Seb Ballard, Ryley Valli do Great Southern proud as Claremont win thrilling WAFL colts grand final over Perth

Two years ago aspiring young Great Southern footballers Seb Ballard and Ryley Valli sat in the stands as they watched the WAFL colts grand final, dreaming that one day they would get their chance on the big stage. A lot of hard work and dedication in the time since led the duo to Optus Stadium, where they played key parts in Claremont winning a 17th colts premiership on Sunday afternoon. In front of family and friends, Ballard and Valli were part of the Tigers flag triumph as they held off a late surge from Perth to win by 11 points. Mt Barker’s Ballard produced a brilliant defensive display, saving his side on several occasions with desperate spoiling or fierce tackling. Valli, who spent time with Railways and Royals before moving to the WAFL, had a busy opening half through the middle of the ground to help his side open up a vital eight-point advantage. The pair were quick to embrace after the final siren and Ballard recalls the day they spent watching the 2021 colts decider when Swan Districts were narrow eight-point winners over the Tigers. “It feels amazing,” he said. “It feels good to have all that hard work pay off and it still feels like a dream. “It was a very hard transition from Mt Barker to Perth so it feels so good to have a medal around my neck after a lot of hours on the track trying to get fit through preseason.” Ballard was awarded his club’s player’s player award after the 10.7 (67) to 8.8 (56) premiership triumph. He finished with 13 disposals and four marks while making several crucial intercepts or defensive acts. The Tigers were under enormous pressure in the final term but the Demons failed to capitalise, kicking 1.5. “The final quarter was hectic,” Ballard said. “The ball was coming in hot and we had to hold our nerve. “When the final siren sounded, it felt the biggest relief as the back six was under the pump.” Ballard said his focus was to shut down his opponent and then use the ball well when he could, something he did superbly. He kept Demons tall forward Cameron Hall to eight touches and two behinds. Valli also completed a fairytale first year at WAFL level with a premiership medallion and he had great influence off a wing in the opening half. The skillful ball winner finished with 12 possessions, three marks and two inside-50s. “It feels pretty crazy and still hasn’t sunk in to be honest I don’t think it will for a few days,” he said. “But it’s definitely something I won’t forget. “It was pretty nerve-racking at the end but luckily we held on. “I was relieved that we won it has been a long year and was good to finish on a high.” Valli praised the performance of his Great Southern teammate. “It was pretty cool to share it with Seb, we’ve got to know each other a lot more this year,” Valli said. “I think that game he played sort of sums up how he plays his best footy taking intercepts, spoiling and just being competitive. “He won our players player vote so I think that shows how important his game was.” Royals junior Ryan Lazar played 11 games for the Tigers colts this year and Railways’ Mohit Jaggi featured in one. That pair missed out on grand final selection but there at the ground cheering their teammates on.