Lockington-Bamawm United’s under-15s celebrate a goal in their stunning Heathcote District Football League grand final win over Leitchville-Gunbower. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Lockington-Bamawm United has taken out the inaugural Heathcote District Football League under-15 premiership after shocking Leitchville-Gunbower.
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The Cats were heavy underdogs for the fixture, facing a Bombers side that lost only once all year and had beaten them in five previous meetings in 2026.
But Lockington came out as the better side from the off at Strauch Reserve, kicking the first four goals of the game.
Cats Declan and Logan Carmichael celebrate a goal.
In very wet conditions, Declan Carmichael started the early onslaught before two well-taken checkside finishes by Hayden Keele and Ryder Murray had the Cats up 18-0.
A long kick from Cody Cook then evaded everyone in the forward 50, bouncing twice on the way through for LBU to lead 24-0.
The ball had barely gone into Leitchville’s forward line in the opening stages, but it finally found a major just before quarter-time thanks to Bayly Young.
Raiden Baines and Leitchville’s Bayly Young in the marking contest.
There was less goalmouth action in the second term, with the Bombers ramping up their pressure to restrict LBU.
But the Cats still booted the only major in the period and took a 5.0 (30) to 1.3 (9) lead into half-time.
Judd Spittal gets boot to ball under pressure from Declan Carmichael.
Leitchville would make a better start than Lockington in the third quarter, getting repeat entries into its 50, which led to a goal two minutes into the second half.
But LBU responded immediately through Murray, who found himself totally free to goal from a set shot, and later added another to lead 43-15 with five minutes until three-quarter time.
Hugh Ralston and Hayden Keefe in the ruck contest.
Though the likes of Thomas Gretgrix and Jax Hare did their best to weather the storm, both being particularly strong in the air, the Cats’ ball use on the day was too slick for the Bombers to handle.
Murray added another to his tally just before the three-quarter time siren, getting to the ball first and finishing easily after it was kicked into an open 50, with LBU up 49-16 ahead of the fourth.
Hunter Sims is tackled by Ash Quayle as he gets the handball.
The Cats goaled early in the final term, with Logan Carmichael converting Cook’s excellent centring kick to extend the margin to 39.
Though seemingly home and dry, Leitchville would make Lockington sweat for its victory in the final stages.
Cody Cook wheels away from pressure.
The Bombers found two quick majors via Gretgrix and Young, before a great finish by Harry Emonson in the pocket suddenly had the margin cut back to 20 with five minutes to play.
Despite the promising finish, Leitchville’s efforts would be in vain, as LBU’s strong start to the game ultimately secured it a 9.3 (57) to 5.5 (35) victory.
Kiefer Haines with his best on ground medal.
“We were always close all year, and I just put it on the boys at the start of the game that they needed to bring a bit extra,” Cats coach Levi Potier said.
“I think we learned a lot during the year on how Leitchville play and getting our match-ups right, so I think that was an important part of the puzzle as well.”
Lockington is the first winner of the HDFL’s under-15 competition, which was only introduced this year.
LBU’s Kiefer Haines took out the best on ground medal on the day.
The under-15s would get the party started early for Lockington, which went on to win the other two football grand finals it featured in at Strauch Reserve.
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