East Freo does the Double!

East Fremantle Claims Historic State League Double

The East Fremantle State League Men’s and Women’s teams have both secured the ultimate prize, capping off a stellar season for the club. For the fifth time in club history (1994, 1999, 2001, 2017, and now 2024), both senior teams have triumphed in the same season. The Women raced out to a 5-1 quarter time margin, which extended to 7 goals by 3/4 time, to record a 14-10 win, while the Men fought out a 2OT classic, with All-Star defender Tom Richards scoring the golden goal in a heroic solo effort from the faceoff.

Tom Richards is hoisted up by teammates after scoring the winning goal

The Men’s team dominated throughout the year, finishing as Minor Premiers with just a single loss, while the Women’s side fought their way to the Grand Final from second place. This marks the first premiership for the Men since 2017, while the Women reclaimed the Rae Reid Cup for the first time since 2019.

The Women's team celebrates after winning the grand final

Adding to the club’s success, Ryan Spark and Posy O’Keefe were awarded Kuljak Medal honours. The Kuljak Medal, funded and presented by the Kuljak Lacrosse Club, is awarded to the Most Valuable Player in the State League Grand Final for both Men and Women. East Fremantle boasts a rich history in this category, with 17 Kuljak Medalists since the award’s inception in 1992.

Ryan Spark’s win is particularly noteworthy as it marks his second Kuljak Medal. His first came in 2010 despite a 12-10 Grand Final loss. He now joins an elite group of East Fremantle multiple-time winners, including David Whiteman (1992, 1994), Matt Schomburg (1999, 2000, 2001), Brad Goddard (2003, 2007), Jess Kennedy (2011, 2016), and Madi Copeland (2017, 2019).