Great Northern Ends 27-Year Wait as Great Southern Earns Promotion at 2026 CBH Colts Championships

The 2026 CBH Colts Country Championships concluded in spectacular fashion on Friday, with Great Northern ending a 27-year premiership drought in Division One and Great Southern securing promotion back to the top division after claiming the Division Two title.

Across two days of outstanding football, the CBH Colts Championships once again showcased the incredible talent emerging from regional Western Australia, with players representing communities from every corner of the state.

Great Northern Crowned Division One Champions

Great Northern completed a flawless undefeated campaign to claim the Division One premiership, defeating South West 10.6 (66) to 3.4 (22) in the grand final at Scotch College.

It was the Mid West side’s first CBH Colts Country Championships title since their maiden triumph in 1999, capping a dominant tournament in which they won every match.

Great Northern set the tone early in the decider before pulling away with a polished team performance.

Rhama Evans capped an unforgettable Championships, collecting the Ken Baxter Medal as joint Division One Fairest and Best and the Kim ‘Freddy’ Curnow Grand Final Best on Ground Award after another commanding display.

Great Southern Storm Return to Division One

Great Southern Storm will return to Division One in 2027 after defeating West Pilbara 7.9 (51) to 6.7 (43) in a thrilling Division Two Grand Final.

The Storm completed an unbeaten carnival and held off a determined West Pilbara outfit in a hard-fought contest.

Ruckman Jonti Catterall controlled the air, while Buddy Robinson provided a strong target inside forward 50. Ryan Hick, Clay Harrington and co-captain Ned Shepherd were also instrumental throughout the victory.

West Pilbara never stopped fighting, led brilliantly once again by captain Brock Edwards, who gathered plenty of the football and kicked a superb final-quarter goal to keep his side within striking distance. Midfielder Will Muscutt was also influential throughout the contest.

Teasjaun Woods capped off an outstanding tournament by winning the Division Two Fairest and Best Award before also being named Best on Ground in the grand final.

Kimberley Spirit Finish Strong

Kimberley Spirit bounced back from a tough opening day to finish the Championships on a high, defeating Mortlock-Avon to secure third place.

Kevin Long starred with four goals, while Jock Mosquito added three majors and Linden Dicken produced one of the moments of the carnival with a spectacular mark to go with his two-goal performance.

For Mortlock-Avon, captain Beau Vellios continued his consistent Championships with another hardworking display through the midfield and forward line.

Peel Retain Division One Status

Peel ensured they will remain in Division One next year after defeating Regional Districts in the promotion-relegation playoff.

The Cavaliers proved too strong, with Austin Lekias outstanding through the midfield, Will Hicks controlling the ruck and Charlie Thomas leading a composed defensive unit.

Regional Districts fought hard throughout the contest, with Thomas Coughlan kicking two classy goals while Thomas Tate battled tirelessly through the midfield.

Congratulations to all players, coaches, officials and volunteers who made the 2026 CBH Colts Country Championships another outstanding celebration of country football.

2026 CBH Colts Country Championships Results

Division One Grand Final

Great Northern 10.6 (66) defeated South West 3.4 (22)

Division Two Grand Final

Great Southern Storm 7.9 (51) defeated West Pilbara 6.7 (43)

Championship Award Winners

Colts Championships Fairest & Best

Division One – Ken Baxter Medal