By PETER ROWE
South Perth Lions v Fremantle Roosters
‘Calm, collected and mentally locked in’ was how South Perth coach John Crawford described his team’s attitude this week as they prepared for their 16th NRLWA grand final appearance this century.
For opponents Fremantle it’s much the same. Player-coach Duane Butler won’t be on the field but he’s a veteran of these events, having won five and lost three grand finals in his time at the club.
The 2026 Fuel to Go & Play Premiership grand final will see a battle of the game’s heavyweights here in Western Australia with the Roosters making their 11th grand final showing since the 2000, and the pundits unable to pick a winner.
Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga was a guest at George Burnett Park on Tuesday, offering a few wise words to a Lions squad that has been consistent all year.
“He chatted to the players and I think everyone really enjoyed his presence,” Crawford, another veteran of the big day, said.
“Our run was light, ball work and we tried to keep it fun. We have a good mix of experience and younger talent and they complement each other well.”
The experience comes in the shape of veterans like Daniel Green and Eddie Proudler, both big voices on the park, but, as Crawford was quick to add, there are plenty of other talented players in their side as they bid to overcome the disappointment of last season’s loss to the Willagee Bears.
“We have a good forward pack who will lay the platform for the halves, not just Greenie but Tim Noble, Mason Hiko, Jarrad Smith and Mathius (Tumuli-Ah-Kuoi), Crawford said.
“And I know how everyone talks about Eddie (he will be playing in his sixth grand final), but young Hepa (Hohepa Taiatini) has come on in leaps and bounds this season, from a quiet young man into a quality player. He scored three tries against Fremantle when we met them at Treeby Oval in the regular season.
“We have a lot of talent in our backs. Corban Daniels at left centre is one and of course there is Kade (McDonald).”
McDonald has been struggling with a hamstring injury since limping off in the major semi-final two weeks ago and will be given until Friday evening to prove his fitness.
“Right now it’s a 50-50 call,” Crawford admitted.
If he’s not ready then expect Billy Judge to take the fullback role, although don’t be surprised to see McDonald named on the bench.
Crawford knows this grand final will be tough. He watched how Fremantle defeated Willagee last week in the preliminary final. “They wanted it more,” he said. “Rock solid defence, a very good set of forwards, and then there’s Ryan Woolley. We will have to watch him.”
“We may have beaten them comprehensively earlier in the season, but they then beat us recently, so they are a form team and will be dangerous.
“We have to match them from the start, grind it out early. The first score is important as it settles you down.”
Crawford also knows how important it is to rotate his forwards, keeping them fresh. They can play 80, but in a game like this legs can get heavy and mistakes can occur.
“Grand finals are not usually flashy, exciting games. They are intense and are won with discipline and the least amount of errors.
“It’s 12 years since we won one. We want to put that right.”
It’s four years since the Roosters last triumphed at Dorrien Gardens, beating North Beach 30-8. There’s been disappointment since, but player-coach Duane Butler, who felt the pain on those occasions, is convinced this year will be different.
“We want to put it right,” he said. “We lost in 2024 (to North Beach) and South Perth lost last year to Willagee, so both teams have something to put right really.”
And fullback Harry Debique was a member of that South Perth team. “Not spoken to him about it but I know he will want to be on the winning side this year.”
For Butler 2026 has been a roller coaster of a ride, starting slowly and steadily improving last month to eventually take out Kalamunda and then Willagee in the finals.
But that is all behind them. “It’s like the start of a new season,” Butler added.
“A bit nervy, but we have enough experience around the team to make sure the younger guys are OK.
“The first 10 to 20 minutes are crucial for both sides. Finding the groove, completing those early sets and kicking well.
“We can improve on last week, but this is another level. This is what we all dream about, playing in a grand final.”
For the ever-young Delane Edwards it is another grand final appearance and his leadership is key if Fremantle are to win the game.
The 40-something halfback has been the mainstay of the club for well over a decade. Like Butler this will be his ninth grand final appearance. But, it doesn’t faze him.
“He just takes it in his stride, nothing gets to him,” Butler said. “Delane is our voice out there, but he’s so cool about everything he does.”
When asked about the opposition, Fremantle’s likeable coach said all 17 were a threat. “They are a very good side. Of course Kade (McDonald) is an X-factor. They have strength everywhere and the loss last year will, I’m certain, be a driving influence,” he said.
“I expect Ryan Woolley will have a target on his back, because he has played so well recently, but he’s a confident young man and I know it won’t affect him. He’s missed a lot of football in the past two years with injury so he has a chance to prove people wrong.
“I think it will be a close game, probably a fast game and in that first 20 we need to be alert. There are two very different lineups from when we last met, It’s 1-1 across the season, Let’s bring it on.”
