South Fremantle head of football Charlie Burke says he has never seen the club more united in his time at the club, following several hardships, as both the League and Colts sides prepare to play in grand finals this weekend. 

It’s been an incredible run for the Bulldogs this season, with all three sides making finals, with only the reserves set to not feature on Sunday’s grand finals line-up at Optus Stadium

It comes as the Bulldogs have stared in the face of adversity over the past two years, with both the League and Colts sides facing challenges on and off the field. 

Last year, the club was struck by the tragic passing of one of its Colts players, Nick Campo, in a car accident while celebrating his 18th birthday. 

Then, in January this year, club champion Haiden Schloithe was diagnosed with cancer, but has since made a remarkable return to the field and is set to play in his fourth WAFL decider this weekend. 

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s deciders, Burke says the tough times have brought the club closer together and led to a deeper appreciation for one another. 

“Sometimes it’s important to sit back and realise how lucky we are and how important being a part of a footy club and something far greater than individuals and how important that is,” he told SportFM.

“It’s galvanised the club. I look at the Colts group. I don’t think our Colts and our senior program have ever been closer, certainly in my time at the club. 

“A lot of those young guys were very close to Nick Campo, and a few of them have come up into the senior program this year. 

“It’s made people appreciate what the club means to them. I know Hayden Schloithe has mentioned that a fair bit through his health battles, how important the club’s been to him, so that’s really important to reflect on it. 

“I think all it’s done is it’s brought the group, the players and the entire club closer together.”  

Should South Fremantle get up on Sunday afternoon, it will mark an incredible achievement for first-year coach Craig White, who took them from sixth to a grand final within 12 months. 

White, who was named Coach of the Year,  has a healthy strike rate of wins to losses, recording just one loss this season to eventual wooden spooners West Coast, before going on to win the next fourteen games. 

Burke says White deserves the recognition after an outstanding first season.

“I’ll never forget his first presentation at pre-season. The first word he had up there was effort, and that’s all he asked for. 

“He’s instilled that from day one, and hopefully it’s been evident to members and supporters. One thing we’ve really prided ourselves on throughout all grades at our footy club this year is his effort. 

“Really good recognition for Whitey. He thoroughly deserves it.”

Burke also says premiership captain Dylan Main is still in the frame for selection in this weekend’s WAFL grand final against East Perth.  

The 29-year-old has featured in two League games this year, back in rounds seven and eight, but has had an unimpeded run in the back end of the season in the Reserves side, and is on the fringes due to a healthy, deep list. 

“We know what Dylan Main can give the side, both from a leadership point of view, experience, but also the quality of player that he is,” said Burke.

“He’s been building himself pretty nicely over the last couple of weeks, but we’ll have match committee tonight, and like most grand final stories, there’ll be some really tough calls made. 

“Tonight will be a real challenge, but a credit to our coaching staff and our match committee.”

IMAGE: Salt Diaries / WA Football