Western Districts, Wisanger to clash in highly-anticipated KIFL grand final

Western Districts and Wisanger will clash in Saturday’s Kangaroo Island grand final for the third time in four years as the Saints, led by a former Port Adelaide captain, look to make amends for their 2023 loss to Kingscote.

The Western Districts Football Club will compete in its seventh consecutive Kangaroo Island Football League grand final this weekend as it aims to complete an undefeated 2024 season.

The ‘club in the scrub’ was effectively brought to its knees in 2020 when the Kangaroo Island bushfires destroyed its facilities but has managed to rebuild and become as strong as ever, making four consecutive big dances since and winning one over 2024 opponent Wisanger in 2022.

The Saints are red-hot favourites this year after a dominant season at the top of the ladder and will be led by Mail Medallist Sam Jonas, brother of former Port Adelaide captain Tom – who is also expected to pull on his boots for the grand final after making three appearances through the minor round.

Coach Damon Weatherspoon, who played in the six previous consecutive grand final appearances, said the Saints were as hungry as ever after missing out last year with a loss to Hamish Hartlett and Kingscote.

Western Districts celebrates its 2022 grand final win over Wisanger. The two clubs will clash again in the 2024 grand final. Picture: Kangaroo Island Football League

“It feels very special to be part of the seven consecutive A Grade grand final appearances and we feel proud as a club to have had such a successful run,” Weatherspoon said.

“Last year’s loss hurt more than I can explain.

“A solid pre-season and making sure we’re playing simple footy and executing the fundamentals have been key factors this season and the group is determined not to be beaten after last year’s grand final result.

“I have great confidence in my players to fight and play as a team for four quarters this weekend.”

The Saints will face a big challenge from Wisanger despite defeating the Panthers 59-9 in the second semi final.

Western Districts gun Sam Jonas claimed the KIFL Mail Medal earlier this week. Picture: Kangaroo Island Football League

Panthers captain and former Mail Medallist Liam Sampson has been dominant on the ball again this year, while young gun Brok Viney-Obst, Jason Fryar and recruit Darcy Kildea have also found strong form.

Weatherspoon said there was a healthy rivalry between the two clubs after consecutive grand final clashes in 2021 and 2022.

“The rivalry is really good. It’s fierce but fair,” he said.

“It has been that way since Wisanger beat us in the 2021 grand final.

“We have been the top two teams of the best four years so it’s always a hot footy and a great contest and my boys always walk away buggered after playing them.

“Preparation has gone well for us and everyone has done the right things in terms of recovery from the semi final so we’re ready to play a big game.”

The game will begin at 2.15pm from Penneshaw Oval.