Pilbara Pythons Primed for Second CBH Colts Championships Campaign

After making their long-awaited return to the Country Football Championships in 2025, the Pilbara Pythons head into this year’s CBH Colts Division 2 competition with greater experience, stronger preparation and plenty of belief.

Returning for their second consecutive Championships, the West Pilbara Junior Football League has built on the foundations laid last year, with 16 players returning from the inaugural campaign and a full pre-season program helping prepare the squad for the challenge ahead.

Head Coach Adam Diamond said the group had embraced every opportunity to improve since last year’s Championships.

“We learnt a lot from our first year back in the competition and this year we deliberately aimed to build an experienced side,” Diamond said. “The boys have completed our first-ever Pythons pre-season program and the buy-in has been outstanding. Their fitness is a real strength and they’ve put themselves in a great position to compete in Perth.”

Diamond, who has coached across various levels at club football, said working with players aged 15 to 19 is something he is particularly passionate about.

“It’s such an important stage in a footballer’s journey and it’s rewarding helping these young players continue their development.”

While fitness has become a hallmark of the squad, Diamond believes the group’s greatest strength extends beyond football.

“Our biggest strength is family. It’s one of our core values and I expect the boys to embrace that throughout the Championships. They’re a close-knit group who genuinely enjoy representing each other and the Pilbara.”

League President Aaron Bruce echoed that excitement, believing the blend of returning players and emerging talent gives the Pythons every chance to make an impact.

“Half of our squad played at last year’s Championships and we’ve added some outstanding young talent,” Bruce said. “We’ve got a great combination of skill, endurance, football IQ and raw talent that we think will impress the competition.”

Several players are expected to attract plenty of attention across the Championships.

Forward Curtis Sands-Winmar, affectionately dubbed “the excitement machine”, returns after an eye-catching debut campaign and is capable of producing spectacular marks and goals that energise both teammates and spectators.

In the ruck, Cale Buzzard shapes as one of the competition’s premier big men. A talented basketballer, Buzzard combines athleticism, timing and clean hands to dominate stoppages and give his midfield first use.

Bruce also highlighted wingman Brock Edwards, whose elite endurance was showcased with a remarkable 15.6 beep test result, placing him among elite AFL-level benchmarks.

“The supporters should definitely keep an eye on those boys,” Bruce said. “But I also think we’ve got a few surprise packets that people will be talking about by the end of the carnival.”

The commitment shown by the squad throughout the year has reinforced the significance of the Championships to football in the Pilbara.

Preparation began back in February, with players participating in combines, travelling hundreds of kilometres for training sessions and dedicating countless hours to representing their region.

“The hype from last year carried straight into this season,” Bruce said. “The boys have embraced everything. They’ve travelled huge distances, attended dozens of training sessions and fully committed to earning the opportunity to wear the Pythons jumper.”

For the West Pilbara Junior Football League, the Championships remain the pinnacle event on the football calendar.

“It’s our premier football event,” Bruce said . “It’s the chance to bring together the best young players from five towns and six clubs. When the Pilbara comes together, there’s a special energy that everyone can feel. We absolutely love it.”

That sense of pride extends beyond the players. Diamond was quick to acknowledge the volunteers whose commitment makes the program possible.

“Our volunteers work incredibly hard behind the scenes to give these boys the opportunity to compete,” he said. “I’m grateful for everyone who helps make this happen. They’re the real winners, along with the players who continue to show up and commit to the program.”

Representing one of Western Australia’s most unique football regions, the Pilbara Pythons once again carry the pride of communities connected by football despite the vast distances between them.

With valuable Championship experience now under their belts, a fitter squad and a culture built around family, the Pythons will be aiming to take another significant step forward when the 2026 CBH Colts Championships get underway.

For all information on the CBH Colts Championships – CLICK HERE