CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms LAWRENCE (Hasluck) (16:45): All the best to the Fremantle Dockers AFL women's team as they take on the Western Bulldogs and to the Dockers men's team in their preliminary finals against Sydney. It's been an absolutely fantastic week for football in Hasluck, and I want to take the moment to recognise the incredible achievements of the Swan Districts Football Club.
Last night, the Black Ducks were exceptionally well represented at the 2026 Sandover Medal and Dhara Kerr Medal awards. A huge congratulations to Jaime Henry, who won the Dhara Kerr Medal and the WAFL Women's best and fairest player and who polled a record breaking 35 votes. Congratulations also to Ashley Sharp, who took out the Joanne Huggins award as the competition's lead goal kicker, with 36 goals for the season.
Ashley became the third Swan Districts player in as many years to win the award, following Taylah Edwards and Courtney Zappara. Congratulations also to Coach Jason Burton, who was named the WAFL Women's Coach of the Year—a fitting recognition for a remarkable season—and the club's Rogers Cup side claimed a thrilling one point grand final victory over East Fremantle while the reserves will contest this weekend's grand final after an equally impressive 14-to-two season.
The Colts, All Abilities and Futures league teams showed fight all year, and I'm sure they'll bounce back strong next season. Good luck also to the wheelchair team, who start their season this Sunday at the Swan Active Beechboro against the Royals. Off the field, Swan Districts continues to go from strength to strength under the leadership of CEO Jarrad Wright.
This year saw the club host its first Good Friday fixture and another successful Big Freeze round, which raised more than $17,000 for the fight against motor neurone disease. Through its Roebourne programs, Swan Districts continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people in regional communities. The club's annual Build and Ride Day saw about 50 donated bicycles refurbished and distributed to local young people while also promoting road safety awareness.
Swan Districts has long been one of the great community institutions in our electorate. My passion for football started with Swan Districts. I used to go to every game with my pop and my dad, and we'd sit down by the ice cream van on the far side of the oval.
Honestly, I have wonderful memories from there. Their achievements today are another reminder of the positive difference sporting clubs make both on and off the field. As vice-patron, I could not be prouder and I absolutely look forward to seeing what they achieve in 2027.
For a quick shout-out, this Saturday, on 19 September, we're hosting the Hasluck Volunteer Awards, where again we get to recognise the extraordinary volunteers and community leaders within Hasluck.