The biggest day on the AFL Canberra calendar brought together four deserving Grand Finalists, with Ainslie and Eastlake contesting the men's premiership and Ainslie and Belconnen meeting in the women's decider.
By the end of the afternoon, Ainslie celebrated a remarkable Grand Final double, securing both the First Grade Women's and First Grade Men's premierships to cap off an outstanding season for the Tricolours.
First Grade Women
Ainslie vs Belconnen
The day's action began with a tightly contested Women's Grand Final, where Ainslie defeated Belconnen by 15 points, 4.3 (27) to 1.6 (12).
In a contest where scoring opportunities were at a premium, Ainslie made the most of its chances around goal. The Tricolours established a three-point lead at quarter time before gradually extending their advantage throughout the match. While Belconnen remained within striking distance for much of the afternoon, Ainslie's defensive pressure and ability to control key moments ensured they maintained scoreboard control.
Ainslie's premiership was built on relentless pressure around the contest and a willingness to compete in every phase of the game. Shannon Brown was outstanding, finishing with 15 disposals, nine tackles and 90 KVA points in a performance that set the tone for the Tricolours. Lily Martin was equally influential, contributing 18 disposals, 11 tackles and 103 KVA points while helping Ainslie maintain control through the midfield and around stoppages.
Ainslie co-captain Jamie Clayden was recognised with the Women's Grand Final Best on Ground Medal after an influential performance in the premiership victory. Clayden's leadership, composure and ability to impact key moments were important factors as the Tricolours secured the 2026 premiership.
Belconnen continued to challenge throughout the afternoon and were led by Grace Read, who amassed 28 disposals, five tackles and 105 KVA points in a tireless performance. Jorja Simpson also fought hard until the final siren, collecting 24 disposals and seven clearances to finish with 91 KVA points as the Magpies searched for a way back into the contest.
Ainslie secured the ultimate prize on the final day of the season to cap back-to-back premierships. A remarkable achievement for any team, but even more so given large amount of list turnover that occurred during the off-season. Their experienced players, combined with an extremely talented crop of young players will continue to be a force in the Women's competition for years to come.
Shannon Brown, Mia Cooper, Georgia Patterson, Lily Martin, Jamie Clayden and Maddison Holloway were recognised among Ainslie's best performers in the premiership victory. At the time of writing, no best players were available for Belconnen.
First Grade Men
Ainslie vs Eastlake
The Men's Grand Final delivered a physical and fiercely contested battle before Ainslie pulled clear to claim a 39-point premiership victory over Eastlake, 9.12 (66) to 3.9 (27).
The opening half was played at high intensity, with both sides working hard to generate opportunities in difficult conditions. Ainslie gradually established scoreboard pressure while Eastlake fought to remain within reach through disciplined defensive efforts and repeat contests around the ball.
Ainslie's dominance around the ball was driven by Jack Powell, who produced a polished Grand Final performance with 30 disposals, a goal and 119 KVA points. Matthew McGrory was equally influential, recording 23 disposals, two goals and 113 KVA points as the Tricolours gained control through the middle stages of the contest.
McGrory's influence on the contest was recognised with the Alex Jesaulenko Medal as the Men's Grand Final Best on Ground. His ability to win the football in crucial moments, impact the scoreboard and provide leadership around the contest played a significant role in Ainslie securing the 2026 premiership.
Blake Holloway provided an important scoreboard presence, finishing with three goals, while Ainslie's forward pressure continually forced Eastlake into difficult situations as the game progressed.
As the match wore on, the Tricolours began to gain greater control through the midfield and around stoppages. Their ability to apply pressure, win territory and capitalise on key moments ultimately proved decisive as they steadily increased the margin across the second half.
To Eastlake's credit, the Demons continued to compete until the final siren and never allowed the contest to become one-sided. Jack Evesson Larsen was among their best contributors, collecting 16 disposals and laying eight tackles to finish with 87 KVA points in a determined performance. However, Ainslie's composure, contested work and ability to execute under pressure enabled the Tricolours to close out the match and lift the Jack Dorman Trophy.
The premiership victory brings to a close an invincible season for the history books for the Tricolours. Undefeated across a total of 17 games, this Ainslie team will go down with some of the many great teams across Ainslie's history, and they'll be boosted in 2027 with the celebration of the club's centenary.
Matthew McGrory, Jack Powell, Joe Bishop, Xavier Zerger, Matthew Teasdale and Josh Maynard were among Ainslie's strongest contributors in the premiership win. Eastlake was well served by Harrison Clubb, Spencer Bassett, Angus Baker, Oscar Davis, Jake Gunning and Donald Roberts.
Season Complete
Grand Final Day provided a fitting conclusion to another outstanding WR Engineering AFL Canberra Premier Division season. A landmark season for the competition as a whole with the introduction of a seventh club, a historic opening with Huddle Round and the celebrations of Eastlake's Centenary and Batemans Bay's 50th Year, plus many more.
From the opening bounce in March through to the final siren at EPC Solar Park, the 2026 season showcased the strength, depth and passion that continues to drive community football across Canberra and the surrounding region. As the curtain closes on another memorable year, Ainslie's Grand Final double stands as the final chapter in a season that once again highlighted the quality of the WR Engineering AFL Canberra Premier Division.
See you at the footy in 2027!
Head over to the AFL Canberra PlayHQ page for all fixtures, results and ladders for the WR Engineering AFL Canberra Premier Division.