The 2025 WAVL State League Elimination Finals will take place on Saturday, August 9th, marking the start of the finals campaign. With four teams in each division still in the hunt, the results will determine who stays in contention — and who sees their season come to an end.

Women’s Division

Top Seeds: Southern Cross & Balcatta

Southern Cross head into the finals after finishing the regular season at 14–1 with dominant set (81.13%) and point (56.48%) percentages. They’ll use the time to prepare for their semi-final opponent, knowing they’ve been the benchmark all season.

Second-placed Balcatta (10–5), with a strong overall performance across the year, remain well-positioned to challenge for the title. The only team to have beaten Southern Cross in the regular season, and, as the defending champs, they’ll be looking to use that experience to their advantage heading into the finals.

Coach Laurel Wentworth’s Take: “It was an outstanding effort for our team to finish the season on top of the ladder. Huge shoutout to the athletes, they’ve put in the work all season and pulled together as a team. We’re excited for the finals and can’t wait to bring our best game!”

Coach Lindsey McKervill’s take: “We are prepping through continued focus on our systems, trusting each other on the court and trying to get the entire team healthy for finals. We are excited to work together and bring our A-game to the upcoming matches.”

Elimination Final: Chequers vs Reds

Chequers and Reds meet in the women’s elimination final in what shapes up as a competitive match between two evenly placed teams. Reds finished 3rd with a 7–8 record and a slight edge in set percentage (50.94%), while Chequers sit close behind (49.09%).

Chequers will look to capitalise on their strong early-season form, while Reds aim to build on recent momentum. Both teams can and have pushed the top sides, making this a match to watch.

Coach Gavin Lewis’s take: “This year has been a year of rebuilding. With only two of our starting six players from last year’s grand final appearance, the team roster has changed dramatically. We have welcomed new players, and what is very encouraging is that we have promoted several players from our  2024 reserve team. With the focus being on consolidating a new roster for the season, it is wonderful that we have made the finals. Our focus now for the finals is to ensure that we play every game as hard as we can throughout the series and to put into practice everything we have been working on throughout the year. The team has worked so hard and now will be enjoying the finals experience.

Coach Jordan Linton’s Take: “After a season of steady growth and commitment, our group finds itself well-placed as finals approach. Our playing group have developed a strong understanding of their roles, with many stepping up when needed to support the team’s success. Our preparation has been consistent and purposeful, creating a sense of quiet confidence as we look ahead to the challenges to come.”

Men’s Division

Top Seeds: UWA & Chequers

UWA enter the finals as the top-ranked team with a 12–3 record and the highest set win rate in the men’s competition (66.13%). Their balanced attack and strong defence have been key all season.  Chequers secured second place with 10 wins, and their consistency throughout the season puts them in a strong position to challenge UWA for a place in the grand finale.

Coach Ethan Dodd’s take: “I’m proud of how we finished the home and away season. We had a tough start, but the group worked hard to refine our play style and make the right adjustments. We’ve hit some good form over the past few weeks, and we’re hoping to carry that momentum through finals and go one better than last year.”

Coach Gavin Lewis’s Take: “Our focus for the finals, as cliché as it might sound, is to focus on one game at a time. Our first game will be against the team that finished the regular season at the top of the ladder. So, this is a great opportunity for us to bring our best volleyball to the game and to see what happens. Our focus for the whole final series is finding a way to play our best volleyball consistently. Finals are all about the team that can perform consistently well throughout. So, we have to work hard to ensure that consistency will be our major focus.”

Elimination Final: Balcatta vs Rossmoyne

In the men’s draw, third-placed Balcatta (8–7) meet Rossmoyne (6–9) in an elimination match. While Balcatta hold the stronger record and statistics, Rossmoyne have shown they can stay in the fight against more favoured opponents.

Balcatta will be looking for a composed performance to progress to the semi-finals, while Rossmoyne’s path will depend on whether they can produce their best volleyball at the right time.

Coach Conrad Hill’s Take: “The Balcatta State League men are charging into the finals with fire, focus, and teamwork at their core. Leading the way is our captain, Jon Hunt, whose calm leadership and clutch plays have been a driving force all season. Additionally, vice-captain Matt Haddon brings relentless energy and smart court vision, ensuring the team is locked in and ready for the challenge ahead. Backing them in the postseason for the first time are our fresh faces, who we saw enter the team this past offseason: Caleb Watson, Andy Clayton, and Maksim Bacovic—pillars of experience who continue to set the standard with their consistency, composure, and game-winning instincts. After a season built on grit and growth, the Cats are primed to leave it all on the court.”

Coach Ella Stewart’s Take:  “What a roller coaster of a season it’s been – full of grit, growth, and unforgettable moments. Through every high and low, the Raptors State League Men never stopped pushing, and now we’ve earned our spot in the finals! We are incredibly proud as a team and can’t wait to leave it all on the court.”

Looking Ahead

With pressure building and no room for error, the elimination and qualifying finals mark the beginning of a tight run to the 2025 WAVL State League Grand Final.

Match times and venue details are available below:

Saturday, 9 August – Qualifying & Elimination Finals (Curtin University)
5:00 PM
SL Women’s SCVC vs Balcatta VC – Qualifying Final (Court 1)
SL Men’s Balcatta VC vs Rossmoyne VS – Elimination Final (Court 2)

7:00 PM
SL Men’s UWAVC vs Chequers VC – Qualifying Final (Court 1)
SL Women’s Chequers VC vs Reds VC – Elimination Final (Court 2)