OFA 2025: State footy star Justin Joyce the boom recruit for Lake Grace-Pingrup in premiership defence

Lake Grace-Pingrup have added a State country star and WAFL premiership player to their side as they aim for more flag glory when the new Ongerup Football Association season begins on Saturday. The Bombers have the bye in the opening round of the 2025 season, but all eyes will be on new recruit Justin Joyce when he steps out in the red and black. The reigning premiers will start their title defence against Jerramungup in round two, with Joyce expected to feature for the Bombers in the away clash on April 26. The new Ongerup Association Sport season, consisting of football, netball and hockey, starts on Saturday and will consist of 15 home and away rounds before three weeks of finals. In the opening round Boxwood Hill are at home to last year’s grand finalists Gnowangerup while the Eagles will host Newdegate. Joyce is a dual WAFL premiership player with Subiaco and has spent several seasons in the country playing with Kukerin-Dumbleyung. He won the 2022 Leo Graham Medal as the UGSFL’s best and fairest player and has represented WA at State country level since retiring from the WAFL. Last year Joyce played for the Cougars in the UGSFL but flagged a desire to join the Bombers further south where he has strong family ties. His inclusion will help the Bombers fill the void left by talented midfielder Regan Smith, who has moved to the Kimberley. The Bombers will again be under the guidance of player-coach Jack Carruthers and veteran ball winner Luke Bairstow. They broke a 12-year premiership drought with a 34-point win over the Bulldogs in Jerramungup last year. The Bulldogs will host this year’s grand final on Saturday, September 6 with the finals starting on August 23 and 24 with first and second semifinals before the preliminary final on August 30. All regular season games will be played on Saturdays, with round six on May 24 Belt-Up Round and round seven on June 7 Think Mental Health Round. The grand final replay between the Bombers and Bulldogs is set down for Saturday, May 17.