Thunder have won the Syd Jackson Cup at the 2026 GWABA Bunbury Football Carnival, defeating Koolbardis 5.2 (32) to 3.6 (24) in a closely fought grand final.
Seventeen-year-old Lebron Yarran was the decisive figure, kicking four goals and being named best on ground as Thunder completed an unbeaten campaign.
Yarran gave Thunder control early, scoring three goals in the first half, including two in quick succession after a free kick. Koolbardis responded through Taryn Thomas soon after half-time, but Thunder immediately restored an 11-point advantage.
The reigning champions reduced the margin to three points late in the match before Yarran produced another telling moment, making a crucial defensive play on the goal line before adding his fourth major.
Star names feature at Bunbury carnival
The annual contest for the cup, named in honour of former Carlton and South Bunbury player Syd Jackson, featured several AFL premiership players and established league names.
West Coast’s 2018 premiership players Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli joined Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett in the Kaala line-up, but the team was eliminated by Koolbardis in the qualifying final.
Geelong’s Lawson Humphries was influential for Koolbardis, operating from half-back and repeatedly finding teammates before kicking a late goal to help secure his side’s place in the grand final. St Kilda’s Lance Collard and former North Melbourne player Taryn Thomas also featured for the Magpies.
Koolbardis faced recently delisted Eagle Tyler Brockman, who had previously played for Hawthorn, during the carnival. Richmond’s two-time premiership player Marlion Pickett represented Moorditj Karaak alongside his son.
Former Eagles Isiah Winder and Brendon Ah Chee played for Bloodline, while Western Bulldogs player Arty Jones turned out for the Bulldogs.
The carnival, now in its 26th year, is a major celebration of football, family and culture in the South West. It brought together 18 teams across two divisions, with sides travelling from the South West, Albany and Perth, as well as from as far away as the Pilbara.
