By Matt Austin

It’s not often in sport that you get the chance to be part of a legacy team that is genuinely making history – but the Nepean Ducks Colts gridiron side has done exactly that.

In their third consecutive grand final appearance, the Ducks claimed their third straight premiership, taking out the Under 19s Kookaburra Bowl at 4 Pines Park (Brookvale Oval) as part of the Gridiron NSW Big Dance.

It was a big occasion and a big test, with the Ducks facing a red-hot University of Wollongong Mustangs outfit in the season decider. More than 3,000 spectators packed the venue to enjoy a full day of grand final showdowns, including the Ducks also featuring in the inaugural Under 15s Mixed Flag Football grand final.

The Kookaburra Bowl had everything you could ask for – explosive big plays, bone-rattling hits, plenty of push and shove, and momentum swinging back and forth right up until the final whistle. Both sides left nothing in the tank, delivering a high-quality contest that was broadcast live on Gridiron NSW TV in perfect conditions.

Huge respect goes to the Wollongong Mustangs for an outstanding season and a championship performance that signals a very bright future heading into 2026.

But when the pressure was at its peak, the Ducks once again showed why they are the benchmark team in the Colts competition.

Ever-reliable quarterback Andrew Klemenic steered the ship with a Tom Brady-esque calmness, distributing quality ball and keeping the Ducks’ offence ticking. Running back Isaac Maraki was a constant threat, while wide receivers Isaac Leulu, Julius Wallace and Cooper Hancott all produced strong performances and caused ongoing problems for the Mustangs’ defence.

The Ducks’ success was also built in the trenches, with David Tolefafoa, Tom Sawtell, Ezekiah Solomona, Ezekiel Leuluai and Cyrus Toleafoa delivering big, physical efforts on both sides of the ball.

Head Coach Lachy Bignall, a former quarterback with nine years’ playing experience, continues to build something special at Nepean, having now guided the Colts to Kookaburra Bowl titles in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

It has been a breakthrough year for the club overall, with the Ducks also recording their first senior men’s wins in three years. With a wave of talented Colts players ready to step up, the future of Nepean gridiron looks extremely bright.

For players, coaches, supporters and the wider community, this historic three-peat is a moment that will be remembered for many years to come – and a proud win for sport in Western Sydney.