Local players represent Manjimup in WAFLW grand finals

A pair of Manjimup footballers did their home town proud playing in the 2021 WAFLW grand finals in Mandurah at the weekend. Former Warren-Blackwood Bomber, Dana East, represented Swan Districts in their 21-point loss to Peel Thunder at David Grays Arena on Sunday. A close battle throughout the day saw Peel lead by just seven points at the final break, but the home side was able to finish strong thanks to a handful of goals from key forward Kira Phillips, dashing any hopes of a Swan Districts comeback. The Thunder eventually claimed their second premiership in a row after finishing on top of the minor premiers 5.6 (36) to 2.3 (15). As a tough, inside midfielder, East had a significant battle in the middle of the ground lining up against eventual Lou Knitter medal winner and Fremantle Docker Sabreena Duffy. East has been a star in the midfield for Swan Districts this year after joining the club at the start of the season and was also recently invited to join the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft Combine ahead of the draft on July 27. Earlier in the afternoon, Manjimup’s very own Hannah Church took home a premiership playing for the Thunder’s reserves side after a thrilling six-point win over East Fremantle, which finished with a final score of 6.4 (40) to 5.4 (34).