Fremantle hosted the Club’s annual Tri-Series Carnival on Friday 24 October, with the Tendai Mzungu 16’s Squad facing off against West Coast and the WAFL All Stars.
The carnival delivered a fantastic display of football across all three matches. In a thrilling opener, the Tendai Mzungu 16’s side narrowly went down to the WAFL All Stars after a dramatic kick after the final siren, but bounced back with a hard-fought and just as thrilling five-point victory over cross-town rivals West Coast.
Throughout the 2025 season, the Tendai Mzungu squad have demonstrated tremendous growth both on and off the field. Their development has included learning detailed game roles and structures, skills development, recovery and preparation strategies, and building mental skills. This year was particularly special, as the Club hosted the inaugural Fremantle Football Club Next Generation Academy Awards Night.
Guests gathered on the newly developed terrace and in the vibrant function room at Freo’s HQ in Cockburn, creating a fantastic atmosphere to cheer on the Mzungu Squad during the carnival and to reflect on the year’s outstanding achievements.
Fremantle AFLW and NGA Game Development Manager Wade Spilcker shared his pride in the program’s progress.
“The 16’s Tri-Series Carnival, is always a highlight and to culminate the 2025 season bringing together participants and families from across our Next Generation Academy programs alongside the 16’s games was a tremendous way to finish the season,” Spilcker said.
“It was a fitting occasion to acknowledge the collective success of our teams and to recognise the outstanding efforts of our individual award winners who exemplify the spirit and values of the Fremantle Football Club NGA as well as recognising our valued staff for their important contributions."
The evening’s excitement peaked as players from each of Fremantle’s five NGA squads were honoured with a selection of three prestigious awards:
- The Trademark Award honours players who exemplify excellence, leadership, and resilience - inspiring teammates and upholding high standards on and off the field.
- The Anchor Award recognises dependable, grounded players who demonstrate integrity, consistency, and a positive influence, serving as the stabilising force within their teams.
- The Legacy Award, the program’s highest honour, celebrates individuals whose long-term commitment, leadership, and integrity have left a lasting impact on the organisation’s culture and future. This award was presented exclusively to members of the Stephen Hill/Antoni Grover and Elite Female Squads.
The night was a memorable celebration of growth, achievement, and unity for Fremantle’s next generation of stars.
Award Winners:
Peter Bell 14’s Squad
Anchor Award - Ethan Bellegarde
Trademark Award - Jorge Ferreria
Roger Hayden 15’s Squad
Anchor Award – Cooper Riseley
Trademark Award - Jayden Makanza
Tendai Mzungu 16’s Squad
Anchor Award - Gabriel Giltrow
Trademark Award – Xaiver Little
Stephen Hill/ Antoni Grover Squad’s
Anchor Award – Finlay Yeo
Legacy Award – Toby Whan
Elite Female Squad
Anchor Award – Heidi Ireland
Legacy Award – Alicia Blizard
