Wanneroo Giants stayed undefeated to win the 2025 Australian Senior League Championships and advance to the World Series this July in Easley, South Carolina.
Both West Australian teams made it to the semi-finals, with Wanneroo overpowering Eastern Phantoms to make it to the gold medal game, which the Giants won 7-2 over Brisbane Metro to secure the championship.
Cooper Barber had a day, with an impressive grand final pitching stat line: 5.2 innings, 9 SO 2 R, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 BB. With the bat, he went 1-for-3 with two walks, two runs and three RBI.
His bases-clearing double in the fourth inning was the get-away moment for Wanneroo, turning a 3-1 scoreline to a 6-1 margin in one swing of the bat.
The game was tied 1-1 headed into the second before a sacrifice fly by Quinn Fatai put Wanneroo back in front. They made it three runs in three innings with Blake Thompson’s RBI single before loading the bases in the fourth.
Brayden George closed it out for Wanneroo, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings before they celebrated their national championship in style.
Wanneroo Giants – Gold Medal Game Stats
- Hits (5): Cooper Barber, Chayce Benseman, Blake Thompson, Ben Hannon, Riley Lines
- RBI: Barber (3), Quinn Fatai, Thompson
Gold Medal Players: Lachlan Firth, Mitchell Elliot, Ben Hannan, Jaxon Elliot, Quinn Fatai, Brayden George, Jet O’Sullivan, Cooper Barber, Kobi Scaife, Riley Lines, Sebastian Beazley, Harry Wooden, Blake Thompson, Blake Sexton, Chayce Benseman & Dylan Bandy.
Coaches: Chris George, Greg Elliot, David Bandy, Shane Thompson (EO)
Team Thoughts
Reflecting on the tournament, Dylan Bandy shared that the biggest highlights were winning gold and now going to the World Series, where the Giants have their sights set on more victories.
“I’m most proud of my pitching in the semi-final throwing a complete game,” Dylan said. “The strengths we have as a team is we can trust everyone to do their part when needed. We are one – we all work together to win.
“I would love to win a couple games at the World Series and beyond I would love to go play college baseball.”
Jet O’Sullivan also feels like the team is a family.
“We’re all really different personalities, but we click well. Some guys are power hitters, some are super fast, and our pitchers were on fire this tournament,” Jet said. “But what makes us special is our chemistry, we have fun, we trust each other, and we always fight to the last pitch. No egos, just team-first mindset.”
At nationals, they made memories they will remember forever.
“Honestly, the whole week was insane, but the biggest highlight for me was the final game in Geelong. The crowd, the energy, and getting that last out, it was unreal. I’m most proud of how we stuck together through tough moments. Everyone had each other’s back, and that’s what got us the win. I’ll never forget that feeling,” Jet added.
Now, there’s new goals on the horizon.
“For the World Series, I just want to play hard, enjoy every second, and help the team in any way I can. We’re going over there to compete, not just show up,” Jet said. “Long-term, I just want to keep playing the game I love and enjoy it with my mates for as long as I can.”
Catch up on all tournament updates via the baseball.com.au Senior League hub.