colts competition, with a goal in the final minute securing a famous flag triumph over Narrogin on Sunday. The home ground premiership win was all that much sweeter for the Tigers, after falling short in last year’s grand final. The thirds grand final was a low-scoring but well-fought contest from the outset as both sides defended strongly and attacked with flair at Quartermaine Oval. However a major from Tigers’ Rhys Holzknecht inside the final minute secured a two-point win in front of the delighted home supporters. The Hawks came in as minor premiers, with their only loss coming in round 13 against the Tigers, and they led early in the decider. Tough conditions made scoring difficult but the Tigers kicked two majors compared to the Hawks who managed 1.5 in the second term to hold a one-point buffer at half-time. A fruitful third term saw five majors kicked overall, three to Hawks as they maintained a narrow lead. In a tense final term the Tigers did plenty of attacking but only had three behinds to show for it, as the Hawks defence held firm. With less than a minute to play a mad dash compelled a wild kick down the middle and found the hands of Holzknecht who booted the winning goal as the Tigers prevailed, 6.5 (41) to 5.9 (39). Teammate Tramain Way was the Wanderers only multiple goal scorer with two, while Dylan Quartermaine, Nathan Smith, Chace Campbell and David Penny were crucial in the flag win. Young gun Evan Hardie booted two majors for the Hawks and was well supported by Bryce Edgley, Cody Heywood, Kaleb Thorne, Martin Riley and Henry Synnot. Way received the Barry Butterworth Medal as best on ground in the grand final. Wanderers captain Quartermaine and Hawks youngster Bryce Edgley were awarded the South Fremantle Football Club best-on-ground honours. Despite not making it to the grand final, Wagin’s Ronald Williams collected the John Pillage leading goal kicker trophy and teammate Jye Mouritz won the Beacham Medal as the association’s fairest and best player.