Joondalup and South Perth enter the Val Murphy Trophy finals with identical 14–4 records, making their semi-final one of the most evenly matched contests of the weekend.
The Giants secured third position through their superior points differential of +276, while the Lions finished fourth at +168. Both collected 28 competition points and both demonstrated throughout the season that they can compete with the competition’s leading sides.
Their two regular-season meetings provided little separation. South Perth travelled to MNC Drilling Park in Round 2 and earned a 28–22 victory, but Joondalup reversed that result with a 20–12 win at George Burnett Park in Round 11.
Across those two matches, the aggregate score finished level at 42–42.
That balance makes execution under finals pressure particularly important. Neither side can claim a clear head-to-head advantage, and the contest may be decided by which team handles possession, field position and the closing stages more effectively.
Giants carry greater attacking upside
Joondalup’s superior differential suggests they have been the more explosive team across the full season. The Giants enter the finals after defeating Rockingham 32–14 in Round 18 and have the strike power to quickly turn a close contest.
Jesse Inall finished the regular season among the competition’s leading try-scorers with 13, while James Smith’s 132 points placed him second in the VMT point-scoring standings.
That combination gives Joondalup threats both close to the line and from the kicking tee. In a match expected to be tight, Smith’s ability to convert tries and take penalty opportunities could become decisive.
Lions bring finals-ready resilience
South Perth’s season was built around consistency. The Lions won 14 matches, scored 448 points and conceded 280, producing average figures of 24.9 points for and 15.6 against.
Their Round 18 result was a 30–0 forfeit victory over Kwinana, but their most recent played match was a 26–14 win over Rockingham. They enter the finals with four consecutive victories recorded.
Willington Richard leads South Perth’s available try-scoring records with nine tries from six appearances. Tane Cassidy has contributed 68 points and shapes as an important figure if the semi-final becomes a battle of goal-kicking and scoreboard pressure.
The Lions have already beaten Joondalup away from home this season, so the venue and third-versus-fourth ladder positions should hold little fear.
The key numbers
- Both teams finished 14–4 with 28 competition points.
- Joondalup finished with a +276 differential; South Perth finished at +168.
- South Perth won the first meeting 28–22.
- Joondalup won the return match 20–12.
- Joondalup enter after a 32–14 victory; South Perth’s last played result was a 26–14 win.