19/10/2026
O'Rourke Realty Investments WA Real Estate A grade Season Wrap Up
What a year.
From my point of view, this season has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding years I’ve had in footy.
To finish 18–2, sit on top of the ladder and then go on and win another A Grade premiership is something I’m incredibly proud of. Going back-to-back is hard. You start the year knowing everyone wants to knock you off, expectations are higher and nothing is given to you. What I loved most was the way our group embraced that challenge.
I’ve probably spoken all year about contest, territory, pressure and ex*****on, but what stood out to me most was the connection within this playing group. They genuinely cared about each other, they worked hard for each other and when the season got to the biggest moments, they trusted one another and trusted the work we had done.
To be able to share the year with our A Reserves and see both sides go back-to-back made it even more special. The relationship between the two squads was probably as strong as I’ve seen. There was never an A Grade group and a Reserves group. It felt like one senior playing group all pulling in the same direction, and I think that played a massive part in the success of both teams.
As a coach, you can put plans and structures in place, but ultimately the players are the ones who have to bring it to life. This group did that all year. They bought in, challenged each other, accepted their roles and continued to uphold the standards we expect at North Beach. Watching them get rewarded on Grand Final day was something I’ll remember for a long time.
It was also great to see Alex, Joey and Drew recognised with state representation throughout the year. I was really proud to see those boys rewarded and representing not only themselves, but North Beach as well.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate with the people around me. A massive thank you to Brett Davis, Stewart Kestel, Nic Condidorio and Leigh Kitchin. Coaching can take up a fair bit of your life and these guys have put an enormous amount of time and energy into this group. I’ve loved coaching alongside them and their relationships with our players and contribution to what we’ve built has been huge.
There are so many other people behind the scenes who make a season like this possible too. Our support staff, volunteers, committee, families and everyone who gives their time to North Beach. Premierships might be won on the field, but they’re built by a whole footy club.
More than anything, I’ve just really enjoyed this year. I’ve enjoyed coaching this group, watching them grow, watching them compete and seeing the enjoyment they’ve had doing it together.
Back to back A Grade premiers. Back to back A Reserves premiers.
A pretty special chapter for North Beach and one I feel very fortunate to have been a part of.
We are North Beach.
