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Power surge back into MPD finals

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AT THE start of the 2026 season, men’s head coach Sean Byrne set the theme for the year and willed the football club to “Rise Up”.

On Saturday, a victory over the Bomaderry Tigers at Artie Smith Oval confirmed that Kiama had secured a finals berth for the first time since 2022, ascending from one of the toughest periods in the club’s history. 

For midfielder Toby Trudgett, who has achieved the high of a premiership in 2018 and the low of the wooden spoon in 2023 and 2024, he admitted the club had come a long way… but said there is more growth to come.

“It was tough during those years just knowing that we’d struggle to win one or two games. Last season was the breakthrough to show us that we’re on the right track,” Trudgett told Power media post-match.

Captain Josh Simpson said the manner in which the Power qualified, which put a dampener on Bomaderry’s 2006 premiership reunion, summed up the resilience of the Kiama Football Club.

“Bomaderry came out hard and really challenged us. They turned up for their big day and we had to fight for four quarters to get the job done. In the past we weren’t able to stay in the arm wrestle and we’d lose those kind of games.

“It just sums up what the Club is about and where we’re going. We’re passionate. We want to be in finals and it doesn’t matter how you get there, we found a way.”

Simpson reflected on how the achievement was not just a milestone for the players, but also something for the wider Club to celebrate.

“To be honest, to put ourselves in the position we are now compared to the position we were in not that long ago, it’s awesome. I’m really proud of the group and the Club in general. 

“I feel like the energy throughout the year has been pretty consistent… the whole job of the year is to qualify for finals, we’re in there now and we want to make some noise.”

Power stun ladder leaders for first win of season

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After nine straight losses to begin the season, the Kiama Power Women’s Premier Division side has finally broken through in the biggest way possible.

The Power stunned competition leaders Wollongong Lions 20-16 on Saturday, claiming their first win of the year against a side that had lost just once all season.

The result also knocked the Lions from top spot on the ladder and gave Kiama a much-needed confidence boost heading into the closing rounds.

It didn’t look promising early, with the Lions taking a 6-1 lead at quarter-time, but the Power responded brilliantly in the second term with two goals to level the scores at 13-13 by half-time.

The visitors edged back in front to lead 15-14 at the final change before Kiama produced one last surge, kicking the only goal of the final quarter to secure a memorable four-point victory.

Women’s senior coach Tony Grady said the win was reward for the belief the playing group had shown throughout a difficult season.

“The girls played super on the weekend and it was a special win to witness,” he said.

“They were able to match the ladder-leading Lions’ trademark physicality and really had to dig deep to win the game, as the Lions kept coming until the final siren.

“I’ve firmly believed all season that if we play to our potential and execute our game plan, we can beat any team in the competition, and the girls proved that on the weekend.”

The victory came despite the Power entering the match heavily undermanned, with 20 players unavailable across the women’s program. Six reserve grade players backed up after their earlier match, where Kiama went down 32-23 to competition leaders Northern District Tigers.

“It wasn’t all smooth sailing as we had 20 players unavailable across the group going into the game, so we had six players backing up from the reserve grade earlier that day,” Grady said.

“I’m proud of the character and connection in this playing group and what they can do when their backs are against the wall and the odds are stacked against them.”

Grady praised captain Maddie Edwards, Courtney Smith, Oasis Huender and Tiana Darragh but said the performance was a complete team effort.

“I could name almost every player as everyone had a good game and were all on the same page. I couldn’t ask for much more as a coach,” he said.

The win was also a significant milestone for the club, with Kiama defeating the Lions for the first time since September 2020.

Published by The Bugle on 24 July, written by Lleyton Hughes.

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Men’s Team of the Quarter Century

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The Kiama Power Men’s Team of the Quarter Century was named on 27th June 2026 at the club’s sold-out 25 Year Ball.

Two-time Tunbridge Medallist and three-time club Best and Fairest winner Scott Phillips was named in the forward pocket. Phillips was judged best on ground in the Power’s 2009 and 2011 grand final victories, and was an integral member of the 2018 premiership-winning team . He won the Power’s best and fairest in 2008, 2010 and 2024, and won the Tunbridge Medal for league Best and Fairest in 2008 and 2010.

Former AFL-listed player Jack Mahony, who was drafted to Hawthorn in 2011, was picked as rover. Mahony won the Power’s Best and Fairest a record four times, claiming the award in 2014, 2015, 2015 and 2016. He won the Tunbridge Medal in 2016 and was best on ground in the 2018 grand final win over the Wollongong Lions 

Powerful defender and inaugural club best and fairest Lachlan Hilton was selected at fullback.

He is joined in defence by Josh Walton, who played 229 games for the Power between 2009 and 2025. Walton was a premiership-winning player in 2009 and 2011, and was the Power’s best and fairest in 2017.

Josh’s father, James Walton, won the full-forward position, becoming the only father-son combination picked in the team. James won a premiership with his son in 2009, and also went on to coach the Power.

Ben and Michael Williams were both picked in the team, with both playing more than 200 games each for the club.

The most recent players on the team are current captain Josh Simpson, Lachlan Kirk and Charlie Wood.

The full team is:

B: Josh Simpson, Lachlan Hilton, Michael Williams
H/B: Ben Hoctor, Josh Walton, Alex Perger
C: Ryan Bridge, Sam Dowling, Ben Williams
H/F: Andrew Britton, Dan Herbert, Charlie Wood
F: Ricky Neels, James Walton, Scott Phillips
Foll: Glenn Haworth, Nick Baggio, Jack Mahony
Inter: Lachlan Kirk, Jimmy Ryan, Ben Rawson, Ben Griffin
Coach: Rod Richards
Assistant Coach: Terry Little
Trainer: Brendan Johnston

The team was selected by the life members of the Kiama Power Senior Australian Football Club.

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Power win Tom’s 250th game

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Tom Williams kicked a goal in his 250th club game as the Power triumphed 7.14 (56) to 6.9 (45) at Bonaira Oval on Saturday afternoon.

In front of his family and friends, Williams became the first player in club history to reach the milestone.

Forwards Kade Ovenden and Luke Ball kicked two goals each and Oliver Baget and Josh Simpson also hit the scoreboard to help Kiama defeat Northern Districts and move the Power back into the top-four.

Lachlan Kirk and William Stewart were superb as Kiama controlled the hit-outs and clearances, helping the Power maintain control in deteriorating conditions.

Norths seized command when they outscored the hosts in the second term, trimming the margin to one-point at the major break.

Kiama went into the match on the back of three-straight losses, and were desperate to rebound and get back to their winning ways.

Constant rain throughout the night prior and during the day led to a boggy Bonaira Oval, with the ball often slipping through hands and proving difficult to maintain possession.

With seven players unavailable from the team that played Shellharbour the week prior, the Power were able to comfortably hold off the Tigers in the second half despite the close margin on the scoreboard.

Earlier in the day, Kiama’s Reserve Grade women continued their stellar form with a dominant 57-1 win over the Bomaderry Tigers.

The Power’s Women’s Premier Division and Men’s Reserve Grade teams lost to teams placed above them on the ladder.

KIAMA         1.4   4.4   5.10   7.14 (56)
NORTHERN DISTRICTS    1.1   4.3   4.7   6.9 (45)

Goals: K. Ovenden 2, Ball 2, O. Baget, Simpson, T. Williams

Best: L. Kirk, Stewart, O. Baget, Ball, K. Ovenden, T. Williams

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Tickets on sale for 25 Year Ball

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Step into an evening of elegance, sophistication, and timeless glamour as we celebrate 25 Years of Kiama Power — an exclusive celebration where we will also name our Men’s 25 Year Team.

Taking place on the evening of Saturday 27th June at the Kiama Leagues Club, join us for an evening of canapes, drinks, and music curated and performed by DJs George Hicks and Tony Free – providing a dance floor that will carry the night into a vibrant celebration.

More than a social highlight, the Kiama Power 25 Year Ball is an opportunity to celebrate community, acknowledge excellence, and honour those who have made the Power the wonderful football club that it is today.

Dress in your finest formal attire and join us for an unforgettable evening.

Tickets are $30 each, with the equivalent value being added to your Kiama Leagues Club membership card.

Date: Saturday 30th May
Time: 6:00pm for 6:30pm start
Venue: Kiama Leagues Club Auditorium
Dress code: Black tie

Tickets available here.

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Round 1 wins secure Paul Doherty Cup

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After many years, the Kiama Power finally secured the Paul Doherty Cup from the Wollongong Bulldogs.

Huge wins in Men’s Premier Division, Men’s Reserve Grade and Women’s Reserve Grade secured the result, as the Cup now returns to it’s rightful place in Kiama.

Men’s Prems 17.11 (113) def. Wollongong Bulldogs 6.7 (43)
Goals: R. Hartwig (4), S. Hammond (2), T. Balding (2), L. Vallence (2), S. Phillips (2), E. Marley, L. Zeschke, E. McGee, R. Walker, F. Ackerley
Best: F. Ackerley, S. Hammond, D. Freeman, W. Stewart, E. Marley, E. McGee

Women’s Prems 0.3 (3) def. by Wollongong Bulldogs 7.9 (51)
Best: T. Keene, J. Quigley, S. Detheridge, E. Doyle, E. Rhodes, C. Richards

Men’s Reserves 7.11 (53) def. Wollongong Bulldogs 5.2 (32)
Goals: M. Whiticker (2), T. Grady, J. Kennedy, G. Hicks, R. Browne, T. Williams
Best: L. Ball, M. Whiticker, J. Andrews, J. Murphy, D. Hopson, K. Hollands

Women’s Reserves 7.13 (55) def. Wollongong Bulldogs 3.0 (18)
Goals: S. Gibson (2), T. Moylan (2), C. Sheldon, P. Mason, C. Smith
Best: A. Freimanis, T. Moylan, L. Kent, P. Mason, E. Waine, G. Pusell

Debutants and Returning Former Juniors Headline Round 1 Squads

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13 club debutants, and the return of a former junior, headline Kiama Power’s team selections for their Round 1 clash with the Bulldogs on Saturday. 

As revealed last month, former Kiama junior Will Stewart will make his long-awaited return on Saturday in the club’s season opener against Wollongong at Keira Oval. 

Five other men’s players will also wear black and teal for the first time on Saturday, with new recruits Ryley Walker, Liam Zeschke, Dan Freeman, Rhys Hartwig, Nash Graham and Jamie Reay all named for their official Kiama debuts.  

Meanwhile two former Kiama juniors, Fynn and Oliver Baget, will take on the Bulldogs and make their debut in the senior side after spending some seasons at The Entrance Bateau Bay and UNSW Eastern Suburbs respectively.

Star skipper Josh Simpson will lead his side against the Bulldogs on Saturday, with new head coach Sean Byrne hopeful that his side begins their season with a strong showing against the Bulldogs.

For the Kiama women, six debutants will pull on the Power jumper for the first time this Saturday when their Women’s Premier Division match begins at 12:10pm.

Sophee Turner and Siane Fonua have arrived in Kiama from the ADFA Rams, and will line up alongside first-games Jazmin Tikkeros, Bel Piper and Lara McGee as the team begin their 2026 campaign against last season’s preliminary finalists.

Tiana Darragh will also make her debut in the Power senior team, after an incredible U17 season which saw her awarded the 2024 Rising Star.

After a long summer and a pair of pre-season games, the Power will now look to kick off their 2026 campaign with a win and look to reclaim the Paul Doherty Cup. 

AFL South Coast Round 1 

Bulldogs v Power
Saturday, April 11
Men’s Premier Division 1:50pm
Women’s Premier Division 12:10pm
Keira Oval | Dharawal

The milestones you can expect in 2026

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With only days until the 2026 AFL South Coast season and off the back of a strong pre-season there is plenty to be excited for – including 26 players looking to play milestone matches (subject to change). 

250 games 

On June 27 the Kiama Power Men’s Reserve Grade will run out on North Dalton Park in Round 9 against the Wollongong Lions. The event is also expected to play host to Tom Williams’ 250th club game – and the first Power player to reach the milestone.

The 32-year-old forward made his debut in 2009 season and quickly became a regular on the club’s playing roster, and was a member of the 2011 First Grade premiership-winning team.

200 games 

Rob Beaumont could play his 200th club match as soon as Round 9 in the same game as Williams – becoming only the 5th Kiama Power player to reach the double ton.

The classy fullback made his debut in 2010 after arriving from the Bathurst Bushrangers, and was a key member in premiership-winning teams in 2011 (First Grade) and 2017 (Reserve Grade).

Men’s captain Josh Simpson is also scheduled to reach 200 club games in Round 12, as the Power host Northern Districts on July 18 at Bonaira Oval.

The milestone would add to an ever-growing list of accomplishments which includes the 2018 First Grade premiership and 2023 Club Best & Fairest Player.

100 games 

Women’s co-captain Cassie O’Leary (87) is locked in a head-to-head race with Amanda Williams (85) to become the first women’s player to reach 100 club games, as they are both currently expected to reach the milestone in August if available for selection every week. Both players were members of the club’s inaugural women’s team in 2018.

Lewis Tomlinson is expected to play his 100th club game in June, with former captain Lachlan Kirk potentially reaching the century if the Men’s Premier Division team progress to this year’s grand final. 

50 games  

Rounding out milestones this season, 19 players are expected to reach 50 games this season.

If selected in every match:

  • Bryce Koop (Round 5 v Figtree) 
  • Max Cook, Sam Wallace, Shea Hammond (Round 6 v Lions / Bay & Basin)
  • Jade Quigley (Round 8 v Figtree)
  • Jayden Andrews (Round 9 v Lions)
  • Patrick in het Panhuis, Taigh Borthwick (Round 11 v Figtree)
  • Emma Doyle, Harry Wallace (Round 12 v Lions / Norths)
  • Max Whiticker (Round 13 v Bulldogs)
  • Andie Ettridge, Dan Shanahan, Summer Moylan (Round 14 v Bomaderry)
  • Tara Bancroft, Will Prosser (Round 15 v Bulldogs / Port Kembla)
  • Ethan McGee, Will Blomley, Will Stewart (Round 17 v Shellharbour / Norths)
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CLUB STATEMENT: Matchday ID Checks

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The Kiama Power support the recommendation from AFL South Coast to introduce compulsory matchday identification checks for participating players in all senior competitions throughout the 2026 season.

Our club will provide licensed security to perform these checks for each away team at Bonaira Oval this year, at our own expense.

This will ensure the confirmed identity match the names listed on the official team sheet, particularly after the June 30 transfer deadline.

Kiama will adopt a 100-point identification check to comply with the recommendation, which will require a combination of documents totalling 100 points to verify player identity.

Failure to comply with the identification verification check will result in refusal to enter the change rooms and playing area.

This check will include at least one primary identification, a photo ID,  and proof of current residential address, with all documents being originals.

Point breakdown:

60 Points (Primary): Birth Certificate, Current Passport, Citizenship Certificate.

30 Points (Secondary – must have photo): Driver’s Licence, Government Photo Card, Tertiary Student ID.

10 Points (Secondary – name/address): Medicare card, Credit/Bank card, Utility bill, Electoral roll.

The recommendation is the first of upcoming changes for AFL South Coast competitions, as a strict financial salary cap is set to be introduced in Men’s and Women’s Premier Divisions following the abnormally high influx of AFL Sydney Premier Division players for the 2026 season – with one South Coast club withholding the announcement of at least six players to avoid drawing any attention to their exceeded player point cap or excessive match payments.

The Kiama Power remain committed to working collaboratively with AFL South Coast to maintain integrity and fairness within our league.

Some of this is April Fools, some of this is real. You decide.

Old Boys Day locked in for 18th April

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The annual Old Boys Day will be held on 18th April, as the Kiama Power take on the Bomaderry Tigers in Round 2 action.

It’s a huge year for Kiama Power, as the club celebrates it’s 25th anniversary.

Old Boys Day is one of the biggest events of the year, and is a great opportunity for our heroes of yesteryear to catch up with lifelong mates at their old stomping ground.

There is a lot of excitement and optimism around the club at the moment, as we’ve just had one of the biggest pre-seasons in the club’s history after a huge off-season recruitment campaign.

And yes, Old Boys’ favourite Scotty Phillips is still playing!

All former players, family, friends and supporters are invited to attend the day.

Date: Saturday, 18th April 2026
Time: Games from 9:00am, with Men’s Premier Division at 1:50pm
Venue: Bonaira Oval, Kiama

Men’s Premier Division 1:50PM
Women’s Premier Division 12:10PM
Men’s Reserve Grade 10:30AM
Women’s Reserve Grade 9:00AM