Across the competition, teams entered the weekend with different objectives, from solidifying ladder positions to carrying strong form into September, and the final round delivered several impressive performances along the way.
At Alan Ray Oval, Ainslie completed a clean sweep against Belconnen, while Queanbeyan's women and Eastlake's men secured important victories at EPC Solar Park. Greenway Oval also hosted a pair of high-scoring contests as Tuggeranong Valley finished the regular season strongly against Gungahlin.
First Grade Women
Ainslie vs Belconnen
The morning began at Alan Ray Oval with a hard-fought contest between two finals-bound sides, with Ainslie edging Belconnen by just two points, 5.2 (32) to 4.6 (30).
Little separated the teams throughout the morning. Scores were level at quarter time before Ainslie held a narrow five-point advantage at the main break. Belconnen continued to challenge throughout the second half and reduced the margin to four points entering the final quarter, setting up a tense finish.
With both teams unable to gain a decisive break, the contest came down to key moments late in the game. Ainslie found enough composure to protect its lead and close out an important victory heading into finals.
A major contributor for the Tricolours was Georgia Patterson, who finished with 33 disposals, nine tackles and 133 KVA points in an influential performance around the contest. Belconnen was well served by Jorja Simpson, whose outstanding game included 31 disposals, 16 clearances and 105 KVA points as she continually drove the Magpies forward from stoppages.
Maddison Holloway, Georgia Patterson, Emily Bell, Imogen Morse, Hannah Collins and Shannon Brown were recognised among Ainslie's best. For Belconnen, Grace Read, Claire Egan, Hannah Pound, Amber Allen, Haylee Scholes and Josie Bates led the way.
Eastlake vs Queanbeyan
Queanbeyan completed the regular season with a commanding 46-point victory over Eastlake at EPC Solar Park, 8.11 (59) to 2.1 (13).
The Tigers established control immediately, kicking the only goal of the opening quarter before extending their advantage through the second term. By half-time, Queanbeyan had built a 19-point lead and continued to apply scoreboard pressure after the main break.
Eastlake battled hard throughout the afternoon and defended strongly for periods of the contest, but Queanbeyan's ability to control territory and create repeat opportunities inside 50 ensured the margin continued to grow.
Jayde Hamilton was instrumental in the victory, collecting 32 disposals, laying six tackles and finishing with 107 KVA points as she drove the Tigers' midfield effort. Eastlake's best contributors included Madeline Convery, Eleanor Lidbetter, Indira Peak, Charlotte Marshall, Elizabeth Gower and Julia Bassett.
Tuggeranong Valley vs Gungahlin
Tuggeranong Valley finished the home-and-away season in strong fashion, defeating Gungahlin 10.10 (70) to 3.1 (19) at Greenway Oval.
Valley set the tone from the opening bounce, keeping the Jets scoreless in the first quarter while establishing a five-goal lead. Although Gungahlin responded after the main break, the damage had already been done as Tuggeranong Valley controlled much of the contest.
Anne-Maree Ghirardello delivered one of the standout performances of the round, finishing with three goals, 19 disposals and 108 KVA points. Her impact around stoppages and inside 50 played a major role in Valley's victory.
Anne-Maree Ghirardello, Ava Brassil, Alana Fraser, Chloe Brassil, Siena Nehua and Hayley Otten were among Tuggeranong Valley's best performers. Samantha Rubino, Chloe Sullivan, Amity Yeoman, Belinda Wozniak, Clare Warwick and Celine Langlands were recognised among Gungahlin's best contributors.
First Grade Men
Ainslie vs Belconnen
Ainslie produced one of its most dominant performances of the season at Alan Ray Oval, defeating Belconnen 23.21 (159) to 10.7 (67).
The Tricolours set the pace immediately, kicking eight first-quarter goals to open a 47-point advantage. Belconnen fought hard to remain in the contest through the second term, but Ainslie's ability to win the ball around the contest and capitalise on forward entries proved difficult to contain.
By three-quarter time the margin had stretched beyond 80 points before the Tricolours finished strongly to record a convincing 92-point victory heading into finals.
Matthew McGrory was outstanding throughout the afternoon, compiling 45 disposals, two goals and a remarkable 177 KVA points in one of the strongest individual performances of the season. His influence around the contest continually gave Ainslie first use of the football and helped drive the result.
Matthew McGrory, Joel Dunstall, Blake Holloway, Joe Bishop, Daniel Hoffmann and Jack Powell were recognised among Ainslie's best contributors.
Eastlake vs Queanbeyan
Eastlake completed the home-and-away season with a 26-point victory over Queanbeyan at EPC Solar Park, 10.10 (70) to 6.8 (44).
The Demons started strongly and established a 20-point lead by quarter time before maintaining control throughout the afternoon. While Queanbeyan remained within reach for much of the contest, Eastlake's defensive structure and ability to limit scoring opportunities proved decisive.
The Tigers continued to compete and threatened to close the gap during the middle stages, but Eastlake responded whenever momentum began to shift and carried their advantage through to the final siren.
Queanbeyan defender Jack Nunn produced an outstanding performance despite the result, collecting 26 disposals and 15 intercept possessions while finishing with 109 KVA points. His ability to read the play and repeatedly halt Eastlake attacks kept the Tigers in the contest throughout the afternoon.
Jack Evesson Larsen, Sam Thorne, Shae Darcy, Rohan Hosking, Thomas Wischnat and Digby Blacker were among Eastlake's best players. Lachlan Moresi, Jack Nunn, Aidan Bowyer, Bailee Gilbert, Baden Smith and Dean Simpson led the way for Queanbeyan.
Tuggeranong Valley vs Gungahlin
The final men's match of the regular season saw Tuggeranong Valley record a 73-point victory over Gungahlin, 18.28 (136) to 10.3 (63).
The Jets remained competitive throughout the opening half and trailed by 59 points at the main break, but the contest featured several strong individual performances from both clubs. Tuggeranong Valley consistently found scoring opportunities, while Gungahlin continued to fight hard around stoppages and through the midfield.
Angus Miller led the way for Valley inside 50, finishing with five goals in an influential display. For Gungahlin, Jake Thorpe produced one of the competition's most impressive ball-winning performances of the season, collecting 40 disposals, kicking a goal and finishing with 137 KVA points.
Lachlan Smith was another key contributor for the Jets, recording 39 disposals and repeatedly driving his side forward throughout the afternoon.
Angus McRae, Blake Bennie, James Rice, Liam Naughton, Joe Carroll and Angus Miller were recognised among Tuggeranong Valley's best contributors. Lachlan Smith, Caleb Henderson, Logan Bryant, Josh Baldwin, Jake Thorpe and Logan Harrison led the way for Gungahlin.
The home-and-away season may be complete, but the biggest matches of the year are still to come. After 17 rounds of competition, the focus now shifts to the 2026 WR Engineering AFL Canberra Premier Division finals series, where the form built throughout the regular season will be put to the ultimate test as clubs begin their pursuit of premiership success.
Head over to the AFL Canberra PlayHQ page for all fixtures, results and ladders for the WR Engineering AFL Canberra Premier Division.