September marked the end of another football season, including hosting the West Australian Football League grand finals.

SWAS partner-sport athletes Chayse Martinson, Cody Ryan, Colby McDonald and Jessie Hollins, all lined up for Swan Districts Football Club in the colts grand final, and put up a fight against a strong contingent from the Claremont Football Club.

The region’s players shone brightly for the Swans, but in the end it was not enough, with Claremont proving too strong.

McDonald, who captained the side, said he was proud of his teammates and the work put into their overall game this season. “To come from fourth place on the ladder all the way to a grand final at Optus Stadium was an unreal experience,” he said.

“It’s a real testament to the will of John Armstrong and the coaching staff to pull us out of that playing hole and give us direction.”

McDonald said he was privileged to have captained the side — and made history in doing so.

“Knowing that there has never in history been a player from Bunbury to captain the Swan Districts colts side, it was unreal as the first to do it as well as be alongside my co-captain and fellow SWAS representative Chayse Martinson,” he said.

Alumni athlete Scott Tuia was also in action on the day, rounding out his season with Peel Thunder to take out the WAFL league premiership title.

Written by: Lowen Ferry

Picture: Claremont co-captains Hamish Davis and Austin Van Der Struyf will face Swan Districts co-captains Chayse Martinson and Colby McDonald in this year’s grand final. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian