Fantastic Fremantle end the wait as Leek inspires City to Women's State Cup success

Fremantle City have won their maiden Women’s State Cup with a 3-0 victory over Balcatta Etna in tonight’s final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.

A first-half penalty from captain Annabelle Leek and further goals by Sophie Meaden and Leyna Wood ensured Sam Geddes collected silverware in her first season as Fremantle head coach.

It was an excellent performance from Freo, whose NPLW side had not won a trophy since the 2020 Night Series.

Leek, whose performance at the back won her the Sandra Brentnall Medal as player of the match, was emotional at the end.

“I’m speechless, I’m tearing up,” she said.

“It seems like we’ve waited forever to win the cup. We played so well. In the end, we could have won by more, but three is enough.”

A handball by Zoee Spadano allowed Fremantle to go ahead from the spot four minutes before the break. Captain Leek took responsibility and sent Balcatta keeper Rebecca Bennett the wrong way from the spot.

The second came early in the second half. The excellent Abbey Green played a great ball to Tatem Spencer, whose header over Bennett was cleared off the line by Frankie Murray. Spencer’s follow-up then hit the post, before Sophie Meaden tapped in for 2-0.

Balcatta just couldn’t get going, perhaps a result of the number of catch-up games the teams have had to play, and it was Fremantle who looked more likely to get another. Green brought a diving stop from Bennett, who then saved brilliantly to deny Leyna Wood one-on-one.

The third goal finally arrived five minutes from the end. Olivia Trueman slipped in Wood, and she finished at the second attempt after Bennett kept out her initial shot.

This was the fourth and final game of a terrific State Cup finals day that saw over 2,500 spectators attend throughout.