57 teams from all over WA packed into Bunbury this past weekend for the NAIDOC Bunbury 7s, and it delivered exactly what it promised – two days of rugby, culture and community, kicked off the right way.
The tournament opened with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, led by respected Elder Max and his grandson Mark. On behalf of the Wardandi Noongar, Wirlomin and Bindjareb peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land, they welcomed and blessed everyone on site – players, officials, volunteer, families. It set the tone early:
Teams from all over WA packed into Bunbury this past weekend for the NAIDOC Bunbury Sevens, and it delivered exactly what it promised — two days of rugby, culture and community, kicked off the right way.
The tournament opened with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, led by respected Elder Max and his grandson Mark. On behalf of the Wardandi Noongar, Wirlomin and Bindjareb peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land, they welcomed and blessed everyone on site — players, officials, volunteers, families.
Thank you to the Shire of Harvey, the Western Australian Government, Bunbury Junior Barbarians Rugby Club and the Insurance Commission of WA for backing the tournament.
Day One
U13s for their finals done and dusted on Day one.
- Champions: North Coast Sharks
- Runners up: Kalamunda Bulls
- Third: Albany Storm
- MVP: Grace Minett, Kalamunda Bulls
Every team that made the trip to Bunbury brought good energy and even better sportsmanship – a strong start to the weekend.
Day Two
Sunday was grand final day for the remaining junior grades.
U12s
- Cup Champions: Arks
- Cup Runners Up: Mandurah Black
- Cup MVP: Oakley Love, Arks (No. 47)
- Shield: Wanneroo Roodogs
- Plate: Bunbury Bulls
U11s
- Cup Champions: Joondalup
- Cup Runners Up: Southern Lions
- Cup MVP: Archie Preece, Joondalup (No. 11)
- Shield: Mandjoogoordap Blue
- Plate: Maali Ulls, Swan Suburbs
U10s
- Cup Champions: Doondalup Ngoonee
- Cup Runners Up: Wanneroo
- Cup MVP: Mya Ngatai, Doondalup (No. 15)
- Shield: Gnangangarra Arks
- Plate: Baysie Waalitj
U9s
- Cup Champions: Kala Moodity Koolangkas
- Cup Runners Up: North Coast Sharks Kwilas
- Cup MVP: Sammy Hewson, Kalamunda (No. 8)
- Shield: North Coast Kwila Mob
- Plate: Southern Lions
U8s
- Cup Champions: Wanneroo
- Cup Runners Up: Kala Puluman
- Cup MVP: Elka Anderson (No. 2)
- Shield: Bunbury Bulls
- Plate: Bunbury Barbarians
Belt Up Spirit of the Game Award
If there’s one moment from the weekend worth holding onto, it’s this one. The Belt Up Spirit of the Game Award went to the combined Perth Bayswater and Swan Suburbs team – a group that showed exactly what the game is about: sportsmanship, respect for their opponents and looking out for one another on and off the field.
Coaches Trinity Baker and Taatama Rere put it best when we caught up with them afterwards: it doesn’t matter what shirt you wear or where you’re from – play with the right attitude and spirit, and you’re part of one rugby family.
None of this happens without the people who show up for it - players, coaches, team managers, match officials, parents, caregivers and volunteers. Thank you for the time and energy you put into making this weekend what it was.
NAIDOC Bunbury 7s wouldn’t be possible without the people who show up for it — players, coaches, team managers, match officials, parents, caregivers and volunteers. Thanks for the time and energy you put into making this weekend what it was.
Next stop: AFGRI Albany 7s.
