The Fixtures for Division 3 were thrown into a tailspin days out from the Landmark Carnival with the withdrawal of not one but two sides.  The Onshore Cup were set to re-join the carnival however were unable to field a side.  The Hills Football Association has a strong history of attending Country championships and unfortunately also withdraw.

"I though with the fixturing set as it was would have given both these sides the best opportunity to compete and potentially win a few match” said Championship Competition Manager Joe Georgiades.

With only three teams left in the pool, the WACFL weighed up a complete restructure of divisions two and three, however the three team round robin format was seen and the least disruptive moving forward.

Thankfully, all worked out ok as there was some highly competitive matches in the pool games with the relegated Ongerup and Central Wheatbelt both winning three of their four matches.

Ongerup has had a turbulent few seasons after being promoted to Division one in 2013 and then getting relegated from division 3 the following year.

The started the Division 3 grand final like a team on a mission and had a significant lead going into quarter time.  Central Wheatbelt was undoubtedly thrown back by the first quarter and despite a competitive remaining three quarters, were never able to challenge for the win.  In a physically demanding match there was a number of solid exchanges with both teams putting their bodies on the line.  Clever Central Wheat belt Half Forward Hayden Cook came from the ground after a solid collision and failed to return robbing the team of some potency up forward. 

Country stalwart Luke Bairstow was a solid contributor across the carnival while Dylan Gilbert stood out with his blonde dreadlocks and work through the stoppages.  Jayden Brooks saved his best performance of the carnival for the Grand Final and will again be in contention for a State Country call up.  Alexander Coe and Tyson Rowlings toiled hard for the Central Wheat belt.

North Midlands brought a young side to the carnival and despite their failure to win a match the team will be much better for the trip to Perth.  Dongara’s Erinn McCartney caught the eye of All-star selectors getting in his sides best players all four matches and was judged North Midlands best.