26/07/2026
NNFL Round 12 results!
The regular season has now wrapped up. The season consisted of some great quality games, with it coming down to the final game to see who would stay alive for the finals series.
Congratulations to Pioneers who finished top of the ladder!
Congratulations to Saints on a great season. We look forward to seeing you back in 2027!
Saints vs Pioneers was a game with great history and significance for both clubs. An annual game for the Esme Cup in honour of Damien McCarthy.
Damien McCarthy was a young and talented footballer who played for both Saints and Pioneers. In 1990, his final year with Saints, he was awarded Best and Fairest, with John Amphlett as captain. That year, Saints won the flag. Damien later moved to Pioneers, where his partner at the time played netball. During his time with Pioneers, he continued to shine, winning Best and Fairest in 1991.
On the day of his passing, Damien had just played a game for Pioneers against Saints. In that match, John Amphlett was named Best on Ground, and Alan Whybourn captained Pioneers. Tragically, after the game, while driving youth back to community, Damien was killed in a car accident near Auski.
Outside of football, Damien was deeply committed to supporting young people, regularly travelling to remote communities as part of his work. In his memory, the Esme Cup was created — a light-hearted tribute to his resemblance to the character Esme from the TV show A Country Practice.
Pioneers present the Alan Whybourn Medal, named after Alan Whybourn — a premiership player, club Best and Fairest winner, and key figure in the club during the 1980s.
Saints present the John Amphlett Medal, in honour of John Amphlett, who was coach during Damien’s final year with Saints.
Congratulations to Pioneers for retaining the Esme Cup, Stephen Gower for receiving the Alan Whybourn medal and David Garlett for receiving the John Amphlett medal đź‘Ź
Another big milestone in NNFL with Evan Carroll playing his 150th game in the league. A special milestone celebrated with his family travelling to Newman and his brother pulling on the special edition guernsey to play!
NNFL would like to congratulate you on a massive achievement!
Thanks to our season sponsors Axis Hire, Deans Autoglass, Metro Steel Fabrication WA, Metwest Steel and Luxwin Windows
