Eastern Districts Ends 55-Year Wait with Great Southern Colts Carnival Triumph

The Great Southern Colts Carnival has been run and won for 2026, with the Eastern Districts Football League recording a remarkable victory, securing their first colts carnival premiership since 1971.

The 104th edition of one of country football’s most historic events delivered a fitting finish in Lake Grace, with Eastern Districts completing an undefeated carnival to claim the title and etch their name into the history books.

After progressing through the pool stages unbeaten, Eastern Districts faced perennial grand finalists Great Southern Storm in Sunday’s decider. With scores level at the main break, another thrilling finish looked on the cards. Eastern Districts, however, had other ideas, slamming on five goals to none in the third quarter with the aid of a handy breeze to all but secure the victory.

The eventual premiers defeated Great Southern Storm 9.4 (58) to 5.2 (32), ending a 55-year wait for carnival glory.

Vincent McCormack was outstanding for Eastern Districts and was awarded the Clem Bray Trophy as best on ground in the Grand Final. He was joined among the winners’ best players by Blake Gardner and Codan Daddow.

Daddow capped off a superb carnival by claiming the Harry Reeves Medal as the Best and Fairest player across the entire competition. Great Southern Storm were best served by Marlon Mastalerz, Hayden Leo and Taesjaun Woods.

Earlier in the day, Peel claimed third place, defeating Lower South West in the playoff.

Country Football WA Competitions Manager Brent Sheridan said the 2026 edition would be remembered as one of the carnival’s most significant.

“The carnival, which first took place over 104 years ago, remains one of the highlights on the Country Football calendar and the 2026 edition will be one to remember. It’s not often a 55-year drought is broken,” Sheridan said.

“It’s a huge undertaking to put this event on annually. Congratulations to the Great Southern Football Council, Shire of Lake Grace, Lake Grace Pingrup Football Club and the local community for showcasing their town, facilities, district and football in such a fantastic manner.”

“The carnival also wouldn’t be possible without the many sponsors that contribute. A special thank you to Freight Lines Group, CBH, Great Southern Fuels and everyone else that helped bring this event to life.”

Individual Honours

Harry Reeves Medal – Carnival Best & Fairest

Codan Daddow (Eastern Districts Football League)

Clem Bray Trophy – Grand Final Best & Fairest

Vincent McCormack (Eastern Districts Football League)

Tuck Waldron Trophy – Umpire of the Carnival

Cohen Ribeans (Peel Football Netball League)

The Great Southern Colts Carnival continues to play a vital role within the Country Football WA talent pathway, with many of the weekend’s standout performers now turning their attention towards the 2026 CBH Colts Championships, commencing on 9 July.

Supported by major partners Freight Lines Group and CBH Group, the carnival continues to provide a platform for the next generation of country footballers to test themselves against the best talent from across regional Western Australia.

Country Football WA congratulates Eastern Districts Football League on their historic premiership and thanks all participating leagues, players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who contributed to another outstanding Great Southern Colts Carnival.

GREAT SOUTHERN 20

Images from Mad Dog Moore Media