Lauderdale fix 2024 heartbreak, while Clarence, Kingborough, Claremont claim seasons best

There were plenty of big hits, strong tackles and celebrations – on and off the field – in the Sunday deciders.

Check out the full days wrap here.

Under 13 boys – Kingborough 4.8 (32) def North Hobart 1.0 (6)

In slipper conditions, it didn’t take long for the Tigers to get on the board as they looked hungry for premiership success right from the first bounce.

Kicking the opening goal inside the first five minutes and with plenty of rain around, it was evident this game was going to be fairly scrappy.

Led from the front was big man Angus Wood who was a towering presence all over the ground.

Tigers Dempsey Fahey had a game high two goals, including the match winner in the fourth quarter as the Demons were pressing.

Fahey kicked the opening goal to kick start the Tigers as Kingborough held a seven-point lead into the first break and a 10 point lead into half time.

Tigers skipper Jordan Lucas kept the momentum rolling just after the half time break who read the perfect tap down and snapped to extend the lead to 16 points.

Demons’ Riley Triffitt was North Hobart’s only goal scorer, kicking it in the third to peg the score back to 12 points, trying to give the Demons some life.

Tigers Angus Wood was named best on ground for his performance.

The Tigers were the team to beat this year after a brilliant 11-1 record during the home and away season.

Under 14 boys – Lauderdale 2.7 (19) def Kingborough 2.6 (18)

From heart break to glory – just 12 months on from going down in the under 14 grand final by a single point, Lauderdale held on to claim victory by the same margin over Kingborough.

With just seconds remaining, Tigers forward Jayden Roberts got the ball out the back just inside the centre square, ran inside 50, chucked it on the boot only for the ball to roll to the right and through for a minor score just as the siren blew, leaving Kingborough shattered as Lauderdale celebrated.

Bombers coach Reid Hooker said he could feel his heart stop beating as the ball rolled towards goal.

“Incredible for our boys, that is footy,” Hooker said.

“I feel for the Kingborough boys because we were where they are right now, to go down by a point, it is heartbreaking.

“But I am so proud of our boys to hang on and get the win, my heart and nerves were all over the place during that last quarter.

“The boys really stood up, I thought, you know we didn’t play our best footy but Kingborough really took it to us which is what made such a great game.”

Tigers defender Jack Illingworth was named best on ground and had a major impact in the final moments of the game, including the thumping kick into the centre square which led to the final point of the game.

Under 15 boys – Claremont 13.16 (94) def Clarence 5.3 (33)

Claremont left nothing in the tank to claim a huge premiership win at North Hobart Oval, knocking off Clarence by 61-points in the STJFL under 15 boys.

Despite a tight contest early, the Bulldogs put the foot down late in the first quarter and never let up as tensions boiled over in the second quarter but Claremont were able to maintain the pressure and run out 13.16 (94) to 5.3 (33) premiers.

Bulldogs coach Ben Atkin said it was something they had spoken about after the preliminary final win.

“I thought we weren’t at our best last week and our pressure wasn’t where we wanted it to be,” Atkin said.

“But the way the boys applied themselves today, put pressure on the ball carrier, used their skill to open up the game I thought was amazing to watch.

“You know it has been a great effort all season, the boys come to training every Tuesday and Thursday and put in the work, they never miss a training unless sick or something has come up.

“But I just think it shows, to put in the season we did, the way we went about it, just super proud of them.”

Benjamin Atkin was named best on ground as the midfielder dominated on both the inside and outside throughout the day.

Clarence lost Harry Scott to injury during the first quarter who was carried off on a stretcher and didn’t return.

Under 16.5 boys – Clarence 8.5 (53) def Sandy Bay 3.8 (26)

It has been a fairytale ending for Clarence in the STJFL under 16.5 boys after winning the premiership in 2025 off the back of a horrendous 2024 campaign.

The Roos won just four games last season and on Saturday they celebrated an 8.5 (53) to 3.8 (26) win over Sandy Bay at North Hobart Oval.

Roos coach Todd Anderson said it was an incredible effort from his team.

“I am so proud of the boys, really, just so proud,” Anderson said.

“We started pre-season in October, November and we recruited some players into the group and they made us better.

“But these boys could have split up a few years ago, or end of last year after what happened but to stick together, as a core group, and this is what the result is of that, outstanding.”

Clarence captain Eli Bott was named best on ground in a wet and slippery contest.

“Yeah he was huge for us today, stood up big time,” Anderson said.

“We were challenged and credit to Sandy Bay they played some really good footy throughout the day, I was thankful when that rain came after three quarter time.

“But Eli, the game was on the line, he stood up, put his head over the footy and played the game and that is what great leaders do.”

Originally published as Lauderdale fix 2024 heartbreak, while Clarence, Kingborough, Claremont claim seasons best