Swans earn reward of Reserves premiership

John Armstrong is now a dual premiership coach at Swan Districts after leading the Reserves team of 2026 to glory at Optus Stadium on Sunday and he feels the core of that side can help the League team flourish in 2027.

Armstrong had already taken Swan Districts to a Colts premiership back in 2021 along with getting them to another Grand Final in 2024 with several players from that line-up then part of his Reserves group that he coached in 2026.

Swans were the standout team all season ending up two games clear on top of the ladder for the minor premiership and then winning straight into the Grand Final by beating East Perth in the second semi-final.

It was always going to be a tough battle in the Grand Final at Optus Stadium, though, on Sunday morning given the form West Perth was in to earn their right into the decider too.

That’s exactly how it played out but Swans did end up prevailing with the four-point victory on a day where they did have 18 extra possessions, 13 more marks, nine extra inside-50 entries and nine more scoring shots.

Swans kicking 9.17 didn’t help matters including 5.11 in the first half to keep Armstrong on his toes, but he couldn’t have been happier to get the job done in front of a good atmosphere for a morning game.

“I think the Swan Districts and West Perth clubs have fantastic supporter bases and for two teams crying out for some success this year, a lot of fans came along and that was fantastic,” Armstrong said.

“The boys enjoyed having that support from everyone and it turned out being a very close game and West Perth came in with very good form in the finals and they were playing very good football, and they would have been full of confidence.

“We were too with how our year went but it was pretty nervous in the box and it certainly would have helped if we kicked straight.”

Future bright at Swans

What the Reserves premiership triumph does highlight is how bright the future is for Swan Districts and Armstrong expects a host of his players to become League regulars in 2027.

That includes his midfield that featured Luke Cotellessa (29 possessions, two goals), Otis Harvey (23), Blake Kelly (23), Tyrone Virgo (21), Ayden Cartwright (19) and Cooper Rullo on the wing who ended up with 20 disposals.

“I think when you look at my midfield from the weekend and they should all be setting their sights on playing League football from Round 1 next year,” Armstrong said.

“There’s a lot of talent there and they’ve all come up through the Swan Districts system and then also you look at Jai Debono who’s an 18-year-old kid and played on the weekend who is another one that can continue to develop and hopefully play some senior football in years to come.

“That’s just to name a few that we’ve got come through.”

The Merv McIntosh Medal winner

One of those players with a bright future and who already has played 13 games at League level is Cotellessa who was judged best afield in Sunday’s Grand Final to win the Merv McIntosh Medal.

He ended up with the 29 possessions and two goals along with seven tackles and five inside-50 entries with Armstrong especially excited for how his future looks.

“I think consistency for Luke was something that he got perfect throughout this whole year,” Armstrong said.

“I think his form early in the Reserves was fantastic and then when he came into the League side being able to perform consistently in that level is what he will continue to need to do to play consistent League football.

“But for us on the weekend I think he had 29 and two goals, one from the boundary which was a fair goal, and he’s a very class football player and one that I would say will continue to develop into a very strong League football player at our club.”

Swans in a good position

Looking at the bigger picture and having been involved in the senior program now for the first time in 2026, Armstrong does feel like there’s good reason for optimism for Swan Districts moving forward.

Considering Jye Chalcraft, Jehb O’Donohue, Zane Trew, Jarvis Pina, Jake Pasini, Will Collins, Seb Bright, Joven Petric and Zach Provest all had interrupted seasons in one form or another, there’s natural improvement there.

Then just having a bit more luck on game day could have helped in 2026 too and Armstrong is looking forward to the significant leap Swans can make at League level in 2027.

“In the League side this year we had so many injuries that we had that did hold out some talented players for a long time,” Armstrong said.

“Then there were a few games where when you reflect we probably get the result if a few things went our way or if we played our style for stronger.

“Then if those things go better for you you’re closer to playing finals if not being there or there abouts.

“The depth of the Reserves is only going to continue to develop and strengthen that program, and Andrew Pruyn’s game style that the boys play is one that everyone buys into and it’s something that I think can bring success to the League side when the players are on the track.”

Stepping into senior coaching

Given Armstrong is now a dual premiership winning coach and has shown what he can do with both Colts and Reserves teams, it would be only natural for him to start to think about stepping up to be a League coach one day in the WAFL.

He might not quite feel ready for that leap just yet and he might very well end up competing for the same jobs as his brother, Steve, if he does end up deciding to, but as long as he continues to enjoy coaching, he’ll want to remain involved.

“I really enjoy coaching and I’ve really enjoyed this year stepping up into the senior program and learning from everybody involved in that in regards to what it takes for the preparation, the whole pre-season and in-season,” Armstrong said.

“Personally, I just want to keep enjoying coaching and that’s what this year was about and it was very enjoyable with the players and coaching staff.

“Senior coaching is something that I think I do want to do eventually, but I also want to continue to learn and enjoy what I’m doing. That’s what I want to try and continue to do.”