Where Are They Now?: Mick Johns
Posted Jan 21, 2010 - 6:29 AM
by Ron Head
When Kalgoorlie recruit Mick Johns arrived unheralded at Subiaco in 1977 and won the colts fairest and best that same year, the gangly six foot five ruckman had the club’s heirachy in raptures. Making his league debut against East Perth the following season, he did enough against Ian McCulloch and Bradley Smith to hold his place, and was the winner of the club’s best first year player award.
A former Mines Rovers ruckman in the Goldfields League, Johns was a nineteen year old when he joined the Lions, and immediately made an impression. Mick was a high leaper, who palmed the ball well from the centre bounce, and with the proliference of top ruckmen at the time, Subiaco coach Peter Burton, a deft hand at the craft himself, took him under his wing. Johns was a mobile player, who could run all day, and was also used in key positions as well as a forward during his career.
After a good second year in 1979, he broke his jaw in the last game, requiring three plates to be attached, which was not only a huge setback in itself, but was to result in him battling for form on resuming. There was also turmoil in the Subiaco camp, with Burton resigning as coach, and the club continuing to struggle.
At the end of the first round of the 1983 season, having played six out of seven games, Johns received a surprise call from Swan Districts, floating the possibility of him joining the black and whites due to injuries to their ruckmen, after a recommendation from their number one big man, Ron Boucher. With his career at Subiaco in doubt, it didn’t take much persuasion to join the reigning premiers, and so it was that Mick Johns became a Swanee.
Ironically, it was Boucher who was to cost Johns a place in the Swan Districts premiership side in the 1983 season. Big Ron’s fitness was in doubt leading up to the grand final, and Johns was earmarked to play in the event of Boucher being unable to take his place. Fifteen minutes before bouncedown, Boucher was declared fit, so Mick unfortunately missed out.
He was an integral part of the side the following year, however, and was one of the best on ground when he led the ruck in Swans thirty six point win over East Fremantle, after being an amazing sixty four points in front at quarter time.
Johns’s form in 1984 established him as Swan Districts number one ruckman.
Consistency was his forte’ at Bassendean, running third in club fairest and best award voting three times, and his form was rewarded at State level in 1987 when he was selected in the State Squad, an honour that he was unfortunately forced to decline, because of injury. His understanding with Gerard Neesham, Barry Kimberley, Don Langsford, and Jon Fogarty was a feature of his game.
Mick Johns surprised the Swan Districts club and it’s supporters at the end of the 1987 season, when, at the age of twenty nine and having played sixty four games at Subiaco and eighty eight at Swans, he announced his retirement from league football.
“ The Eagles had started, the competition had lost a lot, all of a sudden the heavy training didn’t have as much appeal, and I was twenty nine years of age,” he told us.
Moving to Northampton, Johns captain coached the local side for three years and played for the Great Northern League in the Wesfarmers Country Championships, defeating SWFL in an A Grade final. Enjoying the country lifestyle, he and wife Marina decided to settle down at Bridgetown, where Mick coached the colts for four years and assisted as league coach for another four.
Johns played against a star studded array of ruckmen in his day, and reckons they were all good. “Moss, Boucher, Michael, Sidebottom, Alexander, Keene, they were all good. Stephen Michael would run you off your feet.”
A favourite memory for Mick is the time that Swans coach John Todd dropped him after reaching 149 league games. “I was p...... off about that, because I reckoned I was playing alright,” he recalled. “The following week, against South Fremantle, he picked me again, but the smart bugger put me at fullback, on Craig Edwards, who proceeded to boot four quick goals. I was dragged to the bench after that, but he later relented and sent me to full forward, on State full back Gavin Carter.”
“I ended up with eight six pointers, and boy, it made my day.”
Mick and Marina Johns are happily ensconced at picturesque Bridgetown, where he is a shipping officer with a mineral company. They have two boys, one of whom, Nathan, plays with South Bunbury in the SWFL. Mick still follows Swans, but manages to catch up with Subiaco team mates as well, and is a keen fisherman.
The promise that Mick Johns exhibited in his youth, was unable to be fulfilled at Subiaco, probably in hindsight due to personality clashes with coaches and a personal journey with wife, Marina, as part of coming to terms with the suicide of his father during that period,but it was at Swan Districts that he became a leading ruckman in his own right, and a premiership player.
A frank and forthright man, Mick Johns concluded our chat with some sound advice to any aspiring young footballers: “Perseverance, Workmanlike, Commitment to teammates, and a quote: You can lose your form but not your ability.”
Mines Rovers will commence their defence of the 2009 premiership when pre-season training gets underway at the Oasis sporting complex this coming Monday night. Pre-season training will be held each Monday, Wednesday ( Oasis ) and Thursday ( Digger Daws ) with all players to bring runners to commence with.
New players are most welcome to join the GFL's most successful club with former Collingwood and VFL star Sean Millane once again at the helm.
For any further information Sean can be contacted on 0447 534 177.
Kalgoorlie’s Codey Alexander has been named WA’s Hottest Tradie.
Beating more than 70 entrants to the title, the 20-year-old carpenter is now $1000 richer thanks to the Hot FM competition.
“It’s great, I can’t complain,” he said.
Codey was nominated by his boss’s wife, a fact that did not seem to bother Codey or his boss.
“He’s pretty stoked actually,” Codey said.
Whether it was Codey or his nominator who filled in the online questionnaire is anyone’s guess.
But according to the website, Codey is single, likes blondes and brunettes and his answer to the question, if you were a work tool what would you be? Was “None of the other entrants”.
Codey works for Qualified Carpentry in Bunbury, but grew up in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and was an avid local sportsman and premiership player for Mines Rovers.
He returned to town on the weekend for a friend’s 21st birthday party, unfazed by his recent stardom.
He said he was not embarrassed at all, but would not be pursuing a modelling career.
“It’s all good; I don’t worry about the fame, it doesn’t bother me,” he said.
Codey will feature in an online calendar, downloadable from the Hot FM website, along with the Goldfields’ other three finalists, Drew Hunt, Justin Langridge and Abigail Ayers.
The Diorites are off and running for 2010 after a very successful 113th AGM yesterday. A very big turnout packed the clubrooms which saw last years committee retained in full and newly elected secretary Liz Parker and treasurer Nardia Turner take over those positions vacated by Pam and Bob Woodcock who have left the region.
Former dual premiership captain Jeff Turner, who is the current junior co-ordinator, will remain in that position which has been added to the senior board and therefore will see him attend meetings at the senior level which will ensure the progress the juniors have made over the past few years is maintained at an even higher level.
The coaching staff have all been re-appointed for 2010 with Sean Millane (league) Kyle Robinson (assist) Rob Zecca (reserves) and Rod Brahim (colts) in charge.
MINES Rovers’ stirring victory over Railways in Saturday’s Goldfields Football League grand final to complete a hat-trick of flags has placed the current group on the brink of matching the club’s greatest era of success.
The Diorites had managed just one victory in five previous efforts against the minor premiers, but stormed home on the breeze in the last term to win by 29 points, 11.12 (78) to 7.7 (49).
The catalyst for the blue and whites’ success throughout the qualifying series and the finals had been their ability to cast aside any reliance on individuals.
It was ultimately those traits which highlighted the team’s grand final success, although Luke Nugent and Cameron Allen were especially prominent.
Nugent, the former WAFL player who clearly stamped himself as the competition’s premier ruckman in his first season of Goldfields football, was an overwhelming choice for best afield in claiming both the Fyson Medal and Subiaco Golds Award.
Provided they can retain the bulk of the current squad, Mines Rovers will head into next season in pursuit a fourth successive flag – a feat which has been achieved just once in club history (1967-70).
Saturday’s triumph further extended the Diorites’ standing as the most successful club, with 40 premierships, in the 113-year history of the GFL.
After losing the toss and being forced to work into the breeze in the opening term, Mines Rovers laid the foundations for their win by restricting Railways to just three goals.
The Diorites then added three themselves in the second term, although they trailed by a point at half-time.
It set the scene for a third-quarter arm-wrestle amid windy conditions in which the sides added just one goal apiece and the respective captains, Mines Rovers’ Trent Moon and Railways’ David Stubbs, were red-carded after clashing on the outer wing.
Having effectively twice wasted use of the breeze, Railways went into the three-quarter-time huddle trailing by just two points but in serious danger of being over-run after Nugent and Allen had exerted a major influence.
Those fears were quickly realised when Allen bounced a clever goal through a vacant goalsquare two minutes into the last term – a blow which opened the floodgates for the Diorites to claim a 10th flag in 15 grand final appearances since 1991.
It was the first of five unanswered goals on a miserable afternoon for Railways whose vaunted running game was shut down with reigning Mitchell Medallist Sean O’Keeffe uninfluential.
Their struggles were perhaps best underlined when Ryan Stubbs posted just the Panthers’ second goal since half-time three minutes before the final siren.
Railways’ capitulation occurred after they had prevailed in 14 of 16 matches in the qualifying series before also brushing aside Mines Rovers a fortnight earlier in the second semi-final.
In a low-scoring affair, Mark McQueen, Jamie Bolt and Grae Grant each booted two goals for Mines Rovers while Aaron Rymer bagged three in a losing effort.
Also on Saturday, Mines Rovers trounced Kalgoorlie in the reserves grand final, 21.15 (141) to 7.4 (46), and Kalgoorlie upset the previously-unbeaten Railways, 10.3 (63) to 7.12 (54), in the colts decider.
G,day Jim,
Just writing to wish the boys all the best at the weekend.
I still remember playing in the 91 ressies Grand final and the feeling of winning a premiership with your mates is probably the best one of my life.
Anyway good luck to everyone and GO YOU MIGHTY DIORITES.
Best Wishes
Ben (Whitey) Matthews.
Onya Supercoach.
all the best boys from garry and marlene eddy garry is fighting very hard just like a diorite would go diorites
Jim ,
Looked up the results online this morning - great news - 3 in a row - congratulations to all concerned.
Reminded me of the 3 years I played with the Club - '69, '70 and '71 - also great years .I think we won 2 out of 3 . 2 Robinsons perhaps even 3 , at least 3 Kennedys , Osmetti ,Weir ,Baroni etc . And the trainer - Kevin (I think ) Young -a real legend. Good grief - 40 years ago and it feels like yesterday . I still have the tankard trophy I won for one of those Flags.
40 Flags - puts you right up there in the record books.
Regards ,
Chris Lalor
ps also Boulder Cup day - pity it clashes with the footy these days . It did not in 1981 when my horse Santa Cavalier won at 10/1 !!
Nugent claims Osmetti Medal
5th October 2009, 9:15 WST
Mines Rovers premiership star Luke Nugent won his first Osmetti Medal as the club’s fairest and best player on Friday night.
Nugent added the Diorites’ top award to the Fyson Medal he won as best afield in last month’s 29-point grand final triumph over Railways.
The former WAFL ruckman was a convincing winner ahead of versatile key position player Mitch Graham in Friday’s count at the Tower Hotel.
Jamie Bolt led the Diorites’ goalkicking with 39 goals in 18 games, including a career-high eight-goal haul against Boulder in August.
Kyle Robinson won Mines Rovers’ reserves fairest and best from Matt James.
Cale Delbridge capped a successful transition from junior ranks by winning the colts fairest and best from Matt Brahim.
One of the highlights of the night was club stalwart Wendy Hunter, the wife of Diorites president Peter, being awarded life membership.
Peter Hunter confirmed planning for the 2010 campaign would begin within weeks and he was confident of retaining former VFL star Sean Millane as coach.
“We’ll sit down with Sean (Millane) in the next couple of weeks to work out what he needs for next year,” Hunter said.
7th September 2009, 9:00 WST Mines Rovers to meet Railways in GFL grand final
Mines Rovers kept alive their hopes of a third successive Goldfields Football League premiership after brushing aside traditional rivals Boulder in a powerhouse preliminary final display at Digger Daws Oval.
The Diorites, whose greatest-ever era was capped off with flags in consecutive years from 1967 to 1970, overcame a low-key beginning to eventually prevail by 77 points, 20.13 (133) to 8.8 (56).
On the back of an utterly dominant second half, the blue and whites have earned another crack at their second semi-final nemesis Railways at league headquarters next Saturday afternoon.
It will represent the Diorites’ 15th grand final appearance since 1991 for nine flags – and with a golden opportunity to make it 10 next weekend.
Despite being massive under-dogs, Boulder jumped out of the blocks yesterday to post the opening two goals.
It was a most uncharacteristic opening by Mines Rovers, with 12 minutes ticking over before they enjoyed their first legitimate scoring shot after earlier being restricted to a rushed behind.
However, the Diorites’ vaunted running game gradually moved up a gear in the remaining eight minutes before quarter-time when they rallied for four goals.
It paved the way for a 10-point advantage at the change, although that quickly blew out to 29 points.
But Boulder somehow found avenues by which to regroup with three unanswered goals cutting the half-time margin to just eight points.
It gave the Tigers renewed hope, but experience counted for plenty in the third term as Mines Rovers systematically destroyed their opposition.
The Diorites won virtually every clearance during that period with the blitz also highlighting the many options at coach Sean Millane’s disposal.
That versatility was best underlined by the strong work of key position player Mitch Graham, who after starting the game in defence, went forward to kick a pair of team-lifting goals. In stark contrast, Boulder rarely penetrated half-forward, with the side powerless to act as the Diorites piled on 7.4.
Boulder’s inability to muster a score put them in a nine-goal hole at three-quarter-time and although emerging youngster Brandon George booted two last-quarter goals, the reigning premiers rammed home the advantage with a six-goal burst.
Mid-season acquisition Grae Grant kicked three goals to emerge as Mines Rovers’ leading forward.
Boulder’s Brent Marra also kicked two goals.
NEALE HARVEY
Railways midfielder Sean O’Keeffe stamped himself as the Goldfields Football League’s premier midfielder with his Mitchell Medal victory.
After finishing equal fifth in his debut GFL season in 2008, O’Keeffe polled 43 votes to overhaul Mines Rovers ruckman Luke Nugent (34) and Boulder youngster Scott Worthington (31) in the count at the Tower Hotel.
O’Keeffe, a highly-skilled left-footer who played six AFL games with Carlton in 2002-03, polled votes in nine of 12 senior games this season and was judged best-on-ground seven times.
The hard-running midfielder renowned for his gut-busting work ethic is still in line for higher honours with Railways in the GFL grand final on September 12.
Railways carry a 12-game winning streak into the decider – against either Mines Rovers or Boulder – and the red and blacks will be aiming for their first premiership since 2006.
O’Keeffe became the fourth Panther to win the Mitchell Medal this decade behind James Langley (2007), Jason Cox (2001) and Darren Mason (2000).
He looked to have slipped under the umpires’ radar during the early stages of last night’s count after polling just five votes in the opening seven rounds.
Worthington flew out of the blocks with 21 votes to lead from Willis (19) at the half-way mark.
But O’Keeffe hit a purple patch between rounds 10 and 18 when he collected 38 votes, including six consecutive best-on-ground displays.
Boulder’s Justin Langridge (27 votes), who was equal fifth last season playing for Mines Rovers, has been impressive since switching to the Tigers to finish fourth. In other awards, Boulder spearhead James Murray claimed the Dick
Robinson Medal as the league’s leading goalkicker with 59 goals during the qualifiers.
Kalgoorlie’s Brad Keast, who played six league games this season, won the Milton Cairnduff Memorial GFL Rookie of the Year award.
Mines Rovers claimed the George Krepp Memorial champion club award for the third successive year.
Railways’ Josh Brown won his second Len Stokes colts fairest and best award, while the Don Jones Medal for the leading reserves player went to Mines Rovers’ Kyle Robinson.
Railways’ Ryan Edwards (60 goals) and Mines Rovers’ Matt James (73 goals) secured the colts and reserves goalkicking honours.
JARROD LUCAS
Railways’ coaching staff could be forced to reshuffle its key forward post after main spearhead Michael Towns was injured early in their clash with Boulder in Goldfields league football.
The Panthers closed out the qualifying series with a 54-point victory, 9.15 (69) to 2.3 (15), but with Towns now in a race against time to be fit for next Sunday’s second semi-final clash with Mines Rovers.
Towns has been a more than adequate replacement at full-forward for Kody Kelman, who sustained a broken arm last month while representing Goldfields at the annual country championships in Perth.
Even before Towns’ early exit yesterday, speculation was rife that Kelman was being earmarked for a return on grand final day – provided the Panthers advance to the September 12 decider as expected.
Kelman’s unlikely return, after he had formally been ruled out for the season, has suddenly become a far greater possibility after Towns limped off late in the opening term.
He had earlier set the tone for the red and blacks’ impressive start – booting three goals inside the opening five minutes in seeing out two opponents.
Neale Harvey
Diorites’ campaign suffers blow
24th August 2009, 9:15 WST
Mines Rovers face the prospect of embarking on the Goldfields Football League finals without highly-regarded key position player Mitch Graham.
The Diorites go into next Sunday’s second semi-final clash with Railways in pursuit of a third successive flag.
However, those aspirations were dealt a severe blow with Graham’s exit before half-time of Saturday night’s clash with bottom side Kambalda in the nickel town.
With nothing at stake in the game, Mines Rovers’ coaching staff had hoped for an incident-free evening to round out the qualifying series.
Instead, they have been given plenty to think about ahead of next weekend’s double-chance clash after Graham was stretchered off in the opening moments of the second term.
Graham was later transferred from the venue by ambulance, with a club official reporting his condition at the time as a “spinal jar.”
It was the most significant event on a night the Diorites prevailed by 78 points, 18.15 (123) to 6.9 (45).
Read more in the Kalgoorlie Miner, available from outlets near you.
Well it’s that time of year already when the birds are chirping and we are all excited about the month to come.
After 19 rounds and with the last game tonight against the Eagles at Kambalda West the club is again on the verge of what could be a promising finals campaign. However where as the previous 2 years where we have been going in as favorites this year we find ourselves in a position where we will have to find our best form to be successful in claiming our third successive flag and 40th overall. The senior squad has come a long way from round 1 when we fielded a side that boasted 12 players that did not line up in the 2008 decider that played Kambalda and was soundly beaten by a much fitter and better prepared side in Railways. Credit should be given to the league coach Molly and his assistants who have brought the team along to be sitting 2nd on the table and in a position to be playing in next week’s 2nd semi final.
This year has seen the emergence of several First year players who over the course of the year proved that they are capable of being in and important to our league team. Alan Polak is one such player who has combined playing Colts and the occasional game with Subi Colts with playing on a wing or half forward for the senior team, often playing 2 games a day (much to the jealousy of a few senior teammates). Keiron Giblett, Joel Gust, Jason Boyd, Luke Pritchard and Ben Basley are some others that have found their position in the side on a more permanent basis and have proved that they are going to make up an integral part of the Diorite future in the years that follow. It is rumored that Ben Basley’s form has improved due to the extra treatment that he has been receiving from a member of our medical staff.
Of course the sides fortunes has been helped by the form of the best ruckman in the competition since big John Bull, Luke Nugent and it would be a brave man to rule him out of any Mitchell Medal chances as it would be rare to have seen him beaten throughout the year and has swayed the result of many games. Luke has had many helpers through the middle in Tickets Power, Bart Willis and the return of favorite sons Cam’’ Munga’’ Allen and Stephen ‘’Frosty’’ Dewar.
Special mentions will go to Brett Patto and Daniel Biliczka for continuing to be the ultimate team members by sacrificing their games for the betterment of the team and should be recognized as role model to others who are wondering how to play a team sport.
The year has also dawned a new era in the leadership of the club post Robert Hansen by presenting Trent Moon who has done a wonderful job while going through a tough year of his own due to injury. Trent has had excellent support from the recently returning Matt Crowley, after a couple of years wandering, and Jamie Bolt who has shown to be a natural leader and game winner.
On a sad note the club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Matt Crowley, his mum Sue and dad Mick for the loss their father and grandfather Bill Asher during the week.
Winding up the year has been fantastic one but we would be doing ourselves an injustice if we did not continue right through to September 12th and deliver the club its 40th flag that we so desperately want.
Moving forward pays off for Jamie
4th August 2009, 9:00 WST
Jamie Bolt kicked a career-high eight goals in Saturday’s 55-point thrashing of traditional Goldfields Football League rivals Boulder, 23.16 (154) to 15.9 (99), ensuring the Diorites retained the Macgregor-Kennedy Cup for a third straight year.
Bolt has played as a wingman in Mines Rovers’ past two flags, but has moved forward under new coach Sean Millane this season.
The 23-year-old has kicked 32 majors in 13 games to lead Mines Rovers’ goalkicking, including five hauls of four or more.
“My best effort before that was five goals,” Bolt said.
“I was playing on some younger guys against Boulder which made it a bit easier, but I’m still pretty happy.
“I’ve mainly played on the wing and I struggled for form early on in the season, so I went forward.
“I’d like to stay there. Ideally I’d like to play at full-forward. It’s going alright at the moment.”
After the departure of prized Victorian recruit Daniel Casset in April after just three games, there were concerns where the Diorites’ goals would come from.
But three months later it is a vastly different story.
The Diorites are set to unleash a three-pronged attack on the GFL finals series, with the emergence of defender Mitch Graham and former State junior Grae Grant as tall marking options.
Graham’s switch forward has been a masterstroke this season, kicking five majors on Saturday to boost his season tally to 22 goals in 14 games.
Grant’s four appearances to date have shown promising signs for eight goals.
Justin Doutch (31 goals) has been consistent, small forward Jason Boyd (19 goals) provides support at ground level, while ruckman Luke Nugent has also had some success as a pinch-hitter in attack.
“It’s good because not too many teams can match up on us,” Bolt said.
“Grae and Mitch are both going well.”
Bolt, who debuted as a teenager in 2004 under premiership coach Merv Dellar, is now one of the Diorites’ more experienced players with 86 senior games under his belt.
Mines Rovers sit in second spot with 10 wins and four losses and are well poised to make a charge at the finals.
Top side Railways have had the better of Mines Rovers in three of their four meetings this season, but won by just three points in their last encounter on July 26.
“We’ve basically got second spot sealed now,” Bolt said.
“We lost 10 players from last year’s team so it’s taken a while for us to get to know how to play with each other.
We’re starting to gel now and hopefully it will come together for the finals.
“Millane has been pretty good – he’s brought a lot of different things to the club this year.”
JARROD LUCAS
RAILWAYS all but wrapped up the minor premiership after edging out Mines Rovers in yesterday’s Goldfields Football League top-of-the-table clash.
Spurred on by the occasion of captain David Stubbs’ 200th game, the Panthers – trailing by six points at the last change – enjoyed a four-goal final term to win by three points, 13.10 (88) to 12.13 (85).
Stubbs was influential in his milestone game, although it was two goals from former Perth amateurs footballer Nafyn Pattiaratchi which proved critical in the final outcome as Railways extended their recent dominance over the reigning premiers.
Railways have now prevailed in three of the four match-ups between the keen rivals this season.
The result has also given the Panthers a two-game buffer over Mines Rovers at the head of the standings with just three qualifying matches remaining.
With two more scoring shots overall, Mines Rovers will no doubt reflect on the very early going yesterday when they mustered eight scoring shots to quarter-time.
However, the results did not match the overall effort with a wasteful 1.7, with the side’s first goal not posted until the 18-minute mark, enabling Railways to be within five points at quarter-time.
Given the absolutely perfect conditions, the combined two goals to quarter-time was hardly the ideal start for either side.
However, the second term produced some of the best football of the afternoon as the sides went blow-for-blow in a mouth-watering preview of what lies ahead in the upcoming finals series.
Eleven goals were kicked in the term, with the scores level going into the half-time break. The Diorites enjoyed another seven scoring shots in the third term, but for only three goals and although gallant in the last term, were outscored four goals to three.
On a day key forward Mick Towns was well held by Diorites Mark McQueen (pictured), Railways were forced to find other avenues to goal – a call answered by opportunistic half-forward Meshek White, who bagged four majors.
Stubbs was an effective back-up with two goals while in the blue and whites’ camp, Jamie Bolt and Grae Grant accounted for seven of the Diorites’ 12 goals.
NEALE HARVEY
The Merv Kennedy football story goes way back to the mid-1950's--after a very short stint in Laverton, 6 months of primary schooling the old man decided to head back to Kalgoorlie, we only just settled in back at Johnston St, Boulder, when we packed up & moved to Southern Cross, this was the beginning of my football life, believe it or not, i was a Tiger from day one--Southern Cross Tigers, as a small primary school kid, to me they were the best footy team on the planet--bar none, Naturally Red & Jacko kicked started the ball rolling by signing up with the local team--yes, yellow & black, hard to believe after all these years as blue & whites, I played junior football at the local catholic school on Fridays, between us & the state school, many a heated battle was fought on the old yellow sand oval by two willing schools, more honour at stake than score board pressure, junior football in those days was very hit & miss unfortunately, little or no coaching, bugger all direction, only rock up on on the week-ends & play your heart out, but as it turned out it was solid grounding for any young kid that was willing to make some thing out of football--no modern day comforts, no support, hard as rock grounds to play on, Bullfinch oval was black gravel, stay on your feet was the motto, still applies today!
In my last year at Southern Cross I captain both the catholic school & the local Sunday junior football teams, as a Tiger! won the fairest & best for the club, only to have it taken off me at the annual wind-up due to having played 2 or 3 games with Marvel loch seniors in the same season, Red was the young senior coach at Marvel Loch, when they were short of players us kids jumped in willingly, the Tigers football club did eventually reverse that decision & gave me back what I won---the F & B. I think Red had a kind word to them.
In the early 1960's I followed Red & Jacko to Mines, this was a natural progression for the Kennedy brothers, Red as the pied piper, we all just followed in his foot steps, on & off the football field, the early days as a Mines junior footballer was not highly successful for personally, i played in the footsteps of Paddy & Warren for the first two seasons, in fact I think I set a club record for consecutive games on the bench--11 on the trot, not the best start for a young kid, but things did get better later on, after working on farm in Kulin & the mines in Wittenoom, followed by a trip around Australia with Paddy & Warren, the body shape changed, so did my attitude--I was ready for senior football, roll on 1966.
This was my first crack at real senior football, 3 games in the reserves, under brother Jacko as coach, he claims he made me as a footballer; the jury is still out on that point! guess what, I'm back on the bench again at Boulder oval in a traditional derby, just before half time Geoff Fradd came off with a leg injury, one of the selectors said your on--as I was sitting the closest, I took that as me, with-out looking back I took off & onto the field, too late to change that call, what a day & what an experience, the big league & the Tigers to boot-- I was convinced that their was a football god after all, regretfully the 1966 season was not successful for us, Bruce Weir in his first year as the senior coach & a few pimple faced kids running around, it was time to semi re-build, that the club did.
1967--was a very exciting premiership for the club, after the huge success in 1965 under Punter Robinson, this was a side that match it, versatile, quick, continually pumped the ball forward, perhaps the fore runner to sore board pressure, built around the best defence in the league, our coach Jack Robinson was a school teacher on week days & a football teacher on Sundays, he introduced stats into our game, with telling effect, I played the full season at centre half forward--I still rate that GF win as the best of all times, represented the Goldfields against Claremont at Boulder Oval, played at centre half forward-- we got smashed by Claremont. Punter playing for Claremont, kicked 9 goals against us.
1968, for unknown reasons, I crossed over to Railways to coach the reserves, $200 coaching fee & the vice- captaincy, hindsight is a wonderful thing, but you do not have it at the time, while I enjoyed my time & the season there, leaving Mines was not the best football decisions I ever made, nothing against Railways, Mines & Boulder oval was our tribal & spiritual home, again I represented the Goldfields against East Fremantle at Fremantle, we lost the game, but I won the Old East award as the Goldfields best player, I played on their coach Norn Rogers & kicked 4 goals straight on him at centre half forward.
I finished the year by winning the MacRobertson medal, as the leading goal kicker in the GNFL, Red had done the same a few years earlier, a rare feat!
1969, was year of new football skills & a learning curve, Dandenong in the VFA, not for the faint hearted I'm afraid, the red legs, a power house in Melbourne football circles, they had won the premiership the previous year in an absolute blood bath against Port Melbourne, i seen the old video tape of it--holy shit what a game of football, i played my first game with them in the grand final replay, my season was reasonable & steady, nothing flash, did not reach any great heights, but the product knowledge gained was irreplaceable, it changed my total thinking of the game & I came out of it a far better player & a future coach.
1970, i returned to WA & played with South Bunbury, we ran third, i had a far better year than the previous one, enjoyed my season at South's--another great country football club. it was the beginning of some thing special in football terms & the SWFL.
1971, I was appointed senior coach of South Bunbury, we won the premiership in a titanic battle with--Mines Rovers from Collie, both Red & Snowy played that year & in the GF, we came home late in the match to clinch it-- in a twist of fate, i kicked our last goal that day, I did the same thing against Railways in 1967 at Boulder oval, in the very last game of the year-- the GF, besides winning the flag, i was involved in the player count against Donnybrook in the preliminary final at Hands oval--it totally stopped the game, the spectators, the bar, the umpire--Ray Scott, more importantly it stopped Donnybrook in their tracks, after trailing by some 4 goals, we came home & won the game, i was black listed at Donnybrook --forever, the media had a field day with it, i did not invent the rules, nor did i break them, once a captain request the central umpire to call a count, he has no other option but to do so--football is as much a mind game as any thing else, we won both games that day & won the flag next week as well!
personally, the year was a good one, i won the Hayward medal & the Sunday times medal as the F& B player in the SWFL---i was very proud of 3 Kennedy brothers playing in that GF.
1972, I joined West Perth, after a steady season, i finished off ok, the club was in reverse, after Polly Farmer stood down as league coach, Peter Steward took over, perhaps the best player out of Victoria since WWII, however he struggle as a league coach, in fact the whole team never really fired up during the year, a serious lost opportunity, but we recovered to move forward for the next year, i loved the challenge of league football & it's high standards, I liked every thing about the Cardinals--still do!
1973, was a much better year, West Perth was on a roll, new coach, Dennis Jones from Melbourne, I had a more consistent year, having move to Perth to live, up from Bunbury, the previous year I travelled weekly, that was a tough call & too much time spent on the road, we won 90% of our games, but lost the GF to Subiaco, we had beaten them all year, but went down in the only game that matters, to go into the history books for the wrong reason is not much to brag about, Subiaco first flag in 43 years, good for them--not for us & me, pity in more ways than one, as i would of played in premierships for 3 of the oldest clubs in WA--Mines, Souths & West Perth, it has never been achieved to date.
1974, I was approached by Souths to coach again, I took up the offer & returned to Bunbury, we were runners up, got nailed by 2 goals, I won the Hayward medal again, little comfort at the time, but I still respect the award & the Hayward family in Bunbury--this was my best year as a player & coach, regardless of the GF result.
1975, I won the Coleman medal for the A--grade country championship F & B in Perth, having played in 30 combined games for the SWFL & 5 state championships, this was a real honour, to get a game in the strong combine sides was a task on it's own, yet alone win an award, I treasure those days playing for the SWFL & the state championships, great days, great competition, played on some of the very best country footballers in WA--I relished the chance to play on the best available at country level at centre half forward---- as well I coached the SWFL combined teams for 3 years.
1976, this was another premiership for Souths, I had stood down as coach, continued on as a player, outstanding year for the club, we set new standards of attacking football & clinched a flag.
1977 & 78, this was the low years, Souths had begun a rebuilding programme, it took some time to steady the ship, I played for anther two seasons & left to coach Mandurah in the Metro Sunday League, in 1979.
we played off in the 1980 GF & lost by approx 13 points, this is the one that got away, i was injured in the Preliminary final, had to have an operation on my eye mid-week, i always believed fully fit-- i would of made the difference on that GF day, had i played! it was painful to watch it slip away, in more ways than one!
1980, was an interesting year for me, we were not the most skilled side in the league, but we had a high level of fitness that could not be matched, bearing in mind that the club had not played in finals for 15 years, to find ourselves in the top order was a culture shock for many player & committee people, new territory & unsure as what to do, while i was disappointed to lose the GF, others were more than happy with the year---even today, i still think it was the one that got away--lost opportunity, both as a coach & personally.
AT the end of the 1980 season i retired from football, after some 25 years on the trot, it was time to move on.
1985, i was approached by Carey Park in Bunbury to coach the club, after two meetings, i was back at it again, we played off in the preliminary final that year, considering that the club had been out of the finals for 5 years, not a bad result, solid platform for the next year, while i was confident of the prospects of 1986, i was not fully prepared for it
1986, it all happen, it fell into place, we built a team around the young guns from the colts, the best of the middle order group of club player, recruited a few hard nuts, like the Lawlers brothers from Mandurah & won the premiership by 15 goals--in fact we kicked 30 goals 17 points for the day, never been done before in the SWFL, this was the best country football team I’ve ever seen in WA, the GF day was a not a hard days work for me, this was a team on a mission, you get what you deserve in this game. after two years travelling from Mandurah to Bunbury 2 or 3 times a week, i stood down for the last time, it took it's toll, more to life than just footy? ( I had the best assistant coach available, David Hollins, former East Fremantle star,Sandover medalist & team of the century member )
1987, i coached Dudley Park U / 16's in Mandurah--we had a terrific year from bottom to runners --up, our star player did not turn up for the GF, one Jeff Farmer, but it was all about developing a style of play & building team work, now & later in their football careers, involvement at this level is the most rewarding to experience, an opportunity for me to put some thing back into the game & see it from another level.
After some 325 games as a player & coach, kicked over 500 goals, it was time to take on new challenges, outside of football, business & real estate became new the chapter in my life.
2005 & 2006, I was director of the Peel football league, based in Mandurah, also I sat on the community football council in Perth, based at Subiaco oval---during the same time, that was an experience to remember, politics & football do not mix well, we operated under the WAFC--just down the corridor, big brother generally always get his own way in the end!
2008, i was named in the SWFL team of the first 50 years, ( 1959 to 2008) this was with-out doubt the greatest honour in my football career, it's not actually the achievement it's self, it's the quality of players that miss out, that makes you realise that this recognition is worth it's weight in gold--never to be taken away from you, ever, i was also selected in Souths best 100 players over 100 years, just like the selection in the mines post WWII players at centre half forward at the Boulder town hall, some years ago, i often think about it & thought that Punter Robinson should have been in that position, not me, at centre half forward, but i still feel privileged to be a part of the clubs proud & steep history-- as the Kennedy family continues it's long association with football in WA & the Mines Rovers football club.
I now live in Brisbane, enjoying it, but still follow WA football, throw in West Perth, Mines & Souths, as i was very lucky to play for 3 of the oldest & most respected football clubs in WA, at a time when football at both league & country level was of a high standard, both on & off the field, i happen to be born at the right time I guess!
In conclusion, I must mention the administration / respected combination of Mr Weir & Mr McGrath, they ranked as the best of the best, I know, as i served under many top administrators, with-out equal & years ahead of their time, I always tell the football world, those two made light work of our great game & the success we enjoyed at Mines, in which they must take a lot of the credit for! They built a sustainable culture with-in the club, respected by all football people in WA & the Kennedy family.
The Diorites cruised to their ninth win on the strength of a 37-point victory, 18.19 (127) to 14.6 (90).
But the task was made that much tougher by the side’s shoddy finishing, albeit it in difficult conditions, during the opening term when 11 scoring shots produced only 3.8.
It kept Kambalda in the game, with the margin just 11 points at quarter-time – despite the Diorites’ dominance in general play.
Kambalda, who still occupy fifth place in the outright standings but remain in a tense battle with Boulder for the last finals spot, hardly resemble the 2008 grand final squad.
However, they remain an interesting proposition because of their ability to produce bursts of brilliant football – as was underlined yesterday when they lowered their colours by just a goal in each of the second and third quarters.
The margin in the Diorites’ favour was 19 points at half-time but Kambalda served it up to the reigning premiers with four third quarter goals.
Shaun Baxter again played an important role in attack for Kambalda, with his fourth goal of the afternoon enabling the Eagles to edge within nine points five minutes before three-quarter-time.
However, Mines Rovers had all the answers when threatened – especially during the very late stages of the term in what proved to be a match-winning burst.
Incredibly, four goals were posted in the final 90 seconds of the quarter, with Kambalda landing the first key blow when Lincoln Rodney penetrated the 50m arc to kick truly.
But Mines Rovers underlined their class by replying immediately through the agency of Justin Doutch.
By that stage, Kambalda’s Chris Skidmore had been swung into his customary role in the ruck.
However, Skidmore’s hitouts were invariably sharked by the Diorites’ eager fleet of onballers – a factor which produced back-to-back clearances capped off with goals to Mitch Graham and Grae Grant moments before the three-quarter-time siren.
Grant’s goal after the siren had Kambalda effectively down for the count, with Mines Rovers ensuring they finished the game strongly by adding 5.4 during the run home.
Five players – Graham, Luke Nugent, Matt Power, Doutch and Grant – each finished with three majors for the winners while Baxter booted five in a losing effort.
Mines Rovers are now gearing up for a top-of-the-table clash with Railways next Sunday.
Kambalda’s hopes of making the finals is aided by the fact they will play all of their last four matches on their home ground.
NEALE HARVEY
Pam and Bob Woodcock are off to Perth next Friday 24th July to begin the next phase of their lives. Pam, our long serving secretary has done an enormous amount of work for the Diorites over the past twenty years and both her and Bob will be greatly missed. Good luck to you both for the future from everyone at the Diorites.
Pam will be attending her last game this week-end and sent through this message for diorites.com.
I would like to say farewell to everyone at the Club. I have been with the club since 1989 and it has been a privilege to be involved. I have met some wonderful people and I have seen players come through the juniors and go on to be league, WAFL and AFL players. Even though I am leaving Kalgoorlie I will always be a ‘diorite’ through and through and I wish everyone the best of luck for the rest of the season.
Youngster Kieron Giblett is set to play his 50th game for Mines Rovers in this week-ends match against Kambalda. Kieron joins a long list of players who have travelled up the highway from Norseman to pull on the famous blue and white jumper for the Diorites and is one of three Giblett boys who are currently playing for the club. The two other boys, Stefan (colts) and Aaron (u/16’s) have done their father proud as Jock also played for the Diorites between 1973 – 75 notching up 25 league games before returning home to hold down the full back spot for the Dundas Demons.
Kieron has come through the colts system at the Diorites and played his first league game as a 16 year old under the guidance of former Norsie boy and Coach Merv Dellar. Already a premiership player for the Diorites Kieron was also the McIntosh Medallist in 2006 as the Best and Fairest player in the colt’s competition that year and last week represented the GFL in the Landmark carnival.
As a first cousin of his, Mum I must also say that Rhonda will be extremely proud of her boys as we are of her for all her hard work over the years for the juniors.
Congratulations Gibbo’s, well done.
Diorites 19 point win over the Roos’ on Saturday night now has them one and a half games clear of the black and whites with one more qualifying game in the bank, which should be enough to maintain second spot and the all important double chance come the finals.
Luke Nugent (pictured) continues to impress with another best on ground performance and the big ruckman will most certainly be the favourite at this stage to take out the Osmetti medal, and even though this is his debut year in the GFL, the umpires could not miss his dominance out of the middle – surely?
Cameron Allen was again in the best players and he will only improve as will Stevie Dewar and Grae Grant who both had their first run for the season.
The Reserves had a big win and now sit clear on top of the ladder also with a game in hand and received great games from Russell Walton, Kyle Robinson, Matt James and Matt Fink in his last game for the club.
Matt James (44) and Darrah Doutch (42) are dominating the reserves goal kicking ladder and will be offering the midfielders a frothie or two if they can hit them lace up in the remaining five qualifiers
The Colts had a bit of a set back this week but have shown vast improvement under coach Rod Braham and sit in third place on the ladder. After a winless 2008 the young Diorites will be heading for a finals series which is a tremendous result for the club
The Diorites have seven players who will represent the GFL at this weeks Landmark football championships starting in Perth on Thursday. The players selected are Cameron Allen, Nick Willis, Keiron Giblett, Jamie Bolt, Luke Pritchard, Luke Nugent and Mitch Graham, pictured, who was named vice captain. The Goldfields squad will be captained by Railways David Stubbs and coached by Tommy Briggs.
Mines Rovers officials have moved swiftly to significantly bolster the reigning Goldfields Football League premiers’ stocks in the lead-up to the finals with three high-profile additions before the June 30 clearance deadline.
Tough nut: Steve Dewar (pictured) returns to the Diorites as the club strives for a third successive flag in Goldfields league football.
Diorites president Peter Hunter yesterday confirmed the return to the club of premiership players Steve Dewar and Josh Neagle – along with former State junior Grae Grant from Federals in the Avon Football League – as the club eyes off a third successive flag.
All three will further bolster a Mines Rovers squad which has already won seven of its opening 10 matches to trail only Railways in the outright five-team league standings.
A member of the blue and whites’ 2008 grand final triumph over Kambalda, Dewar returns following a short stint up north and is now waiting to be cleared from Perth club Armadale.
Any player seeking a new club is free to do so, provided the related paperwork is lodged before 4pm on June 30.
Dewar’s particulars were lodged on June 27.
He offers substantial appeal because of a proven work ethic and an ability to play in a variety of positions, with Hunter confident Dewar will be cleared in time for Saturday night’s clash with Kalgoorlie at league headquarters.
Neagle last played with the Diorites in 2003, when the club was undefeated en route to the flag, while Grant joins his best friend and former Perth team-mate Luke Nugent at the club.
“He (Grant) played one season with Mt Gravatt in the QAFL and also did a couple of pre-seasons with (WAFL club) Swan Districts but busted his ankle in 2007 and last year, he hurt his back,” Hunter said.
“He then played the last six games with Federals in the Avon Football League and of course, is great mates with Luke (Nugent).
“As a midfielder, he’s a very well-built boy and as a first-year law student, we’ve got him initially until August 3 and then if need be, we’ll fly him back and forth to town.
“Obviously, this strengthens our midfield big-time and another player who also comes into the mix is (2008 grand final Fyson Medallist) Cameron Allen, who is on a fly-in, fly-out basis but now has two senior games under his belt.
“His first game back was jet-lagged because he was only just off the plane from London and hadn’t played footy, but he improved immensely in his second game.
“If things work out as we hope they do, it could leave us with probably six quality midfielders and with the premier ruckman (Nugent) thrown in.”
Hunter said the new arrivals would further intensify already strong competition for places in the senior team through the club’s remaining six games of the qualifying series.
Following on from yesterday’s last minute signings diorites.com can report that another former premiership player has signed and had his clearance granted just before the 4pm deadline. Josh Neagle is set to return to the city with his employment after spending the past few years back in his hometown of Mandurah. Neagle, who was cleared back to the Diorites from the Mandurah Mustangs, is looking forward to being back in the region and the talented wingman is also keen to add to his previous game tally of 33 for the Diorites and hopefully add another flag in the process. Josh has also played around 100 games for the Mustangs.
However with good news there is also some sad news with premiership ruckman Matthew Fink to play his last game for the club this Saturday against the Roo’s. The popular ruckman has had an injury plagued 2009 and has struggled to get out on the park this season but is looking forward to one more game in the Blue and White before heading to Europe for a two month holiday and on his return will leave the region before Xmas.
From all at the Diorites Matthew we wish you well and stay in touch at diorites.com.
Matthew Crowley will play his 100th game for Mines Rovers this Saturday night when the Diorites take on the Roo’s at Sir Richard Moore sports arena. Matthew was recruited to the club from JPC juniors and has been an outstanding player for the club earning All Star status as the full back of the year for the GFL a few years back. Matthew has been in great form this year leading a strong defence and will play a vital role for the Diorites in this year’s final series where his experience will be invaluable.
Diorites.com wishes you all the best on Saturday in your 100th game.
Matt is pictured with next years new recruit!!
In other news at the club the Diorites have had a couple of last minute signings to enhance their prosects of a strong finish over the last six games leading up to the finals. Tough half back and premiership player Steve Dewar will return after a stint up north and will add plenty of vigour and speed to the Diorites line up. Steve, who can play in a variety of positions will give the coaching staff that bit more flexibility and is a huge bonus going into the last half of the season. Another last minute signing is Grae Grant the former Perth player who has answered a call from good mate Luke Nugent. Grae has represented WA at the 2005 U/16 national titles and was the stand out player for WA in that series. He has also represented the U/21 Queensland team in a match against the Victorian U/19 team in 2007 booting several goals in their win. Grae will no doubt be a welcomed addition to the Blue and Whites and like all supporters we wish him well at his new club.
B: Paul Bevan, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Jared Crouch
C: Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk, Craig Bird
HF: Ed Barlow, Ryan O’Keefe, Nick Smith
F: Heath Grundy, Barry Hall, Michael O’Loughlin
Foll: Darren Jolly, Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton
Int: Ryan Brabazon, Kristin Thornton, Patrick Veszpremi, Jesse White
Emg: Luke Ablett, Matt O’Dwyer, Mike Pyke
In: Brabazon, Veszpremi
Out: McVeigh (Shoulder), Moore
MINES Rovers continued on their path to a likely top-two finish in Goldfields league football with a percentage-boosting victory over traditional rivals Boulder yesterday.
On a day when cold and windy conditions made for an often scrappy affair, the Diorites cast aside those factors in rallying for six first-quarter goals en route to an eventual 59-point win, 19.15 (129) to 10.10 (70).
Boulder remained some chance when they trailed by 22 points at three-quarter-time, but the reigning premiers nailed down their seventh win with a six-goal last term, including three from Mitch Graham(PICTURED).
The opening 20 minutes had also proved to be among the blue and whites’ most productive of the afternoon, with the very late stages especially fruitful, when they piled on three goals in as many minutes.
The late surge paved the way for a 23-point cushion and also put the Tigers’ supporters on notice that another blowout might be in order.
Mines Rovers were yesterday bolstered by the return of premier ruckman Luke Nugent, who stamped his recall with a dominant early display which laid the foundations for his side to dominate the centre clearances.
To their credit, however, Boulder’s defensive unit did well to restrict the Diorites to 3.3 in the second term.
But the Tigers’ inability to capitalise when pushing forward themselves was a major downfall, with 2.5 for the term falling well short of the expectations laid down by coach Adrian Hooks. Boulder hit back to outscore their opposition five goals to four in the third term.
But it went pear-shaped during the run home when Mines Rovers’ greater depth and superior skills and fitness ensured the Tigers remained on just two wins for the season.
The obvious downside to the Diorites’ performance was the injury cloud hanging over midfielder Trent Moon, who was sidelined before half-time yesterday.
Justin Doutch led Mines Rovers’ charge with four goals, with James Murray also bagging four to once again assume virtually a lone hand in attack for Boulder.
Mines Rovers are still seeking details of any past players to add to the web site as to keep a record of games played so that the history of the club is kept, as you could say, under one roof, that being our web site. If you are already listed as a past player and would like any of your details updated then email them through too - jjmcintosh@westnet.com.au and we will have your profile updated. I have a long list of players still to update and will slowly get them all on the past players list, however if anyone out there knows of a past player not listed then please also send details through.
Added today were the Osmetti clan, Charlie, Brian, Peter and Tim along with Dave McKibbon.
Kick kicking goals Diorites.
Having been a spectator at all three games this season between the reigning premiers, Mines Rovers and the premiership favourites Railways, I believe the Diorites are well and truly still in the race to win three flags in a row for the club. The last time this was achieved was way back in the sixties when the club actually won four in a row 67, 68, 69 and 1970.
Since round one when the Diorites were taken to the cleaners by the Panthers, the past two clashes have been close, with the exception of the last quarter in Sunday’s game when the Diorites faded badly and were overrun by the fast finishing Redlegs.
The fade out must have set off alarm bells within the coaching staff and leadership group and if this can be addressed then the Diorites will give themselves every chance come finals time. However, I have been around this footy club long enough to know that this will not happen without the players taking responsibility of their actions and giving themselves every chance to play in another grand final. Sacrifices will have to be made and this is where the leadership group must come into play. Training, as cold as it gets in a Kalgoorlie-Boulder winter in June and July should not become a chore but a time when the group becomes one and is working together to achieve something that the club hasn’t seen since the sixties. When the Diorites won their first flag in nineteen years in 1991 the coach, Alan Daniels, ordered that any player seen out on a Friday night after 9pm would automatically be dropped from the side and being assistant coach at the time it was my job as the “Fun Police” to check out all the likely spots players would frequent. No players were found over the last six weeks leading up to the finals as the group were committed to win the flag, as I said, the first in nineteen years. This is where the current playing group if they choose can make a significant improvement and back the coaching staff to give themselves every chance of success in the finals.
In the press this week it was reported that Railways win was achieved without three colts players who were at the carnival but there is still a bit of upside for the Diorites with several players still to come into the team. The 2008 Osmetti Medallist Cameron Allen (pictured) played his first game in 2009 after six months overseas and this was done without a training run having only arrived back in the city on Thursday night so having Cameron back with a few runs will improve the running ability of the side enormously. Luke Nugent, Brett Turner, Daniel Biliczka all missing through injury and Joel Gust colts carnival will add further depth to the team when they return in the coming weeks.
Railways’ favouritism for the Goldfields Football League premiership has shortened following the side’s comfortable victory over Mines Rovers in yesterday’s top-of-the-table clash.
A dour struggle ensued for the vast majority of the match before Railways skipped clear just before three-quarter-time to eventually win by 21 points, 11.12 (78) to 8.9 (57).
Yesterday’s result has given the Panthers a one-game lead at the head of the standings with seven wins – along with a massive percentage advantage.
Given the ideal conditions, a day out for the respective key forwards was expected.
Instead, however, the clash quickly developed into an arm-wrestle, with only a combined nine goals scored to half-time.
Railways led by seven points, with the Panthers’ Sean O’Keeffe the dominant player on the ground to that point.
However Mines Rovers – despite the absence of star ruckman Luke Nugent – made their move early in the third term courtesy of back-to-back goals to Trent Moon and Ross Lynch which gave them the lead after six minutes.
But O’Keeffe levelled the scores with the first of three late goals added by Railways during time-on.
Key forward Kody Kelman sprayed a set shot moments later, but David Stubbs and O’Keeffe ensured the Panthers turned for home with a handy lead with back-to-back goals.
They proved to be key blows, with Railways finishing off with 3.4 to nail down the win.
For the winners, O’Keeffe and Stubbs each booted three goals while Kelman took his overall tally for the season to 50 – courtesy of his two goals.
Justin Doutch continued his steady form with three for Mines Rovers.
Despite the loss, the Diorites remain half a game clear of third-placed Kalgoorlie, who easily accounted for bottom side Kambalda when the round got under way on Saturday night.
Diorites too good for Eagles
8th June 2009, 9:00 WST
Mines Rovers fought back from a scratchy start to overpower Kambalda yesterday in the Goldfields league football clash played in the nickel town.
The Diorites, who went into the encounter looking to match first-placed Railways with six wins, trailed by six points at quarter-time but found reliable avenues to goal the rest of the way to win by 61 points, 19.13 (127) to 9.12 (66).
It proved to be yet another showcase of the Diorites’ ability to share the offensive workload, with the team emerging with 10 individual goalkickers.
The blue and whites’ running game moved into top gear during the second term in a burst which produced 6.3 and paved the way for a 17-point half-time advantage.
Kambalda had led by six points at the first change, but doubts over their ability to sustain four quarters of hard-running football surfaced when they ran out with the minimum 18 players.
Those fears came to the fore midway through the second term in the midst of an opposition surge when an injury further eroded the Eagles’ numbers.
Mines Rovers’ display to half-time was once again underlined by the influence of ruckman Luke Nugent, who also drifted forward to kick three important goals.
It was much the same after the break, with Mines Rovers adding five goals in each of the remaining two quarters.
Nugent and Justin Doutch each finished with four goals while Sean Millane, Jason Boyd and Mitch Graham bagged two apiece.
Kambalda’s Troy Wilson completed a four-goal haul to be the most effective forward in a losing effort.
Versatile big man Mitch Graham enjoyed another great game for the Diorites in their 3 point win over Kalgoorlie at Digger Daws oval in his 100th appearance for the club. Graham who is a product of Mines Rovers juniors booted 4 goals and combined with, Justin Doutch (4) and Jaymie Bolt (5) also products of the Diorites juniors, to kick a winning score and remain in the race for a top two finish.
Mitch, the younger brother of Jamie Graham (Eagles and South Fremantle), has firmly established himself as one of the most important “talls” in the Diorites line up over the past five years either playing at fullback, centre half back, ruck, or as in his 100th up forward.
The likeable Mitch is a popular figure around the club and the Diorites faithful have no doubt that if there is a chance of winning their third flag in a row then he will play an important part in that happening.
Next week will see veteran Daniel Biliczka line up for his 100th game for the club so from all at Diorites.com web site – congratulations and well done
Mines Rovers Football Club last night formally honoured its long serving veteran Brett (Boof) Turner by naming the grand stand at Digger Daws oval the "Brett Turner Stand".
Brett began his long career with the Diorites in 1991 and last night played his 258th game for the Blue and Whites in their win over co-tenants Boulder from where he was recruited after 45 appearances with the Tigers.
Turners outstanding career so far, which is the GFL record for games played has seen him play in 14 GFL Grand Finals, two with Boulders in 1989 & 1990 and the rest with the Diorites which includes 10 premiership wins – the two with Boulders then followed eight with Mines – 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2008.
Brett was also the F&B in the League premiership year in 1993 and the Martin Medallist in 2003 (Reserves F&B) in the year he “decided” to have a spell from footy which also included a reserves premiership.
Brett Turner will go down in Mines Rovers history surely as one of the greatest recruits ever to pull on the Blue and White jumper. Well done BOOF.
Following the next Derby on Saturday 16th May, there will be a special presentation to club stalwart Brett (Boof) Turner involving both Mines and Boulder players, supporters and officials. The presentation will be to honour the great service Boof has provided to not only both clubs but the GFL has a whole.
The evening will also be used as the first social event with a “What I wanted to be when I grow up” theme, requiring all players and supporters to get into the spirit and dress up for the occasion. Look out for Jamie Bolt dressed as a T-Rex and Joel Gust as a Smurf!
Mark McQueen, the 3rd brother to play for Mines Rovers after Craig and Ross, commonly known as the two book ends will line up for his 50th game against the Panthers on Saturday night at Sir Richard Moore oval in what shapes up as an important game to gauge if the Diorites have made up lost ground on the league leaders.
Mark joined the Diorites half way through the 06 season and his time at the club so far has been very rewarding, both on a team perspective and personal achievements. Mark was a member of back to back premiership teams in 2007/2008, the Fyson Medallist from the 2007 grand final and also took out the Osmetti Medal, Mines Rovers F&B in their 2007 premiership year.
Mines Rovers displayed superior poise in the late pivotal stages to enjoy a comfortable victory over a gallant Kambalda in Goldfields league football.
After trailing at half-time in the clash at Digger Daws Oval, the Diorites held sway for the vast majority of the second half to eventually win by 32 points, 18.14 (122) to 14.6 (90).
Having parted company with eastern States recruit Daniel Casset earlier in the week, the Diorites looked for other avenues in which to post a winning score.
The squad responded grandly by producing 10 individual goalkickers, with the main focal point provided by an unlikely source in Jason Boyd.(pictured)
Boyd underlined the Blue and Whites’ impressive start, when they outscored a depleted Eagles five goals to two to quarter-time, with a stunning purple patch in which the dynamic small forward bagged three majors in as many minutes.
It was a clear indication that the reigning premiers might run away with the game.
However, Kambalda – despite being missing key forwards Troy Wilson and Paul Ridley and subsequently running out with just 20 players – regrouped from that early blitz with a barnstorming second quarter in which they piled on 6.3.
A big welcome to all our junior players & parents to the Diorites for season 2009 – The Diorites are a great club full of tradition and pride and we hope you all enjoy your footy with the Mines Rovers Football Club
PARENTAL HELP
THERE ARE A LIST OF POSITIONS TO BE FILLED AT THE END OF THIS NOTE – PLEASE SEE NARDIA OR JEFF TO LET THEM KNOW IF YOU CAN ASSIST IN ANY WAY
ALL TEAM MANAGERS NEED GOAL UMPIRES EACH WEEK SO PLEASE PUT YOUR HAND UP TO HELP OUT WITH THIS. THE UNDER 12’S TEAM’S PARENTS & HELPERS HAVE BEEN FANTASTIC WITH OFFERS OF HELP TO TRAVIS & KAREN, SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK THERE . WE COULD DO WITH SOME HELP FROM THE 10’S PARENTS IN ASSISTING IN SETUP EACH WEEK AS THE START OF MATCH DAY IS ALWAYS HECTIC. THE UNDER 14’S & 16’S PARENTS COULD HELP AT THE END OF DAY PACKUP AND CLEANUP (AS WELL AS SOME MUCH NEEDED CANTEEN HELP TOO!!)
ROSTERS – CANTEEN & ORANGES
We have had some great parents offer to do the Oranges each week, we still need an Under 14’s Parent to offer or for the roster to be completed – please see team Manager Samantha to put your name down
CANTEEN
Our major fundraising IS opening the canteen during home games – there is a roster each week and each team is required to supply one helper per week. This does not have to be when your child is playing but can be before or after their game, WE STILL DESPERATLEY NEED HELP IN THE KITCHEN & NEED PARENTS TO PUT THEIR NAME ON THE CANTEEN ROSTER – OTHERWISE WE WILL BE COMPLETING IT AND SENDING YOU A DATE & TIME TO FULFIL PLEASE SEE THE GIRLS IN THE CANTEEN - NARDIA (O418 916528) OR SAM ( 0402 626 130) TO LET THEM KNOW IF YOU HAVE A TIME/DATE YOU PREFER.
UMPIRES
Thanks to our senior club for umpiring our games for us & it is greatly appreciated as it saves our juniors a lot of expense. Thanks also to Steve Boyd for organising the umpires each week. We would like remind all our parents, supporters and players that these people are volunteering their time and whilst you sometimes may not agree with their decisions we expect them (and the umpires supplied by the opposition) to be treated it respect at all times –
GOLDFIELDS REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS
UNDER 14/15 DEVELOPMENT SQUADS
Several Under 14’s & 15 players will be invited into these squads in the next few weeks. Games will be against Esperance on the June Long Weekend. Goldfields will be hosting this year at SRM so parents of boys selected will need to help out. Players will be advised in the week or so if they have been selected
Tony Lennox (Saints) & Jeff Turner (Mines) will be coaching the 14’s
Neil Dellar (Railways) and Arthur Taylor (Boulder) will be coaching the 15’s
GOLDFIELDS 12-YEAR-OLD DELEVLOPMENT TEAM
The Annual Goldfields Ballajura Challenge Matches will be held in Perth on Sunday the 7th Of June. Players selected will travel down on Friday the 5th and return on Monday the 8th. Training for selected players commences on May 11th. Return games in Kalgoorlie will be held on Sat the 11th of July. Players lucky enough to be selected will be advised next week. (Travis Wood from Mines will be coaching this team)
FIXTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE SEASON FROM THE CLUBROOMS
FEES –FEES ARE NOW OVERDUE!!
$95 EXISTING PLAYERS
$150 INCLUDING UNIFORM NEW PLAYERS (NOTE UNIFORM IS SUBSIDISED/DISCOUNTED) THE FIRST SEASON ONLY AFTER THAT CLUB PRICES APPLY
MEDICAL FORMS ARE NOW DUE – IF YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED A NEW ONE PLEASE SEE YOUR COACH, MANAGER OR NARDIA TO GET A NEW ONE & COMPLETE
SPONSORS –PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AS THEY SUPPORT US AND ENABLE US TO HELP RUN YOUR JUNIOR CLUB.
COR Engineered Cooling- Inbloom Floral Design & Gifts
Goldfields Realty- J R Turner Cabinets
Kalgoorlie News- Boulder Parts & Towing
Salty’s Surf & Skate- Westralia Homes
McDonalds Kalgoorlie- Sportspower
Gill Smash Repairs- Surf Shack
Kalgoorlie Salvage
SPONSORS ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED FOR WEEKLY INCENTIVE AWARDS, PLAYERS TEA AWARDS AND END OF SEASON AWARDS. WE STILL NEED SOME SPONSORS FOR THE END OF SEASON AWARDS THIS YEAR SO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OF IF YOU KNOW OF A COMPANY THAT MAY BE INTERESTED PLEASE LET JEFF OR NARDIA TURNER KNOW.
Captain Trent Moon will play his 50th game for the club when the Diorites take on the Eagles this Sunday. Moon, a quality mid-fielder has taken over the captaincy this year from the much decorated Robbie Hansen who retired after last years premiership win over Kambalda.
Moon arrived in the Goldfields with a strong list of credentials behind him and was an immediate success with his new club, winning the Fyson and Subiaco Gold’s medals in the 2004 premiership win.
Trent, previously from the Perth Metro area played 35 reserves games for Subiaco, including a premiership, 10 reserves and 2 league games for Perth, 40 games for the Canning Tigers were he also won the Sunday League F&B.
The Diorites will be hoping that the soft tissue and groin injuries that have plagued him over the last year are behind him and he returns to the form that put him in the top bracket of mid-fielders in the GFL.
Several players are on the verge of milestone games for the club with Justin Doutch (49) due to play his 50th game this week. Mark McQueen (48) and Trent Moon (48) will follow the week after. Daniel Biliczka (96) and Mitch Graham, pictured (95) will also bring up their 100th games in the second series of the season.
This weeks games could see four clubs on top with eight points in a very interesting start to the season. If Mines can get over Kalgoorlie and Kambalda continue with last weeks great form and account for Boulder that would leave the Tigers as the only team not to gain points so far after four rounds.
Mines clash with Kalgoorlie on Anzac day could see the return of captain Trent Moon for his first game in that role and he will add more strength to the midfield which has been well led by Luke Nugent and Nick Willis with new full forward Daniel Casset also in great form coming of a eight goal haul against the Tigers in the Easter fixture.
The Diorites will wear black arm bands this week in memory of life member Frank McGrath who passed away last Saturday
It is with great sadness that this week we learnt of the passing of our life member Frank McGrath, former secretary of the Diorites from 1961 - 1977. For all those who knew Frank, knew he was one of those we refer to as A TRUE DIORITE. His son in law Colin McIntyre, past player and coach has sent through an email which he wanted posted on the web:
To Jim McIntosh,
Great to talk to you earlier!
I asked Glen Weir to pass on this news to some people in Kal, but I thought a quick email would also be relevant on the
passing of long term life member, Francis Joseph McGrath!
Frank passed away peacefully on Saturday, 18th April which was also his 92nd birthday!
His heart and soul was always with the Diorites and East Fremantle!
As you know, Frank recruited several young players to the club when they were v.successful back in the 60's and 70's
and worked tirelessly as Secretary/ Treasurer for 30 years or so!
His funeral details will be in the West Australian during this week, but it will be held on Thursday, 23rd April in Perth!
Also, please pass on our congratulations to Boof Turner for making his 300th league games....a magnificient milestone and achievement!
Mines Rovers have added six new faces to the thirty man squad which was announced last night to take on the Panthers at Digger Daws oval on Sunday. The new players to the club are coach Sean Millane, Terry McKinley, Daniel Casset, Luke Nugent, Matt Power and Michael McMullan. With the loss of serveral big name players from last years premiership side the Diorites have recruited well, especially as very few players have come to the region over the summer months. Trent Moon is the new captain taking over from Robbie Hansen who has retired after a long and distinguished career with the Blue and Whites. Matthew Crowley will be his vice captain with the highly talented Jamie Bolt his deputy vice captain.
In other good news for the club, the 2007 Osmetti Medallist and dual premiership player Mark McQueen will continue for the club which will give the Diorites added strength and Brett Turner (pictured) will run out for his 299th GFL club game which is an outstanding effort for the evergreen veteran.
Congratulations are extended to Kyle and Emily Robinson on the arrival of our latest Diorite, Tate Richard Robinson. Young Tate arrived at 10.26 this morning weighing in at 7lb 7oz. Dad is as proud as punch and Mum is doing fine.
The Diorites are keen to reverse the fortunes of the Colts teams of recent years.
Under the Guidance of Coach Rod Braham, the Club has seen a healthy influx of eager young ex Saints who have bolstered the normally low Colts numbers and are leading the way at training with enthusiasm, application and importantly attendance.
With new League Coach Sean Millane who is also youth driven, the Club is confident of establishing a competitive Colts unit in the near future.
The new boys are very keen to stick together this year and find their feet in the quicker Colts Division.
Standouts at training are numerous, so we won’t isolate players at this stage, but fair to say the combination of old & new players together with aspiring current Under 16s the future looks bright.
One of the new guys this year is the ex Saints water boy James Gray who is enjoying the rigors of training along with Dion Ayris another young man new to the game.
Mug shots are in the system and will appear on this page very soon.
Mines Rovers will hold a bowls night this Saturday Night 7th March at the Kalgoorlie Bowling club to welcome in the new season, new coaches and players. The night will get under way at 6PM commencing with a few warm up drinks with the bowling under way by 7PM. A bar-b-que dinner will be provided with the cost $20 per person which also includes the green fees.
All players, supporters and members urged to attend for a great night.
Mines Rovers have appointed former VFL champion Sean Millane pictured on the right with newly appointed Colts coach Rod Braham
17th December 2008, 8:45 WST
Mines Rovers have raised the bar among rival Goldfields Football League clubs in pursuit of a third successive flag next season by signing former VFL star Sean Millane as senior coach.
The 40-year-old is the younger brother of late Collingwood champion Darren Millane and joins the Diorites after lining up in more than 200 games with Dandenong and Frankston.
As a player, Sean Millane also represented the VFL on five occasions en route to earning life membership of the league and was named in Dandenong?s Team of the Century.
He also boasts significant coaching experience, including a stint in a development role with Dandenong in the TAC Cup under 18 competition.
The Diorites are the most successful club in GFL history and will open the 2009 campaign in pursuit of an historic 40th flag, although Millane said any air of expectation among members would not alter his approach.
?As I told (president) Peter (Hunter) and the committee, I?m not reinventing the wheel,? Millane said.
?Any club, whenever they get a new coach, there is probably a bit more enthusiasm, but basically I?m just giving the coaching voice a new face."
Mines Rovers have added two new faces to the Board of Directors at its recent AGM with the inclusion of Sean Woodcock and Zack May. John Alexander is the Director who is stepping down after giving the club fantastic service. Vice President Gavin Kennedy was re-elected for a further term (two year) with all other Directors remaining on the Board to complete their current terms.
The club is still searching for a League and Reserves coach but have appointed Rod Braham as colts coach for the 2009 season. Braham has been a very successful junior coach over many years with junior club JPC and the club has every confidence he is the right coach to develop the colts into a competitive team over the next few years.
The 2009 Board for Mines Rovers is:
Peter Hunter President
The AGM for the Mines Rovers Football Club will be held this Saturday the 29th November commencing at 4PM in the Club Rooms at Digger Daws Oval. As this is the last official get together for the 2008 Premiership year, President Pete will be putting a few coldies on, so it would be great to see a large turnout for a bit of Xmas cheer.
After another successful season which finished with back to back premierships for both the League and Reserves, the outlook for the 2009 season is not as bright with the departures and retirements of several key players.
Those leaving have won eight Osmetti Medals between them with the 2008 medallist Cam Allen (pictured) heading the list of departures. Allen will shortly be leaving to travel overseas with a group of Kalgoorlie mates which includes Panthers midfielder Carl Armstrong who will also be a big loss for Red and Blacks.
Without doubt the most highly decorated Diorite will be the biggest loss with Robbie Hansen ending an outstanding career with the club after leading them to the 2008 flag. Along with numerous other awards, Hansen has (4) Osmetti?s and will be joined in retirement with Russell Walton (2) and Mark McQueen (1). Chris Brabazon has left for Perth and there is talk that another club has made a very big offer for Justin Langridge?s services. Forward Matt James has also retired from League football but has indicated that he may still fill in have a kick now and again in the ?two?s? in 2009.
Diorites.com has also spoken to Brett Turner, Nathan Mourish and Ritchie Bourne. Turner the club games record holder has just had surgery on his knee which was a ?clean up? has told us he will again be doing the pre-season and if he is going okay will once again line up for his nineteenth season with the club. Nathan Mourish is still undecided and will see how things are after the Xmas break. Mourish has been an outstanding player for the Diorites and still has plenty to offer if he decides to go on. Possible the fastest player still in the GFL, Ritchie Bourne has also told Diorites.com he is keen to play in 2009 which is good news. The club is still seeking League and Reserve?s coaches and have been advertising in the West Australian newspapers.
Retired West Coast Eagle Jaymie Graham has labelled speculation that he is poised to rejoin Mines Rovers in the Goldfields Football League next year a "long shot."
Graham formally announced his retirement from the AFL last week after 37 games, across four seasons, with West Coast.
The 25-year-old, who started his senior career with Mines Rovers in 2000, said he would most likely remain in Perth to continue his WAFL career with South Fremantle although he did not completely rule out a Goldfields return.
"I have spoken to (Mines Rovers? president) Peter Hunter, although at the moment, a career is what I?m really looking for," Graham said.
"If I can?t find employment or a suitable career in Perth, it (returning to Kalgoorlie) might be an option, although at the moment, South Fremantle have put up an offer for me to stay and there are some other offers there ( in Perth) as well.
"It ( returning to Kalgoorlie) would be a long shot, but you never know.
"Obviously, I still want to play a bit of footy while I can. " But personally, I?ve got different priorities now."
The GFL?s 2000 Rookie of the Year, Graham played in the Diorites? 2001 premiership before later joining South Fremantle in somewhat controversial circumstances.
Graham had been a member of Subiaco?s junior development squad, but was desperate to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Brad and play for South Fremantle.
The Subiaco hierarchy had viewed Graham as a potential league player for five years, but after threatening legal action, he was reluctantly cleared to the Bulldogs in 2002.
Three WAFL clubs Souths, East Fremantle and East Perth were each subsequently fined $500 for their attempts to poach Graham from the Lions.
Graham debuted with West Coast in 2005 and the following season, was rewarded for his consistency in 24 appearances by winning the club?s Rookie of the Year Award.
However, he was dealt a cruel hand in being omitted from the team which defeated Sydney in the 2006 grand final.
Graham has walked away from the AFL for family reasons after taking custody of his fiveyearold sister Candy and also becoming a father himself in May.
When asked about the disappointment of missing out on playing in an AFL premiership, Graham was typically philosophical.
"I can?t have too many regrets about not playing (in the 2006 premiership) because I had no say in the matter," he said.
"I did everything I could that year, I?ve played AFL and have done more than a lot of people have, but I feel the time is right to finish."
Just a reminder that the GFL Forum will be held this Thursday starting at 5.30pm at GFL House. It would be good to have senior committee members and coaches from all clubs and any other interested personnel along. I?m aware that none of the clubs have held their AGM?s yet, but if you are aware of new people who intend to be on your committee you should invite them to come to the Forum as much of the discussion will aid them.
The GFL will be providing some finger food and a few drinks so I would be grateful if you could RSVP to Sue Stirling so that catering can be organised - I?ll be travelling this week and out of communication for much of the time.
Agenda items include:
? Financial Report
? Generating umpire numbers
? Points deduction in lieu of financial penalty
? Registration system changes
? Colts eligibility for finals
? Rookie of the Year review
? Champion Club review
? Red and Yellow Card system
? GROW THE GAME OPPORTUNITIES
o Admit students at no cost
o Identify capital items that have the potential to make a difference i.e. electronic scoreboards
o Gain an indication of interest in professional development/management training opportunities for clubs
o Discuss "fresh" local media initiatives clubs would consider supporting
o Identify alternative playing formats
o Discuss the option of Saturday football for 2010 to include starting times etc.
Less than a month since playing for Mines in their second consecutive grand final, Chris Brabazon has been selected to make his debut for Claremont/Nedlands in the first grade WACA pennant cricket game this weekend. Chris relocated to Perth just prior to the GFL finals to take up the position of Cricket Officer with the WACA for the Fremantle- Claremont/Nedlands area. The talented all rounder will be batting no. 7 in a team which includes two Western Warriors players.
This Friday night is Mines Rovers big night out after another successful year so just a reminder to all Diorites that tickets are available from Pat Kennedy's Carpet Choice. Get along to what will be a fantastic way to wrap up the year and welcome the latest Osmetti, Martin and McIntosh medallist"s along with the Garbin Medal.
once again fantastic to see the dirty diorites get up again!!! i know how good those grand final piss ups are....stuff of ledgends!! the one man that stands out for me is dan blizkca.... i remember he was not even allowed to sit on the bench when we were at jpc!!! and was destined to be an average ressies player,but the bloke stuck at it,always had a smile and a silly joke,never complained,never wanted this number,or had to play in this position.....the bloke just kept turning up!!! and now is a triple premiership player in one of australias greatest sporting clubs!!! great story and a great bloke....the kind of fella that make footy clubs tick......congrats,,,,,,,wacko
....,,,
Mines Rovers are again the toast of Goldfields league football after edging out Kambalda by 12 points in Saturday?s grand final at Sir Richard Moore Sports Centre.
The Diorites? victory, 14.11 (95) to 13.5 (83), enabled the club to claim back-to-back flags and their fifth in eight seasons.
As a spectacle, it was one of the most entertaining deciders of the past 20 years and arguably the best since the 1997 epic when Boulder beat Kalgoorlie by seven points.
Saturday?s league clash was held up momentarily during the third term when a member of the crowd stood on Kambalda?s 50m arc after invading the ground.
On a memorable day for the club, the Diorites also claimed the reserves flag with a 13-point victory, 8.11 (59) to 6.10 (46), over Kambalda.
MINES Rovers? standing as the most successful club in Goldfields Football League history now comprises 39 premierships following the side?s 12-point victory, 14.11 (95) to 13.5 (83), over Kambalda in Saturday?s grand final.
Despite the Diorites going into the clash at league headquarters as short-priced favourites, they were given everything they could handle, and more, against a gallant Kambalda outfit making their first grand final appearance in 15 years without star forward Troy Wilson.
Wilson?s absence left a gaping hole in the Eagles? forward structure, although they enjoyed the initial running in building an early 14-point lead following Lincoln Rodney?s goal.
That conversion occurred moments after Mines Rovers? Steve Dewar had been red-carded for his attack on Tyron Ward ? an indiscretion which left the reigning premiers a man short for 15 minutes of official game time and with the key defender unable to return.
But Kambalda lost their way during time-on, with unanswered goals to the Mines Rovers? trio of Leigh Mourish, Trent Moon and Matt James giving the Blue and Whites a nine-point quarter-time buffer.
Without doubt, the second term was where the game was won and lost with Mines Rovers? core of experienced players leading a Diorites blitz which produced six goals.
Cameron Allen highlighted the Diorites? surge with an insatiable appetite for hard work around the ground while Russell Walton and Chris Brabazon racked up key possessions in the midfield.
Kambalda?s defence was stretched to the limit as they struggled to contain Mines Rovers? three-pronged tall brigade of Leigh and Nathan Mourish and Matt James.
Although clearly in the twilight of his career, James remains one of the league?s most accurate kicks for goals and by late in the second term, already had three majors against his name.
However, it was Allen?s remarkable effort from deep in the pocket right in front of the Diorites? faithful which brought the house down and paved the way for his side?s 31-point half-time lead.
The signs looked bad for Kambalda early in the third quarter as Mines Rovers looked to ram home the advantage.
But they failed to do so and as was the theme all afternoon, Kambalda lifted again with conversions to Navarone Hill and James Murray, who was forced to play the leading role up forward in Wilson?s absence, posting goals which brought the Eagles within 15 points at the 17-minute mark.
Mines Rovers had managed just three behinds for the term to that point, but skipper Rob Hansen again landed a critical blow in steering through his third major just before three-quarter-time.
Kambalda threw everything at their opposition to open the last term, but their efforts were invariably offset by basic skill errors, although a courageous Ward gave the Eagles a pulse with an early conversion.
When Mitchell Medallist Matt Johnston did likewise moments later, Kambalda were within eight points with 10 minutes to play.
Moon replied a minute later and despite a stunning solo run which was capped off by a goal to Kambalda?s Lorrence Farmer, the Diorites held on to record yet another richly deserved premiership.
Allen was rewarded for his brilliant four-quarter display with the Fyson Medal as best afield while team-mate Mitch Graham claimed the Subiaco Golds Award for his steady rather than spectacular display in defence.
For Kambalda, Murray bagged five goals in a losing effort.
NEALE HARVEY
KALGOORLIE MINER
Grand Final
14.11-95 Mines Rovers Football Club
def.
13.5-83 Kambalda Football Club
Mines Rovers Football Club
Goal Kickers: R. HANSEN 3, M. JAMES 3, T. MOON 2, L. MOURISH 2, N. MOURISH, B. TURNER, J. LANGRIDGE, C. ALLEN
Kambalda Football Club
Goal Kickers: J. MURRAY 5, L. RODNEY 2, M. RODNEY 2, M. JOHNSTON, L. FARMER, T. FITZGERALD, T. WARD
Grand Final- Reserves
Mines Rovers Football Club 8.11-59
def.
Kambalda Football Club 6.10-46
Mines Rovers Football Club
Goal Kickers: J. BOYD 2, P. HUNTER 2, D. DOUTCH, A. MCKENZIE, K. ROBINSON, S. ORAZI
Kambalda Football Club
Goal Kickers: C. MURRAY 2, A. DARDHA, B. PERRY, B. LITTERICK, N. CHAMPION
The Diorites have won their 39th flag with a victory over the Kambalda Eagles making it back to back premierships along with the Reserves who also have taken out back to back premierships. A further report for all our supporters out in web land will follow. Cameron Allen was the winner of the Fyson Medal and Mitch Graham won the Subiaco Golds medal for best on ground efforts.
Mines Rovers will face Kambalda this Saturday in the GFL Grand Final for the first time since 1993 and on that occasion ran out comfortable winners under the guidance of Colin McIntyre. The Diorites will be attempting to win their 39th Grand Final after accounting for Railways by 60 points 13.16. 94 to 5.4. 34 in the second semi final whilst Kambalda thrashed Boulder in the first semi final then inflicted straight sets final defeats for Railways in the preliminary to run out winners by 7 points 90 to 83.
It will be a big occasion for the Nickel Miners as they have been in the football wilderness for many years and will provide a huge challenge for the reigning premiers as they attempt back to back premierships. Kambalda are a hard running side and will bring plenty of emotion into the game as a flag will be a fairytale finish for a club that has struggled over many years, but will be up against a side that prides itself on hard contested football and with their wealth of experience in big games should hold the edge over their latest challengers.
The Diorites will have a full squad to pick from with Tent Moon, Josh Hunt and Dave Hansford all back in full training and putting their hands up for selection, with only tonight and Thursday training left to convince the selectors they are right to go.
In other news to report around the club (sorry, been in Geelong, Melbourne and Perth last few weeks) the Reserves will also battle out the Grand Final against Kambalda and will be warm favourites to take out back to back titles as well. Cameron Allen (pictured) completed a great return to the Diorites to finish second in the Mitchell Medal, Matthew Solly won the GFL reserves medal and Ben Barsanti was the leading goal kicker in the reserves competition with 38 for the season.
The Diorites invite all supporters down for the last training session this Thursday night, so get down for team selections, a Frosty snag and a cold frothie and give the boys your support. Go DIORITES.
KALGOORLIE'S dismal fortunes in Goldfields league football peaked
yesterday with the side's 150-point drubbing, 27.15 (177) to 4.3 (27),
at the hands of reigning premiers Mines Rovers.
For the second time this season, the hapless Roos bore the brunt of
ruthless opposition coming off a loss to Railways the previous weekend.
It made the afternoon an especially long one for the Black and Whites,
whose hopes of avoiding a repeat of the 81-point hiding dished out by
the Diorites in June all but snuffed out inside the opening 10 minutes.
Kalgoorlie promptly conceded the opening six goals of the game, with the
Diorites' lead already out to 32 points barely midway through the term.
It was nothing more than a glorified training run for Mines Rovers, who
rounded out the opening quarter with 7.4 before piling on an additional
six goals in the run up to half-time.
By that stage, their lead had already blown out to 64 points and
unfortunately for Kalgoorlie, the situation only proved to get worse the
rest of the way. Not content to rest on their laurels, the Diorites were
steady enough in adding 5.5 in the third term.
However, it was their last quarter blitz, which produced 9.3, which
rubbed salt callously into the wounds of an opposition squad already
badly haemorrhaging.
Mines Rovers emerged with seven multiple goalkickers, including veteran
Matt James.
Most likely in his final season, James had very little impact through
the opening three quarters, but rallied to boot five majors in the run
home.
Leigh Mourish was a focal point from the opening bounce and finished
with four goals, as did Jamie Bolt, with several others each bagging
three.
Kalgoorlie failed to score in the last term, with Matt Wellstead, Wes
Miller, Cameron Brown and Brent McMeekin accounting for their goals.
RAILWAYS yesterday injected renewed interest into the battle for the flag in Goldfields league football after they easily proved the masters of reigning premiers Mines Rovers.
In a display highlighted by the strong marking and accurate kicking of David Marinovich, the Panthers regained control of the match midway through the third term to win by 26 points, 13.10 (88) to 9.8 (62).
For the second week running, Marinovich?s presence deep inside the Red and Blacks? 50m arc was pivotal.
The beanpole forward helped himself to two first-quarter goals in an opening blitz in which Railways stunned the premiership favourites with an exciting brand of run-and-carry football which produced 7.4.
Railways? brilliant start was brought about by the almost nonchalant manner in which their onballers were able to assume virtual complete control at the clearances, with their opposition exposed for pace during the early going.
With Railways rallying for seven of the game?s opening eight majors, the only highlight for Mines Rovers in the opening quarter was provided by veteran Russell Walton who accounted for their only goal.
The Diorites faced a long road back but to their credit, chipped away on the breeze in the second term with 3.2 which cut the margin to a manageable 22 points by half-time.
Inexplicably, Railways ? after the initial blitz ? then found themselves in a major struggle to kick goals, with Marinovich and Daniel Colling both muffing relatively straight-forward chances just before the main break.
It left the jar well and truly open for Mines Rovers to battle their way back ? an opportunity they took with open arms in edging within nine points midway through the third term.
Among the prime movers in the Diorites? revival was skipper Rob Hansen, who posted a pair of brilliant goals, just moments apart, as the Blue and Whites threatened to run away with the game.
After adding just four behinds in an unproductive second quarter, Railways were outclassed for the opening 10 minutes of the third term but roared back to life with five unanswered goals ? three of which came off the boot of Marinovich.
It enabled Railways to carry an even six-goal buffer into the last quarter and although they added just one more major for the game, a conversion from brilliant midfielder Sean O?Keeffe seven minutes before the final siren ensured there would be no Mines Rovers revival.
Marinovich finished with six goals, as did Hansen in a losing effort which included three in the last term.
NEALE HARVEY, KALGOORLIE MINER
Ryan Brabazon will likely debut against the Dogs
SWANS coach Paul Roos is set to inject some run into his injury-hit side to play the Bulldogs with midfielder Jared Crouch poised to return and hard-running Ryan Brabazon a strong possibility to make his debut.
The Swans go into the match without Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes (groin pain) and ex-Cat Henry Playfair (hamstring) while key defender Nick Malceski (calf) is also under a cloud after being a late withdrawal for the last three weeks.
"It's an important game from a selection point of view to get some fit players in the team and get some real run back. I think we've lacked some run," Roos said on Friday.
Jared Crouch, 30, returns to the seniors after playing four games in the reserves following a long lay-off with recurring hamstring problems.
In fact, he could get a tagging job on Jason Akermanis, who has previously referred to Crouch as a "pest" for his tight tagging jobs on the star onballer.
Nick Malceski and fellow backman Leo Barry both trained on Friday and could play and 21-year-old Brabazon could be named for his first game.
"Watching Jared (Crouch) train the other night, he looked like the Crouchy of a couple of years ago. He hasn't played senior footy for a while so we're not too sure how he'll go but at least he comes in really fit.
"Ryan (Brabazon) is another midfielder who is a really good runner. So we're preparing for a team that runs well and can rotate their players in the middle of the ground. With possibly Ryan and Crouchy coming in, that gives us two very fit players who can hopefully play on their quality midfielders and small forwards," Roos said.
Brabazon has been on the cusp of senior selection for a couple of seasons, has worked hard on building his strength and fitness in the reserves, and looks set to make the breakthrough.
"Ryan is a kid who's played a fair bit of footy. He's a bit more mature and he won't be overawed. He's an elite runner, so (he?s suited to) a role through the midfield matching up on some of their quality midfielders to give us some run."
Quizzed on whether the Swans can match the mobile Dogs in their running, Roos said that was probably the main question mark over his side prior to the contest.
He also noted that when two players down last week against the Crows, the Swans lifted its intensity. They were able to run with the Blues in the second half a week earlier.
"It's probably a bit of a mindset at the moment but it's also about putting out a side that can compete the way we want to compete and run out games,? Roos said.
"If we don't do that within the first five to ten minutes, we'll know and we'll get blown off the park
THE SWANS? injury woes could lead to opportunities for younger squad members with development coach Brett Allison confirming that 21-year-old Ryan Brabazon, brother of the Diorites Chris, is ?knocking the door down? for selection.
?He?s certainly well in the discussion for this week?s team but we?ll have to wait and see,? Allison said.
?He?s had two years now at the club and he?s been playing some really consistent football at reserves level.?
The Swans reserves are now third on the AFL Canberra ladder and Brabazon is making an impression with an outstanding year so far.
Proud Mum and Dad, Cathy and Geoff have packed their bags and are keeping fingers crossed for the final team selection after tomorrows training session.
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Paul Bevan, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton , Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O?Keefe, Heath Grundy, Luke Ablett
F: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Barry Hall, Jarrad Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C (from): Ryan Brabazon, Luke Brennan, Jared Crouch, Peter Everitt, Nick Malceski, Ben Mathews, Patrick Veszpremi
In: Barry, Brabazon, Brennan, Crouch, Malceski, Veszpremi
Out: Adam Goodes (groin), Matthew O?Dwyer, Henry Playfair (hamstring)
New: Ryan Brabazon (Claremont), Patrick Veszpremi (Bundoora
Brett Turners next game this Sunday, barring injury, will be his 250th for the Diorites in a career which continues to set records for the club. ?Boof,? as he is affectionately known, played his first game for the Blue and Whites in 1991 after crossing from the Tigers having played 45 games for our neighbours. The Diorites hand out awards for 50, 100 and Life Membership at 150 games and I must admit in my time as President not once was it discussed about an award at 200 or for that matter 250 which one could not comprehend, as the last player to pass 200 (237) was the late Allan Forrest, but that was back in the 1930?s. Brett?s career has had the lot winning premierships, best and fairest and captaining the club and the form he is in could continue past this season, which whilst on my daily six km walk brought a scary thought at how quickly time flies past. Back in the late 90?s a few of us were having a couple of frothies on a Thursday night after team selection and were discussing the future of the Diorites ten years down the track ? 09, 10 and onwards. At the time it was looking very rosie as some of the names we would be looking at to come through in a decade?s time were all father/sons such as the Turner?s (Jeff?s three and Boof?s four), Duncan?s, Delbridge, Eddy, Kennedy and several others, (Megsie let us down as he produced three girls) which takes me back to my point about how time flies. On that night not one of us gave any thought that Boof would still be playing at the time we were discussing that our new generation would be coming through, but if he continues next year, he could well line up alongside the first of them in young Delbo who is expected to join the Diorites from JPC in 2009.
Congratulations Brett on yet another milestone and bring home the win.
Jim McIntosh
MINES Rovers produced tough, uncompromising football to defeat Boulder in a manner which would undoubtedly please the Macgregor-Kennedy Cup donors in yesterday?s derby clash at Digger Daws Oval.
The Diorites retained the coveted Cup after a brilliant four-quarter display saw them run out 75-point victors, 21.16 (142) to 10.7 (67), in their 12th win of the season.
With several stars missing ? Trent Moon, Steve Dewar, Chris Brabazon and Mark McQueen among them ? the Diorites started slowly after Boulder posted the opening two goals of the game.
However, Mines piled on 5.4 in quick succession to 3.4 to lead by 12 points at quarter-time.
The game was blown wide open with 7.2 to 2.0 in a dominant second quarter as the margin blew out to 44 points at half-time.
Keiron Giblett, who was dropped for Marc Johnstone before last season?s grand final triumph over Railways, showed he is desperate to play in a premiership this season.
In an outstanding first half, Giblett underlined his potential as one of the best rebounding half-backs in the league with several dashing runs out of defence.
Diorites midfielder Nick Willis picked up possessions at will and had his kicking boots on yesterday with three first-half goals following 1.3 against Kambalda a week earlier.
Mines kicked 9.10 to 5.3 in the second half as the contest faded just like the light.
Veteran forward Matt James proved he could be effective as an impact player with three goals, while young wingman Joel Gust and forward pocket Jason Boyd added three majors each.
Boulder was well served by midfielders Chayne George (two goals) and Scott Worthington, who ran hard without much support.
George was particularly effective around the clearances.
Boulder recruit Chris Maguire kicked three goals to take his season tally to 48 and ever closer to the Dick Robinson Medal.
The Macgregor-Kennedy Cup honours stalwarts from both clubs.
Brian (Bulla) Macgregor is a former coach and life member of Boulder City as well as a premiership player for the Diorites.
The well-known Kennedy family also boasts strong links to Mines, where seven brothers lined up during the 1960s and 70s.
The Cup was introduced in 2006 with the Tigers taking the coveted trophy for the first time only to lose it to Mines last season.
Mines Rovers are now likely to welcome back a host of stars for next Sunday?s clash with Railways
Jarrod Lucas Kalgoorlie Miner
Arguable the best footballer to pull on the Blue and White jumper over the past decade is set to run out for his 150th game on Sunday when the Mines Rovers Football Club take on Kambalda at Digger Daws Oval. Captain Robert Hansen has served the club on and off the field over that period in outstanding fashion since crossing mid-season from Boulders in 1994 where he played 34 league games for the Tigers.
After playing in one of the most controversial Grand Finals in 1994 when the Diorites went down to the Tigers in a game which still gets my blood up, Robert ventured to Subiaco for seasons 95,96 and 97 and put together 38 league appearances for the Lions. On his return to the Goldfields after the 97 season, I spoke with the then football manager of Subiaco Jeff Linde, who was disappointed that Robert was not staying at Subiaco as he had established himself in the League side and looked as though he would build a successful league career with them so much so that in the years to come when speaking to Jeff he would always ask, how is the Rolls Royce going?
On Roberts?s arrival back to the Goldfields for the 98 season we had a bit of a battle on our hands to regain his services at the Diorites as a few other clubs were throwing everything including the kitchen sink at him to get his signature, however myself and the then Vice Pres Pedro put in the hard yards and convinced the Diorites would be the right fit for him ? thank goodness he agreed and signed for the club.
From 1998 onwards Robert has been outstanding representing the Mines Rovers Football Club and the GFL with great distinction and along with the four premierships he has won the Osmetti Medal (Mines F&B) on four occasions 98, 2001, 02 and 06, the Mitchell Medal (GFL F&B) twice 98 and 2002 and has also won the Fyson Medal representing the GFL on three occasions. To cap it of he has also won the Dick Robinson Medal as the GFL?s leading goal kicker with 58 in 2002.
With every champion footballer there is someone in the background that has been the rock and with Robert I?m sure he would agree it has been his wife Jodie who has been through all the ups and downs through his wonderful career which thankfully, I think, the ups are well ahead of the downs.
In closing I would like to congratulate Robert on his 150th this Sunday and say that besides being a leader of our great club he has also been fantastic mentor to so many of our aboriginal players over the last ten years ? well done and cap it off with a win.
Jim McIntosh
G'day and welcome to the ?Captain?s View?. First of all let me say congrats to our Colts boys on the weekend. Yeah we know they lost but the positive to come out of that game is they were competitive and had a crack with two under sixteen boys, young Ricky Daws and Richie Bourne, making up the numbers. Not only did they handle themselves well on the ground against the bigger bodies, but they both troubled the scorers with Ricky kicking three and Richie one. Boys, the future looks bright and I know the feeling of losing isn't great, but most of the Colts have another year or two at this level.
To our Reserves all I will say is well done. Your team brand of footy has been rewarded with positioning yourselves on top of the ladder. You boys are working well together now, but you must keep winning to get a top two finish and give yourselves every chance come finals.
To our League boys, we bounced back in style from the upset loss to the Redlegs a week earlier, to beat Kangas. Although it looked easy from the sidelines I, thought our intensity and attitude were spot on. This was a real test for us to see how we respond as a team and the way we did it was a real credit to all. I suppose the pleasing part was our young boys again stood up on a blustery day, in particular Kieren Giblett and Josh Hunt and they received the top two awards for best on ground honours.
Now with the two week bye we must keep the numbers up on the track and although we could easily go missing it would be foolish to do so with both grades in a good position.
Everyone should be at our annual Race Day this Sunday. Tickets are available at Pat Kennedy Carpets so go buy them and support the Club and their Sponsors on what should be another fantastic day.
To finish off, with the June 30 deadline on Monday, I managed to enlist the services of ?me little mate from Broome? in Mark Parriman. I spoke with him yesterday and he is likely to arrive in Kalgoorlie next Tuesday. I would have liked him to come this Saturday to come to our Race Day but he wants to go and stock up on some mudcrabs and bluebone to bring down. His services to our side going into the last round and finals will hopefully give us a bit more zip and everyone knows his personality off the ground will bring smiles to everyone. Cheers Rob.
Mines Rovers have pulled off a last minute recruiting scoop that will send shudders through the bookmakers that have taken odds of them not taking out back to back premierships. Before the 11.59 pm deadline on June 30th the fax machines were running hot between Broome and Kalgoorlie-Boulder as good mate and Diorites Captain Robert Hansen secured the signature of livewire rover Mark Parriman a dual premiership player for the Diorites in 2003/2004 and winner of the Kalgoorlie Miner Footballer of the Year. The former Subiaco player was an instant hit in his first year at the Blue and Whites in 2002 and many players and supporters still marvel at some of the performances he displayed in his 30 games for the club. With his 12 appearances for Subiaco in 1996 Mark also represented the Northern Territory in a pre-season game in Darwin against Essendon and the highly skilled midfielder will add more depth to an already talented outfit. Captain Robbie Hansen says he is delighted to have his good mate Marky returning to the Goldfields by the weekend and will attend Mines race day on Sunday but more importantly run out with him on his 150th game, a game which will earn him Life Membership arguably of one of Western Australia?s most famous clubs.
When recruiting footballers to your club one of the most important requirements, other than being able to play the game is also gaining a person who has come from a good back ground that has strong family ties which normally will give you the footballer who represents your club with the utmost respect and becomes part of his new family ? the Diorite family. Looking through the list of players who are nearing or have just played in a milestone game are a group of young men who fit that category I have just spoken about and looking back are part of a long list of fantastic recruits we have brought to our football club over the years. This group, that is about to play or has just played their milestone game for Mines Rovers, have between them a long list of premiership medals which totals 23, Osmetti Medals 9, Mitchell Medals, 2 and Fyson Medals 7. Heading the list is our brilliant Captain Robbie Hansen who will line up for his 150th game in his next outing, Russell Walton who has just played his 100th, Brett Turner who is closing in on 250 (247), Nathan Mourish 100 (84) and closing in on their 50th appearance are Trent Moon (46) and Mark McQueen (42). Recruits are not the backbone of your club but the right ones go a long way to giving your club the best chance of success and the right fit with the locals which brings us to two of our finest who have come through our juniors and are also nearing their next 100 game milestone in Daniel Biliczka (90) and Mitch Graham (87) and they have given the Diorites fantastic service over their career also picking up premiership medals on the way.
Jim McIntosh
Mines Rovers yesterday dished out a footballing lesson to a hopelessly outgunned Kalgoorlie while cruising to a percentage-boosting win in Goldfields league football.
Still smarting from a narrow defeat to Railways in the dying seconds a week earlier, Mines Rovers vented their frustration by producing an eight-goal opening quarter to win by 81 points, 14.13 (97) to 1.10 (16).
For the Diorites? loyal supporters, it was poetry in motion ? at least during the first half.
However, in the opposition camp, it clearly represented one of the club?s darkest days, at least in recent memory, as the Roos succumbed meekly.
The toss of the coin proved critical, with the Blue and Whites kicking with the aid of a strong breeze in the opening quarter.
The reigning premiers took full advantage of the conditions by piling on three goals in the opening three and a half minutes - a clear indication that Kalgoorlie were in for a particularly long afternoon.
It was a start which left Kalgoorlie shell shocked and powerless to recover, with the early blitzkrieg underpinned by the individual brilliance of evergreen veteran Brett Turner(pictured).
Virtually everything Turner touched in the opening 20 minutes turned to gold and by quarter-time, he already had four goals against his name.
Another star during the early going was Chris Brabazon but after bagging two goals, his afternoon ended abruptly, courtesy of a hamstring strain.
When it was their turn on the breeze, Kalgoorlie failed miserably when it came to contested possessions ? a deficiency which saw them already in a 62-point hole just seven minutes into the second term.
The Diorites added 4.3 against the breeze, with Kalgoorlie?s struggles highlighted by their failure to kick a goal to the main break.
The drought was finally broken by youngster Nick Hay 13 minutes into the third term, but not before the usually-reliable Dale Beeson had hit the post from just 10 metres out.
Neither side managed a goal in the last term but in yet another worrying sign for opposition clubs, the Diorites can look forward to the return of skipper Rob Hansen, Russell Walton and Dave Hansford in the coming weeks.
Walton was named in the team on Thursday night, but was held back yesterday with what reportedly was a back strain.
Diorites? streak comes to an end.
Captain Rob Hansen has told Diorites.com that Sundays loss will be a timely wake up call for the Diorites. Beaten in the contested possession, Mines will take that into account as an area they will need to improve in the lead up to the finals and it further sends the message that there is still alot of work to be done to get the right to defend their premiership of 2007. Below is the match report from the Kalgoorlie Miners Jarrod Lucas.
RAILWAYS forward Mick McLean?s pressure goal with 10 seconds remaining delivered a thrilling come-from-behind victory against reigning premiers Mines Rovers at the Sir Richard Moore Sports Centre yesterday.
Despite trailing by 14 points at three-quarter-time, the undermanned Panthers stormed home to record the upset of the Goldfields Football League season and spectacularly end the Diorites? unbeaten run with a five-point win, 15.8 (98) to 15.3 (93).
Railways kicked 5.2 in the final quarter to Mines? 2.1, with Diorites skipper Rob Hansen red-carded with 15 minutes remaining to reduce his side to just 17 men.
It all came down to one final passage of play when McLean found space to mark 20m out on a slight angle.
The 2006 premiership defender made light of the pressure situation by slotting the winning goal with the most important kick in his three seasons at the Panthers.
It keeps Railways in the finals race with four wins from 10 games, with the likes of Mitchell Medallist James Langley, Dave Marinovich and Carl Armstrong still to return.
In the opening term, Railways had first use of a handy breeze and impressed against their more-fancied opposition with 3.4 to 2.2.
Railways drew first blood through a clever left-foot snap from Aaron Rymer (three goals) before Hansen kicked Mines Rovers? first goal against the run of play.
Rymer had his second when he courageously backed into a marking contest before composing himself and then slotting the goal from outside 50m.
Railways added the first two goals of the second quarter through captain David Stubbs, whose ?helicopter punt? somehow flew straight, and Rhett Foster to lead by 20 points at the 18-minute mark.
However, a brilliant running goal from midfielder Justin Langridge (three goals) gave Mines a major boost and by the time Hansen strolled in for his third goal, the Diorites had retaken the lead.
At half-time, Mines held a slender three-point advantage, 8.2 to 7.5, and many felt Railways had run their race.
But the Panthers kept on coming with goals to McLean, Justin Giles and former Carlton recruit Sean O?Keeffe. The latter?s was the standout and yet never in doubt from outside 50m.
Railways were dealt a major blow in the third quarter when Stubbs left the ground cradling his right arm, using his guernsey as a makeshift sling in what appeared to be his second broken wrist this season.
The Panthers had not beaten Mines Rovers in their past eight meetings dating back to round 18, 2006.
Mines Rovers were unbeaten in their past 15 games and are now 9-1.
Yesterday?s match was the first GFL fixture of 2008 to be officially video-taped and may come in handy should it be used as evidence if Hansen appears at the tribunal.
Up to six games will be reviewed by clubs and GFL officials this season.
JARROD LUCAS
KALGOORLIE MINER
Welcome to the Captains view for another week and first of all let me congratulate the three boys from the Diorites who participated in the weekend?s great southern carnival. Kieran Giblett, Luke Gust and Josh Hunt were the only one?s to make the final cut and from all reports all three held their own against some quality opposition. Special mention to Joshy on being named the Brian Macgregor medallist for the overall fairest and best for the Goldfields and also selected as an allstar from the carnival.
Next I?d like to congratulate Rob Zecca and the reserves on winning their game on Sunday which puts them into second position on the ladder. The boys play bottom side Railways this week and a win will put them a game behind Kanga?s who have the bye this week. The following week should be a cracker when the boys will front up against Kanga?s for a possible chance of taking over top spot. I know you shouldn?t look too far ahead because an under dog Railways outfit is always dangerous. Just keep up the good work boys.
To the league boys what a fantastic win against Boulders and as it was very frustrating for me to watch from the sidelines due to injury, I got a first hand look at the way we are going. What I did notice is the team footy we are beginning to play especially the protection for the ball carrier. I think our fitness has stepped up due to the increase in running at training. We need to continue with what we are doing to give ourselves every chance come finals. Congratulations to Dave on his first league game for the club.
To finish off I congratulate Walts on his milestone of 100 games. The only disappointment was not being able to be out there with him. Rusty has been a good player for the diorites for a number of years now and with four premierships and two fairest and best awards it just shows what a class act he really is. If it wasn?t for the three months fire brigade training three or four years ago and the retirement two years ago he might have been edging around 130-140 odd games and who knows he is good enough to go a couple more years to crack the 150 games.
All three grades face another challenge from the Redlegs this week and hopefully we can come away with three wins for the first time this year.
Good luck boys.
Cheers,
Rob.
Mines Rovers young gun Josh Hunt (pictured marking at the carnival) has won the Brian Macgregor Medal as the best player for the Goldfields in the recent Great Southern carnival, the first Diorite since Jolan Fleay in 2004. Josh started the carnival in brilliant fashion with a best on ground performance against Clontarf, the defending champions in a game the Goldfields won by 24 points. He was also among the best in the next two games, the first against the eventual winners Upper Great Southern who beat them by 28 points and in their last game when they thrashed Eastern Districts by 103 points. Josh capped of a fantastic carnival by being named in the All Stars team along with the Panthers Justin Giles and Tigers Scott Worthington. Goldfields Coach Bazza Gresham had high praise for the young 16 year old Diorite who is having an outstanding season in the very talented Mines Rovers senior team which remains undefeated after round 12.
Picture ? Kalgoorlie Miner.
MINES Rovers? juggernaut rolled on yesterday, with the short-priced premiership favourites handing their traditional rivals Boulder a footballing lesson in a 62-point rout, 18.13 (121) to 8.11 (59), at Digger Daws Oval.
The match brought together the competition?s first and second-placed line-ups, although Mines Rovers are clearly a cut above the rest amid yet another clinical display in which the result was settled by half-time.
The Diorites took the field without injured skipper Rob Hansen (hamstring) but despite working into a howling breeze in the opening term, promptly piled on five straight goals.
Boulder eventually recovered from that opening blitz to kick three goals themselves to the break.
However, the second term proved to be the Tigers? worst of the season as they surrendered meekly against ruthless opposition who used the breeze to full effect in adding 6.8.
The first half was especially fruitful for evergreen veteran Brett Turner, who bagged three second-quarter goals to go into the rooms at half-time already with five against his name.
The one-sided nature of the game also enabled Mines Rovers big man Matt James to find some renewed form, with the former Great Southern Carnival Allstars vice-captain bagging three second-quarter goals.
Remarkably, Boulder dominated general play in the third term, but the inability of their forwards to capitalise produced only a wasteful 2.9.
That inaccuracy left the Tigers still 40 points in arrears at the last change but the Diorites, after taking off the third term when they added just 1.1, tightened the screws again with a six-goal last term.
Turner bettered his effort of a week earlier against Kambalda with seven goals, with James bagging five.
Chris Maguire, despite a run in defence before half-time, emerged as Boulder?s leading forward with four majors.
In many ways, the 10-goal margin flattered Boulder with new coach Bradley George inheriting a squad which was thrown into turmoil before the opening bounce in the absence of high-profile recruits in Dion and Lindsay Woods.
Their absence yesterday marked the second time in three rounds the Perth-based pair have failed to make the trip to play.
It is a situation which is clearly wearing thin with George and club officials and it is understood Lindsay Woods will most likely not continue with the club.
With various other players also missing, Boulder selectors recalled veteran Ben Gabbedy for an unlikely return to league ranks.
Mines Rovers went into yesterday?s clash already three and a half games clear at the head of the standings, plus a massive percentage advantage.
NEALE HARVEY
KALGOORLIE MINER
After a couple of weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring strain veteran Russell Walton has passed a fitness test and will line up against the Tigers for his 100th appearance for the Diorites in Sundays derby. Russell, who was recruited by the Diorites on January 2nd 2000 after being pursued by another local club, started his outstanding career for Mines Rovers so far, in fine fashion by winning the Osmetti Medal in his first year and soon gained the respect of opposition teams as one of the premier midfielders in the competition. Russell, who originally hails from Wongan Hills and in some quarters is still known as the Lord Mayor of Wongan was recruited from the Perth Demons where he put together 21 league games between 1995 and 2000 which also includes a WAFL reserves premiership in 1996. Besides his 2000 Osmetti Medal Russell also took out the award in 2004 and is also a four times premiership player for the Diorites in 2001, 2003 (undefeated), 2004 and 2007. Russell rates his premiership years as the highlights of his time at Mines Rovers and has really enjoyed the mateship among the players in his time at Digger Daws.
Welcome to this weeks captains view and I apologise for not having one last week as I was away. From a league point of view we are travelling nicely at the minute and the last month of football I think we have stepped up a gear which is fantastic. The only hiccup maybe was the bye, because our second and last quarters against Kambalda on Sunday were not that flash. From a positive maybe we were a little flat from the increase in running at training which will only benefit in the long term. Boys we need to continue to work hard on the track and it is in these colder months now where we can't afford to go missing. This week is a huge challenge in what should be another typical derby clash against our old foe the Tigers.
In the reserves the boys a putting huge pressure on the two teams above them and a win this week the boys will have second spot. A good game is set as Boulder beat Kangas last week and they will be very confident. But our boys have a superior percentage and are starting to play good team footy and I am sure they will be confident of a good win.
To our colts well this was the only blemish to a good weekend last week and to not field a side was a big dissappointment for the club. I can't understand the thinking of some of the young blokes nowadays but I feel sorry for the guys who are there week in, week out. I'm not sure what the club could do but maybe and I know you should strive to play at the highest level and I know the boys are holding their own, but to put numbers on the park maybe the regular league boys may have to fill the void. I can't understand why the boys aren't fully committed when you have a coach of the calibre as Hainesy. He would get the best out of any player at any level because he knows what is required because he has played at a good level. Just to finish off I wish the boys from our club the best for this weekends Great Southern Carnival in Josh Hunt, Luke and Joel Gust, Kieran Giblett and Alan Polak. I'm sure they will enjoy their weekend and gain alot of experience from it.
Brett Turner?s love affair with Kambalda West Oval continued yesterday when Mines Rovers strolled to their eighth win of the season in Goldfields league football.
Turner, who became the GFL?s games record-holder at the same ground last season, again turned back the clock with six goals from the forward pocket in Mines? 34-point win over Kambalda, 18.12 (120) to 12.14 (86).
The evergreen Diorite ? edging ever closer to game 300 ? used all of his football smarts to bust the game wide open in the premiership quarter when he booted three of Mines? seven goals.
It was clear from the outset it would be Turner?s day when a brilliant gather and dish off set up Ben Stein (three goals) for the first goal of the game.
Mines? midfield ? led brilliantly by Trent Moon, Nick Willis and Cameron Allen ? took complete control as the Diorites kicked 6.4 to 1.1 with the advantage of a strong breeze to lead by 33 points at quarter-time.
Kambalda has folded in these situations in the past, but the Eagles rallied with five straight goals to Mines? 3.6 to stay in touch at the main break.
In one passage, silky skilled teenager Neil Champion ? playing against his old club ? underlined his potential by swooping on an open ball.
He kicked it out of bounds on the full but made amends by brilliantly marking the return kick and setting up team-mate Sean Matheson (three goals) in the goalsquare. Seconds later, Champion produced a superb crumbing goal.
Diorites? full-back Mitch Graham - the younger brother of West Coast Eagle Jaymie Graham ? is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the league?s premier defenders and his stellar form continued yesterday.
Graham, who smothered the ball with his face during the second quarter, stood out with his willingness to run straight through with his eyes firmly placed on the ball.
Mines Rovers? skipper Rob Hansen did not return after half-time but it mattered little as the Diorites booted 7.2 to 2.4.
Chris Brabazon, who made a seamless return to the side, made one difficult left-foot snap look easy and not unlike Gary Ablett?s effort which bended around the corner perfectly for Geelong on Friday night.
Reigning Kalgoorlie Miner Footballer of the Year Moon was unstoppable at this point and kicked two of his four goals in the third term.
Moon also added Mines only two last-quarter majors as Kambalda did much of the attacking with a wasteful 4.9 to 2.0 with final use of the breeze.
Kambalda?s acting captain Matt Johnston ? standing in for the injured George Lloyd ? ran hard all day and showed his team the standard they must set for skills.
Stephen Freemantle played one of his better games and bobbed up with two goals.
Tyron Ward also impressed with patches of brilliance.
Key forwards Russell Walton and Leigh Mourish will again be missing from the Diorites forward line as both players failed to pass fitness tests at last nights final training session before Sundays clash with Kambalda. Walton (hamstring) and Mourish (heal) have been in good form this season so their absence will once again put Captain Robbie Hansen under the spotlight as the ?go to man? in the Blue and Whites forward set up however he will be assisted by the return of Chris Brabazon whose silky skills and penetrating kick will help offset the losses to some degree.
The Diorites will not be taking the Eagles lightly, even though their form of the past few weeks has been up and down, coach Graeme Borchett will be demanding the Diorites pay the opposition the respect they deserve as any win in Kambalda is always hard fought and he will only have to remind his players of the round one game in which they just got over the line. The Diorites midfield consisting of Trent Moon, Justin Langridge and Nick Willis are in great touch and are being superbly assisted by ruckman Mark McQueen (pictured) and with wingers Cameron Allen and Benny Basley finding plenty of the ball should set up enough scoring opportunities for the Diorites to kick a winning score. The defensive side of the team is sound, with Nathan Mourish at half back in superb form as is his other key position mate at fullback in Mitch Graham. Add in Stevie Dewar and youngster Josh Hunt and the Diorites form a tight knit unit down back. All in all this will be a tough game but the experienced Mines Rovers outfit should be enough to ensure they remain undefeated so far.
Mines Rovers continued on their undefeated run when they accounted for a disappointing Kalgoorlie outfit at Digger Daws oval last night to run out winners by 80 points 15.18 108 to 3.8 28. It was the Diorites first encounter with the Roo?s for 2008 as the first round was a forfeit by the Mines footy club. The Diorites took a stance on that occasion not to play, putting the welfare of their players before the four points due to the condition of Sir Richard Moore Oval at the time. It was stated that Kalgoorlie were very disappointed by Mines Rovers decision but with last nights result they would be far more disappointed with the outcome as they were never in the hunt to grab the four points this time. The Diorites led at every change and are now playing a very team oriented brand of football which looks as though this team of 2008 is on a mission. Steven Dewar was outstanding all night off half back and continually sent the ball forward and was once again supported by fullback Mitch Graham. Trent Moon put in his best game for the year, which is a worrying sign for opposition sides as he is a class act and along with the other midfielders who played well last night in Nick Willis and Justin Langdridge win plenty of the contested ball from the stoppages. Captain Robert Hansen had a night out and stood up to kick seven goals in a forward line that was missing the dangerous Russell Walton and centre half forward Leigh Mourish who both missed with injury. Youngster Joel Gust continues to improve and was among the best players but overall it was an outstanding performance by the Diorites who will go into the bye knowing that Walton, Mourish, Chris Brabazon (work) will all be available for the Eagles. The reserves also had a big win over the ladder leaders and have set the bar for themselves to continue for a top two position, however the colts once again struggled and will need to work harder on the track to find some improvement.
Reserves Coach Rob Zecca will be looking for more of the same football the reserves served up against the Panthers when they take on top of the table Kalgoorlie on Saturday. Sitting in third position, three games behind the Roo?s and two games behind the Eagles who are holding onto second, the Diorites need to get some consistency into their football as they strive to defend their premiership title. With the last two wins over Boulder and Railway?s, who they kept goalless for the second time this year, the team looks as though they are beginning to gel together and will take it right up to the Roo?s, who they are yet to play due to the first round forfeit. Ben Barsanti (pictured) and Mathew Solly have been in good form for the Blue and Whites in front of goal and with the likes of Jason Boyd, Luke Peurtollano and Ritchie Bourne driving the ball forward should get plenty of opportunities. Brett Pattison and Damen Tasker have been solid down back and their experience is invaluable as they form the nucleus of a very good rebounding defence. The Diorites must raise the bar against the Roo?s and Kambalda if they are to close the gap on these two sides and push for a top two finish The way they went about it against the Panthers last week I think they have turned the corner and will provide strong opposition for the top of the table Kalgoorlie.
Mines Rovers extended their winning streak over Railways to eight, something they were probably unaware of until it appeared in last weeks press, and so dominate was their performance that it was the biggest margin, 93 points 21.8 to 5.11 of the past eight wins. The Diorites were over due to put in a four quarter effort, something their Captain Rob Hansen hinted at during the week, and they produced it against a lack lustre Panther outfit. Mines experience all over the ground was a big factor in their dominance and it started in the middle with the big bodies of Mark McQueen, Justin Langridge and Nick Willis who are now forming a strong on ball division at their new club along side the likes of Trent Moon, Rob Hansen and Russell Walton. The game was virtually over by half time with Diorites holding a 10 goal lead with Walton (pictured) kicking five first half majors in an outstanding performance off half forward and was supported by Ben Stein, Rob Hansen, Brett Turner and Mat James who were also among the goal kickers. Coach Graeme Borchett demanded his players not to rest on their laurels in the second half and continue to play attacking football which the players responded to. The defence of Mines Rovers was outstanding all day led by Nathan Mourish at centre half back and superbly backed up by Steven Dewar, Mitch Graham, who is playing career best footy and youngsters Josh Hunt, Joel Gust and Keiran Giblett. Cameron Allen continues to provide pace off the wing for Mines and his hard running is proving a bonus for the forwards with the amount of inside fifties he provides. The Diorites have a few injury concerns with forwards Leigh Mourish (bruised heel) and Russell Walton (hamstring) to be monitored this week but have several options if the pair don?t come up for next Saturdays Kalgoorlie match. Travis Hart and Chris Brabazon were late withdrawals and with the likes of Brett Pattison, Jason Boyd and Ritchie Bourne having good games in the twos they can cover the losses.
In the other games the Reserves once again kept the Panthers goalless 22.12 to 0.5 for the second time this year while the Colts after a reasonable first two quarters put in a terrible last half to go down 25.17 to 10.2.
Every now and again a young player emerges through the ranks that catches your eye and you think this kid has something special. In my time at Mines Rovers I have seen a lot of talented young footballers come and go with some reaching the dizzy heights of the AFL and others drifting off to the unknown. In my first years as a player with the Diorites and coach of u/12?s way back in the early 80?s a couple of boys by the name?s of Tony Shaw and Mark Zeptner were outstanding players with Mark matching it with a young Dean Kemp and Tony Shaw going onto State Schoolboy?s footy. In the u/16?s at the same period coach Trevor Tasker had a young centre half forward in Dean Irving kicking goals from outside 50. Dean went on to represent South Fremantle, Melbourne and West Coast In the mid to late 90?s Trevor had another youngster by the name of Eddie Betts carving up the opposition and kicking goals from you know where. Over the last decade we have also watched Luke Toia and Jaymie Graham proceed through the ranks of the Mighty Diorites and onto the AFL. Having been down to watch a few of the Diorites games of late one young player by the name of Josh Hunt has caught my eye, not by being the best on ground but little things that a sixteen year old might not be expected to do in senior company, such as backing into packs to take an overhead mark and just focusing on a contest with eyes only for the ball. So impressed by this young boy that Stephen Wells, recruiting guru for the Geelong Football club will be getting a phone call to keep an eye on Josh as he progresses with the Mines Rovers football club.
Jim McIntosh
G'day and welcome to the captains view for another week and what a big week it has been for the Blue and Whites. First of all let me say what a fantastic effort to everybody involved with helping out the club on the weekend in regards to the WAFL match on Saturday. Especially to the canteen ladies, bar staff and committee and many volunteers. Not only did they work on the Saturday but they were there for our colts game on Friday, all day Saturday and buttered up for the reserves and league fixture on Sunday. In regards to our colts I went down and assisted Nobby who stood in for coach of the boys in the absence of Hainsey. I must say the colts players are coming along nicely even though the result wouldn?t suggest that. The last time the boys played Kambalda they were beaten comprehensively but on Friday night they were right in it at three quarter time. The boys work rate was still there in the last quarter but skill errors and fitness probably let them down in the end, which they are aware of and I?m sure they will work on that area. Special mention to Kayden Evans Walters, being the youngest player and showing the way with a great game on a wing. The reserves had their chances of a win with a pretty handy side but it goes to show that you still have to work hard and they went down by 1 point. With the competitive of places in the league side due to great numbers this year the reserves are going to be reasonably strong but you have to work hard as a team. The league boys had a frustrating game and were well held by Kambalda but it was only a matter of time before we got going . I think the crucial thing for us was our easy turnovers and once we started to be clean with the ball we started to get up and running. Our defense was excellent and special mention to Mitch, Nobby and Boof for leading the back six. We haven?t really put a good four quarter game together yet and with the cattle we have I hope it?s not to far away. It would be nice to do this week against Boulder. Just to finish off I?m letting you know I?m not talking AFL anymore. Cheers Rob.
With the AFL having a bye this Saturday due the Victoria vs Dream Team game at the MCG most AFL based players will head back to their grass roots club?s for the week-end. The Diorites will welcome back their big guy Jaymie Graham from West Coast for the Mines V Boulder game at Digger Daws oval on Sunday. Kid?s, this will be a great opportunity to bring the camera down, meet Jaymie and have that photo taken with the local champ and of course yell and scream for the Diorites.
Putting the past two weeks of unsettling controversy behind them, Mines Rovers replied in the best fashion that good sides do, by answering all challenges the rejuvenated Kambalda Eagles could throw at them with a 29 point win. The Diorites however did not have it all their own way, with the Eagles actually holding a two point lead at the main break after a first half of missed opportunities where both sides were finding it hard to penetrate inside the forward fifty. The Diorites were well served in the first half by full back Mitch Graham, veteran Brett Turner and new recruit Dave Hansford beside him who between them turned back many Kambalda forward entries. Cameron Allen was providing plenty of run through the middle in his first game back since injury and was well supported by youngster Travis Hart who was electrifying from the wing.
At the half time break coach Graeme Borchett gave his charges a real old fashion blast and questioned the commitment of his players, with which they responded with a match winning third quarter six goals. It was this period of the game that the Diorites senior players stood up with Captain Robert Hansen (4 goals) everywhere up forward, Mat James providing plenty of marking options along with Leigh Mourish and the midfield of Moon, Willis, Langridge and Allen getting on top. In the final stanza it was the Nathan Mourish who stood up across half back and along with promising youngster Josh Hunt were outstanding repelling the Eagles time after time.
This win was worth more than the four points as mentioned in the opening, as the Diorites have copped plenty from all quarters over their decision to put the welfare of their players first, and from the President down should be commended about how the put it all behind them to hold of the new challenges to their crown.
In the other games the Colts were good for three quarters on Friday night but were over run in the last to go down by 60 points and the reserves staged a late come back and actually hit the lead in the last few minutes before going down by a point in the dying seconds.
With all the hype surrounding the return of Chris Judd to Perth for the first time since he departed the Eagles, Diorite people will be tuned in to see the form of two of it's former young guns in Eddie Betts and Jaymie Graham (pictured) go head to head. Eddie has had his best start to a season for Carlton and is in outstanding form while Jaymie is returning after a injury plagued start to 2008 and returns to the injury riddled Eagles line up at centre half back.
G?day all and welcome to the Captain?s view again. It has been a big weekend for those of us who travelled to the Dockers vs Cats game at Subiaco Oval. It was a bloody good weekend, apart from the result and the fact Dewar and I were kicked out of the ground at three quarter time for barracking too aggressively. I guess people didn?t like our view of the game! We got our redemption though, as our contacts were able to get us into the Dockers? change rooms after the game. Johno had a different outlook to the rest of us, him being a Cats man from Bell Park and great mates of Jimmy Bartel, who had supplied us with the tickets.
It was a bit of a surprise when I got home and looked up the Diorites? website to find that my first Captain?s view had to be deleted. This was requested by the G.F.L as my views in relation to the Oval were regarded as too aggressive. Great to see that the GFL actually read our website. Hopefully the ground issue is dead and buried and put to ground.
Just to finish off we have a fantastic challenge with Kambalda this week, which will keep coming hard at us. I?ve said all along they were going to upset a few sides this year. The Coach is an uncle of mine and he is an old school type coach who will get the best out of his players and after watching us throughout the first round, will attack us with a bit more knowledge. Five of our senior boys are in doubt with niggling injuries and will undergo fitness tests later in the week. This is a good opportunity for the young blokes to step up. The rest of the boys are champing at the bit and feel refreshed and can?t wait for Sunday to arrive. Good luck to Hainsy and the boys in Colts also to the Reserves and let?s try and get three wins for the day. This is a ?top of the table? clash so hopefully all our supporters get to the game and cheer the boys on. Robert Hansen
J Hunt D Titchener N Hay B Hay
J Gust T Fitzgerald M Cullen S Wilson
L Gust S Simpson T Andrews Z Richmond
K Giblett N Botting K Viskovich
A Polak N Champion L Boath
T Mc Aullife
Boulder Railways
S Worthington J Giles
L Roos D Harring
S Waddington M Lemm
M Smythe J Brown
J Gradile R Booy
M Blackman T Kirkland
N Papertalk C Edward
B George C Rymer
Team Selection/ Presentation at GFL House, 12/6/08 at 6.30pm.
Contacts
Barry Gresham Lance Titchener Alan Moyle
Colts Coach Assistant Coach Team Manager
0427 999 365 0448 808 858 0427 196 515
Congratulations on being selected in the training squad for this years Great Southern Carnival, if you are unavailable please let us know asap so we can organise a potential replacement. To be eligible to play in this carnival you need
to be 19 yrs old or less during 2008 calendar year.
The total cost for the trip is $50, and is payable prior to leaving to our team manager Mr Alan Moyle.
The Carnival gets under way on the 13th June, with the Bus departing SRMO at 12 noon, and arrives at Lake Grace at around 5pm.
You will need to bring spending money, 2 pairs of white and black shorts; as we have 2 games on the Saturday and 1 game on the Sunday. A swag/sleeping bag warm clothing, also double check your footy bag.
To be given the opportunity to represent your club and Region is a great honour, so attitude and commitment to give your team the best opportunity for success is required by all squad members.
Please communicate to your parents, clubs, coaches and workplaces to make arrangements to train and schedule your time to make the trip.
The squad training is essential to get to know one another and establish a strong team to take on all comers at the carnival., if your cannot make training it is your responsibility to make contact .
I look forward to working with you all to achieve greatness at this years Great Southern Carnival.
Mines Rovers forfeited Sunday's Goldfields Football League fixtures against Kalgoorlie, citing concern with the condition of the Sir Richard Moore Sports Centre surface.
Kalgoorlie players in colts, reserves and league were required to run out in full gear to claim the premiership points.
Mines Rovers . com has no further information on the outcome but will report them as it unfolds.
A new weekly coloumn will begin soon called "The Captains View"
Mines Rovers' Brett Turner will have a troublesome hamstring assessed this week as he strives to be fit for the Diorites' upcoming clash with Kalgoorlie in Goldfields league football.
The evergreen veteran, the GFL's games record holder, was restricted to just over a quarter of action in the Blue and Whites' tense victory over Railways on Saturday night.
?He pulled up a bit tight and at his age we didn't want to risk him,? Mines Rovers coach Graeme Borchet said.
?The indication from him was that he has a tendency to pull up a bit stiff in the night games. We'll see how he goes through the week but if he is no good, I daresay we will go with someone else.?
It was the only significant injury concern in the camp of the Diorites, who came from behind to win by two points.
?They (Railways) were good and threw it up to us,? Borchet said. ?To be honest, and I'm not making excuses, but we were pretty flat and that probably had a bit to do with the previous weekend (against Boulder).
?We went hard in that game (the previous weekend) and were then flat all week on the training track.
?It was a real ordinary week and I knew on Thursday night we might be in for a bit of a battle.?
One of the Diorites' most experienced players in Ritchie Bourne was prominent in the reserves at the weekend, although Borchet was not yet looking to recall him to the seniors.
?Ritchie is probably not far off, although it was his first game of the year and he's had a few interruptions with work and trips away with his own kids' sport,? Borchet said.
?He'll come in at some stage, but probably not until the next round.?
Railways fell just two points short of causing the upset of the Goldfields Football League season so far in a thriller against reigning premiers Mines Rovers at Digger Daws Oval on Saturday night.
In a heated clash marred by controversy late in the game, the Diorites trailed at every change but clawed their way back for their third successive win of 2008, 12.12 (84) to 12.10 (82).
It represented the Blue and White's ninth consecutive victory dating back to round 14 last season, including their 68-point grand final triumph over Railways.
In a frenetic final term, Railways led with four minutes remaining before a snap from Diorite Leigh Mourish levelled the scores.
A rushed behind and off-target set shot from Travis Hart gave Mines a two-point buffer.
Railways' last hurrah came with 30 seconds on the clock with their final forward thrust. Panther Rowland Morrison was gathering possession just outside his team's 50m arc when a controversial boundary line call was made from more than 50 metres away.
It spelled the death knell for Railways as the Diorites hung on for a dramatic victory.
Diorite Russell Walton starred with five goals, including four before half-time. The left-footer produced one of the highlights of the match with a brilliant snap from 50m which sailed through the goals in the third quarter.
Captain Rob Hansen - after a stunning nine-goal haul against Boulder a week earlier - was relatively well held except for a brilliant burst in the third term when he kicked two goals in quick succession.
Railways were gallant in defeat without spearhead Michael Towns (unavailable), ruckman Grant Smith (unavailable), midfielder Carl Armstrong (knee) and defender Corey Jones, who limped off with a hamstring strain in the first term.
The Panthers stormed to a 19-point lead at quarter-time after piling on five goals to two.
However, the premiers responded with five goals to three in the second quarter to trail by eight points at the main break.
Reigning Mitchell Medallist James Langley was also struggling with illness and vomited on the field during the second term. The high-leaping ruckman still played out the game in the forward line, with Morrison pinch-hitting in his absence.
The Diorites did most of the attacking after the resumption, but Railways skipper David Stubbs' second goal on the three-quarter time siren gave Railways a three-point advantage.
The loss represented Railways' seventh consecutive defeat at the hands of Mines dating back to round 18, 2006.
The Panthers are now 0-2 after successive losses by two points and seven points (against Kalgoorlie on April 5) and they face a difficult trip to Kambalda next Saturday.
It was only the second time in Conan Wheatcroft's three seasons at the helm that Railways have lost back-to-back games - the last time was round 16 and 17 of 2006 after which they won four straight en route to the premiership.
There were positives for Railways, however, in the form of utility David Marinovich, who was superb on debut with two goals and several strong pack marks.
Panthers' defender-turned-forward Christian Robinson enjoyed a new lease on life in attack, providing the missing link as a marking target and kicking four goals.
Railways vice captain Rhett Foster's attack on the ball was ferocious at times and set the tone for his team-mates.
The Diorites were equally as desperate with the likes of livewire Steve Dewar, Walton, Mark McQueen, Jamie Bolt and Clayton Scott, after earning a recall, among the best players.
There were no reports filed with the GFL yesterday. However, GFL umpires' manager Colin Grove was set to review the game yesterday, including an incident involving Railways life member Billy Quirk after the final siren when he confronted the umpires as they walked off the ground.
In other results, Kambalda upset Boulder by 10 points, winning 14.18 (102) to 13.14 (92).
In a classic derby at Digger Daws yesterday the Diorites held their nerve and hung on to run out winners by four points. They were led brilliantly by their captain Robbie Hansen who kicked a personal best against the Tigers with nine goals in a superb display rotating between the forward line and midfield. The game started as predicted at a furious pace with the Tigers taking an early lead in the first quarter against a slight breeze, however Mark McQueen began giving the likes of Trent Moon and Nick Willis first use of the ball from the middle which set up a handy four goal lead at the first change. The Diorites started the second quarter in the same fashion with Hansen and Leigh Mourish causing great concern for the Boulder defence adding quick goals while at the other end Mitch Graham had Chris Maguire?s measure with Nathan Mourish holding his own against Dion Woods. However it was not to be all the Diorites way with the Tigers coming back in the second half of the quarter with late goals to keep the margin at four goals at the major break. Mines lost Cameron Allen in this quarter with a serious knock to the head, and his run was having a big influence around the ground which the Diorites could ill afford to lose in such a tight contest. The second half was as gruelling affair as the first with both sides trading goals but it was the Diorites with three last quarter goals holding off the Tigers who were storming home with six of their own, falling one short when the final siren sounded.
In the end it was the experience of Mines who had good service across all lines and held on for a great win in what will be the first of many great clashes between these two sides this season.
In defence, Steve Dewar, in his first game was as solid as usual and along with the record breaking Brett Turner provided great assistance to Graham and Nathan Mourish. The midfield will continue to improve as new recruits in Justin Langridge and Nick Willis combine with the likes of McQueen, Moon, Hansen and Walton.
In attack the small forwards will need to put more pressure on opposition sides to hold the ball in their zone and give greater assistance too Hansen and Leigh Mourish.
Overall, Coach Graeme Borchett would have been pleased with the four points as with the Tigers he knows there is improvement in his side and will welcome the likes of Chris Brabazon, Matt Fink and the very quick veteran Ritchie Bourne in the coming weeks.
Sunday?s game against the highly rated Tigers, who have recruited extensively over the summer months, will be a real guide to were the Diorites are at in the early stages of the season in their quest for back to back flags. Coach Graeme Borchett will be eager to have a first hand look at some of the highly rated Boulder players especially ex AFL players in Dion Woods, Marty McGrath and the talented Chris Maguire who kicked seven majors in his first outing for his new club. The Diorites will welcome back Russell Walton (work), Steve Dewar (suspension) and Trent Moon (state country side) for the clash but Mat Fink, Chris Brabazon and Wade Alexander are still a week away from playing. Borchett would have been pleased with the first up games of his own talented recruits against Kambalda last week in Justin Langridge and Cameron Allen who gave the Diorites added pace around the ground. Veterans Nathan Mourish(PICTURED) and recruit of the 90?s and still going strong Brett Turner, both put in strong performances in their first up games. Turner, who must rate as the best ever recruit to the club with B&F?s and Grand Finals in his collection will break the long standing games record of 237 games held by Alan Forrest from the 1930?s era and ironical it will be against the Tigers from were he was recruited from way back in season 1991.
Recruit Justin Langridge gave an early indication that his decision to join Mines Rovers this season will be highly beneficial for both parties, based on a strong first-up performance against Kambalda in Saturday?s Goldfields league football season-opener.
The former Kalgoorlie midfielder displayed a strong appetite for hard work and booted three goals, all at crucial stages, which enabled the Diorites to overcome numerous anxious moments in eventually grinding out a 17-point victory, 12.12 (84) to 9.13 (67).
However, the final scoreline was deceiving and the match itself was generally more about the obvious improvement of Kambalda under new coach Stan Ward against the defending premiers who might have been put away by quarter-time ? if not for wayward disposal.
As significant under-dogs and with nothing to lose, Kambalda came out with all guns blazing and utterly dominated general play in the opening term ? a point underlined by the Eagles? 12 scoring shots to their opponents three to quarter-time.
However, Kambalda had only a wasteful 4.8 to show for their efforts at the initial break.
It was a weakness of their game which would ultimately come back to the haunt the club in its bid to post a first-up win in its 40th anniversary season, with Mines Rovers storming back with four second-quarter goals.
On the flipside, the Eagles managed just two behinds which sent the respective teams into the rooms at half-time with the scores dead-locked.
The sides kicked three goals apiece in the all-important third term, although Mines Rovers ? along similar lines to their opposition in the first quarter ? made a meal of their chances up forward in adding 3.7.
With a marked increase in the game?s tempo, Kambalda lost their way somewhat during the last few minutes of the third term ? a factor which enabled Mines Rovers to take the lead for the first occasion all night moments before the three-quarter-time siren after Nathan Mourish kicked truly.
The Diorites? advantage was five points, but it quickly evaporated after Kambalda?s Patrick Lloyd swooped on a loose ball at half-forward and also kicked accurately in the opening seconds of the last term.
It set up an absorbing final 20 minutes, with the Eagles? Lincoln Rodney adding to the drama of the moment when his set shot hit the very top of the post.
At the other end of the ground, the Diorites? Darrah Doutch finally steered through his first major after a series of misses ? a conversion which put the Blue and Whites back in front.
Cameron Allen, through sheer hard running, followed with two goals of his own for Mines Rovers and although Kambalda did hit back with a conversion through Tyrone Ward, the Diorites clinched the deal with Marc Johnstone?s major inside the final minute.
Despite the loss, Kambalda were gallant performers and unearthed a potential star in forward James Murray, who booted three goals.
It could easily have been six, but his first three shots all missed the mark.
In his address to his players on the field after the game, Stan Ward was looking on the bright side.
?There are always positives,? he said.
?You can all hold your heads high because they are the defending premiers.?
Saturday Night's game against Kambalda will see Brett Turner equal the games record (237) for league matches played for Mines Rovers when he joins the late Alan Forrest. Last season Brett recorded the most games played in the GFL which include games at Mines, Boulder's and GFL games.
As the Diorites journey to Kambalda to take on the Eagles this Saturday night, will the thought?s be that they are about to play a champion team or a team of champion?s? If they have checked out the GFL?s clearances I think it will be the latter. In the past few weeks Kambalda have lodged clearances for Boyden, Charlie, Darren, Neil, (Mines) Tim,(Boulder) George,(South Aust) who will join Bruce and Jimmy Champion, past Diorites which will make it eight Champion?s in the one team. However the Diorites are yet to clear all players, especially Neil, last years F&B in the colts and are hopeful he will remain at the club. If they all line up in the Reserves or League side it will better the six Kennedy brothers who played League in the same team for the Diorites in 1967 with the seventh brother Snowy playing colts. Also joining the Champion?s is Diorites longest ever player, in years, I think in Robbie Walley. Robbie will turn 50 at the end of the year and I can recall coaching him at Mines in the reserves in 1982. It would be an interesting exercise to find out exactly how many times Robbie has pulled on the Blue and White over the past three or four decades and for someone who has given our club great service the least we can do is wish him well.
Jim McIntosh.
Mines Rovers Junior training has commenced for the 2008 season - details are as follows. All teams will be training at Cruikshanks until May 6th and will then resume at Digger Daws Oval. Under 12's, 14's & 16's have vacanies within the team so if you know of any little diorites that wish to play please give us a call. The first game is the 26th of April
Under 10's - Thursday 4pm - Coach Jeff Turner - 0418 951780
The 2008 season gets underway for the Diorites under lights at Kambalda on Saturday which will see the premiers up against the Eagles who finished at the bottom of the table in 07 and have struggled over the past few seasons. The Diorites have lost several players from their Grand Final team, most notable Cody Alexander (Subiaco) and Jolan Fleay (West Coast amateurs). The Diorites have covered those losses with new recruits in Cameron Allen, returning from a stint with Subiaco, Nick Willis from West Whyalla in South Australia and Justin Langridge from Kangas who was in their best five players in 07 and will be a valuable asset for the Blue and Whites in their quest for back to back premierships. The Diorites have had a very good pre-season with good numbers and will once again have strength all over the ground. Mark McQueen, coming off a great season last year will once again have the likes of Brett Pattison and Mitch Graham to form a strong defence. In the middle the Diorites have an abundance of talent to rotate throughout a game with the likes of Captain Robbie Hansen, Trent Moon, Russell Walton, Steve Dewar, Cameron Allen, Wade Alexander, Chris Brabazon and Jaymie Bolt. Up forward Leigh Mourish, who had his best season for the club will be hoping to continue in that form and along with his brother Nathan, Marc Johnstone, and Mat James will cause plenty of worries for opposition sides. The Diorites will be looking for improvement in young players that were given opportunities to last year in Josh Hunt, Keiron Giblett and Joel Gust to force their way into a regular league spot. The round 1 team will be announced after training tomorrow night and the club is looking for a good turnout at the clubrooms to kick off the season. One player the Diorites will be missing for the Kambalda clash is dual Osmetti medallist Russell Walton who will be attending a family wedding, but he will be at the clubrooms after training to celebrate his birthday!!!
(pictured is birthday boy Russell Walton)
The annual mouthguard clinic is on this week-end at GFL house, 1 Wittenoom St Kalgoorlie. The times are Friday 14th 4pm - 5.30pm, Saturday 15th 9am - 4pm and Sunday 16th 9am - 11am. These are custom fitted mouthguards and the costs are - single colour $85 or AFL $95. The contact is Stephen Miller 0438 703 797.
Goldfields Junior Football League Registration is this Sunday at GFL House at Sir Richard Moore from 10am-12pm. All past junior players need to get down there to register or contact Jeff Turner on 0418 951780. If you know of any future little Diorites make sure you contact Jeff or get down to GFL house to see your sons in the blue & white this season. There will be 5 grades this season 9's, 10's under 12's Under 14's & a return of the Under 16's. Under Jeff's guidance our juniors have been flying in recent seasons caped off with a much deserved premiership win in the 14's grade last year - With size restrictions on teams make sure you get there early.
Friday night saw the inaugural Altitude cup played between the states best Firefighters and Police at Fremantle oval. The Firies were well represented with Diorite players in Robbie Hansen, Russell Walton, Mark McQueen and past player Leon Berthelsen who is stationed at Perth Fire station. The firies were far too strong for the coppers running out winners 20. 21 to 2.5. with Hansen dominating at half forward, winning the umpires award, McQueen far to good for former South Fremantle player Marty Atkinson and Walton and Berthelsen picking up possession's at will all over the ground.
Life member and former ruckman/forward Ricky Tasker (154 games) caught up with past junior and current Sydney Swans player Ryan Brabazon over Christmas and was pleased to see Ryan fill out his playing jumper of the eighties. Hard to imagine the burly ruckman actually used to pull this on and star for the Diorites seeing the stats for Ryan from the Swans web site list him as 72kg ringing wet. Still, retired footballers stories as well as their growing do get bigger every year they are in retirement!
Good to see you Ricky!!!
Pre-season for the Diorites is underway for the 2008 season with good numbers hitting the track. There are three sessions per week and already the numbers are very good which has been pleasing for the club as the players will be seeking premiership number 39 in 2008. The sessions are Monday ( club gym ), Tuesday ( Morrison oval ) and Thursday ( Norkall Park ). Morrison oval is off Marshall St in West Lamington and Norkall Park is in Vivian St Boulder.
The club is also seeking the services of Sports Trainers so anyone with information please pass onto Peter Hunter ( 90215899 )
Proud parents Renae and Brett Pattison had their little man arrive on Monday 14th January. Bailey JAMES weighed in at 7 pound 9 ounces and has the makings of a defender already. Both Mum and Dad are doing well along with the little fella and from everyone at the Diorites we pass on " Congratulations " and look forward to seeing everyone at the Footy.
Former Mines Rovers midfielder Luke Toia will take the coaching reins at the South Bunbury Football Club in 2008 after retiring from WAFL football at the end of last season.
The 30-year-old who was drafted to Fremantle after the 94 season at the Diorites played 63 matches for the Dockers from 1996-2002 ended his WAFL career with Claremont (25 games) at the end of 2007 after starting with Subiaco (81 games) in 1995.
The often injury-stricken midfielder also played for Woodville West-Torrens (23 games) and North Adelaide (eight games) in the SANFL during his football career.
Mines Rovers will kick off the 2008 season and the defence of the 2007 premiership with a night game on Saturday March 29th against Kambalda at the nickle miners home ground. The first round will be completed with games against the Tigers at DDO on Sunday 6th April, the Panthers in a grand final replay on Saturday night the 12th of April and rounding out with the Roo's at SRMO on Sunday 20th April. The Diorites will have the bye to complete the first round. The first semi-final is on Saturday night 23/8, 2nd semi Sunday 24/8, preliminary Sunday 31/8 with the Grand Final to be played at SRMO on Saturday September 6th.
The Goldfields Football League has abandoned any future plans to conduct its grand final under lights.
Although the grand final format had not been slated as an official agenda item at Thursday night?s much-anticipated GFL forum, the issue of when the local game?s showcase should be played generated significant discussion.
The 2007 decider was contested under lights at the Sir Richard Moore Sports Centre for only the second time in GFL history - the only other occasion being in 2002.
League chairman Hugh Gallagher yesterday confirmed the grand final would again likely be played on a Saturday next year, but as a day fixture.
?The Saturday prior to the (2008) Boulder Cup is the anticipated date for the grand final,? Gallagher said.
?But it will definitely be a day grand final (because) it was unanimous that until we have better lights, there will be no night grand final.
?I got a lot of personal flak during the (2007) night grand final.
?I think that with the grand final, people?s expectations are high on all counts and it is detrimental for the game if we don?t have lighting in keeping with the spectacle.?
Gallagher said Thursday?s outcome would enable lovers of local football and thoroughbred racing to enjoy both spectacles in the city?s busiest sporting period of the year.
However, Gallagher said there was ?no support at all? for Saturday afternoon matches during the qualifying series.
?They (the senior clubs) believe that the fixturing we currently have (Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons) is sufficient,? he said.
Mines Rovers have set down the date for the AGM which will be held on Saturday 24.11.07 at 3.00 pm in the Clubrooms at Digger Daws oval. After such a successful 2007 season a good turn out is expected and will be followed with a few Xmas cheers put on by President Pete. Any player or supporter wishing to purchase a copy of the team premiership photos they can get them from Image Works on Wilson Street.
With the passing of Bill Mader in Mandurah on the weekend the Diorites have lost a true champion of the club. Having first meet Bill at our centenary celebrations in 1998 he came across as a true gentleman and one that was still very much interested in how the Diorites were travelling and truly excited that the club was having success in the nineties. It was a great pleasure to meet a man who I had heard so many stories about as a fantastic centre half back of our great club and I?m sure his memory will live on with the Diorites.
Bill Mader was one of those typical country footballers who would have made it in the big time but had no interest in leaving his home town. Despite entreaties from Perth, East Perth, East Fremantle, Claremont and South Fremantle Mader stayed in the Goldfields, playing for the Diorites and later for Newtown in Esperance.
He retired at only 26 and the man they called Farmer or Goat?s Knees had a distinguished record when he finally hung up his boots.
Bill played in the grand final teams in 1954, 55, 56, 57, 60, 61 and 64 and was selected at centre half-back in the Goldfields All-stars team between (1950 ? 93).
Individual awards included F&B in the junior competition in 52, best junior in the league competition in 54 and F&B at Mines in 56 and 60. Bill madder was made a life member of Mines Rovers in 1971.
All Diorites pass on their sincere condolences to Bill?s family.
Story by Jim McIntosh
The work of its members behind the scenes is the lifeblood of any sporting organisation and on that score, Pam Woodock has done herself proud among the ranks of arguably Goldfields football?s proudest club.
Woodcock was bestowed life membership at the Diorites? recent Osmetti Medal count - an honour which carried additional significance by the fact she became the first-ever female in the club?s 108-year history to receive the accolade.
It was richly deserved and provided formal recognition for a job well done which began when Woodcock joined the Diorites in 1989.
She initially worked as a junior delegate for nine seasons, including the role of Junior Council secretary.
Woodcock has spent the past nine seasons as club secretary and was also, for many years, a regular timekeeper for junior and colts fixtures.
Her various roles have also included junior team runner and goal umpiring duties but it proved to be only the tip of the iceberg, with her skills also extending to match-day canteen duties and catering arrangements for players? teas.
Woodcock has also been Eastern Goldfields Softball League secretary for the past seven years.
Her work among the ranks of local junior sport culminated with her listing on the 100 Women of the Goldfields honour board at the WA Museum, Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The recruiting of players is always tough in the Goldfields and to get a player out to Kalgoorlie/Boulder in a job that allows them to train and play footy in this day and age is not easy. However when the new recruit sends an email from Sweden saying he wants to come to the Goldfields and is the younger brother of two past players who are held in high regard at our footy club then Heaven and Earth is about to be moved. In the early part of the 2005 season the Diorites received that email from Mark McQueen asking can he come and play at the footy club and if possible can we help out in finding him an adult apprenticeship. With a CV behind him that had him at Subiaco and Swan Districts and an F&B from his last season in country Victoria in 2003 the return email inviting him to the Diorites could not hit cyber space quick enough. Marks first season, albeit the last round or so in 2005 was not outstanding but those who knew he had no training behind him, due to the snow in Sweden could see he had plenty to offer in 2006. In a big surprise Mark was accepted to join the Fire Brigade ( must be the blue and white ) in early 2006 and would once again miss doing a pre-season and also the first half of the year due to his training school which would see him spend 13 weeks in Perth. Mark returned to the City and played the last half of the year which wasn?t a great year for the club. 2007 was to be different and the potential that everyone saw in 2006 was about to come to fruition. Mark settled into his new job as a career fire fighter and the Diorites saw a very determined footballer put in his first pre-season for the club. The end result was not unexpected as Mark?s resume as a footballer and person all added up to what he was capable of producing and there is no doubt Mines Rovers were the winners in the long run.
PREMIERSHIP, FYSON AND OSMETTI medals in an outstanding year.
Mark McQueen completed a stellar season when he was announced the 2007 Osmetti Medal winner at Friday nights presentation. Mark, who already had a Premiership and Fyson medal from the Grand Final in his pocket produced an outstanding final series to overhaul Trent Moon who had an eleven vote lead at the end of the qualifying rounds but only recorded one more vote in the finals. McQueen's 16 vote finals series saw him fly home to win with 59 from Trent on 55. Steve Dewar completed his best season at the Diorites to finish 3rd on 33 with Leigh Mourish 27 and Mitch Graham on 21.
The Martin Medal for the Reserves F&B was won by Mathew Solly with 43 votes from Jonathon Haynes 38 and Neil Cyprian on 23.
In the McIntosh Medal, the Colts F&B, it was Neil Champion with a runnaway win on 73 votes from Keiron Giblett 46 and Josh Hunt on 41.
In other news a Life membership was bestowed upon Pam Woodcock who has served the Diorites superbly over 18 years, firstly as a Junior administrator and over the past 11 as the clubs senior secretary.
The 2007 Osmetti Medal presentation will be held this year at the Tower Hotel on Friday 21st September commencing at 6.30pm. Tickets are $50 pp and are available from Vice President Gavin Kennedy at Pat Kennedy's Carpet Choice, Hannan Street Kalgoorlie. This will be a great night so get in early for your tickets and keep the celebrations going.
The Premiership photo's for the League and Reserves will be taken this Thursday 13th at the club rooms followed by the count for the Martin (res) and McIntosh (colts) Medals. All players to be at the club rooms for the photo by 6pm sharp.
ps those who have nor shaved since Saturday please do.
Mines Rovers club rooms were packed out as loyal supporters gathered to celebrate the 38th Grand Final in the clubs history. A jubilant President Peter Hunter welcomed everyone there in great style as only Pedro can, but what was astonishing among the crowd was the long list of Presidents in the room at the same time- no George Bush had already departed Australia. All of the clubs ex Presidents from 1978 onwards, which are the only ones still living were in attendance to have a few frothies and congratulate this great club on an outstanding season Ken Murphy (1978-82 &87), Stan (Spraga) Curtis (1983-86), Frank Beccarelli (1988-89), Pat Kennedy (1990-92), Ian Clark (1993-94) and Jim McIntosh (1995-2005). Also past Directors in LLoyd Delbridge, Brian Edmonds, Frosty Martin, Brian Osmetti, Gary Eddy, Red Kennedy along with Priemiership coach (95-96) Rod Sumner and his trusty full forward Mick Garbin, who will go down in Diorites folklore as the first Diorite to kick 100 goals in a season (137), helped keep the bar staff run off their feet. Also the club would like to thank all the people who sent through their congrats via our web site as far away as Norway, UK, QLD, Perth, Esperance and Sydney- many thanks.
Picture- Captain Robbie Hansen holding aloft the Premiership Cup.
After being labelled all year by the critics as being too old and too slow the Diorites proved in last nights Golfields Football League Grand final that there is no substitute for class.
Right from the outset the Diorites put their stamp on the game with Fyson Medalist Mark McQueen taking control in the ruck and Moon and Walton dominating the clearances. Kicking into a 4 goal breeze in the first term the Diorites controlled general play and were unlucky not to be further in front at the first change with Hansen and James proving a handfull for the Panthers defence.
Dewar and veteran "Boof " Turner were providing plenty of run from defence and with with Fleay, Brabazon and Alexander providing links through the middle the forwards were receiving ample supply. Only innaccuray in front of goal in the second term kept the Panthers in the game and the 20 point half time lead flattered the opposition.
The third term was were the class of the Diorites really shone through with "Nobby" Mourish proving impassable playing a kick behind the play and the silky skills of Moon, Walton and Hansen frustrating every attempt by Railways to get back into the game. Leigh Mourish providing valuable support to McQueen in the ruck started to have a real influence and with Dewar, Bourne and Turner still generating run from half back it looked a case of how far the Diorites. This proved to be the case in the final term when they ran rough shod over the flagging Panthers kicking 7 goals in th final term to run out convincing 68 point winners. The Diorites had winners all over the ground and it was hard to fathom where the teams perceived lack of pace had emanated from. Matt James at Full forward with 5 goals provided the Diorites with a genuine target going forward and his accurate kicking resulted in 5 goals on a night not suited for full forwards.
The win is a magnificent turn around for the club and much of the credit must go to coach Grahan Borchett who had the team superbly drilled, disciplined and focused. The clubs 38th flag is a magnificent achievement and everyone involed should be justifiably proud of their efforts.
The GFL will honour former Diorites dual premiership captain (95 & 96 ) Jeff ( Flower ) Turner with the task of tossing the coin in tomorrow nights grand final between Mines Rovers and Railways. Jeff, a life member of the club, and honory GFl member was an ispirational leader at the Diorites in his playing days and is still heavily involved with the juniors. With an impressive 8 GFL league grandfinal wins and numerous grandfinal berths & wins from juniors to league there are not too many more experienced players in Goldfields Footballs modern history. Jeff is also the 2001 Subiaco Golds medallist for his best on ground performance in the Diorites 2001 victory and a past GFL Rookie of the year (1986). He was also very good at two-up the day after many of those grand finals so lets hope he can put the coin right side up for Robbie Hansen.
Leigh Mourish will play his 50th game for the Diorites in Saturday Night's Grand Final. Leigh is the younger brother of Nathan, current centre half forward and Jonathon, both who have also played 50 games for the Blue and Whites. The last grand final the Diorites played in was 2004 which had the three brothers share in an emotional and memorable win as they lost their father Gus in the week leading up to the game. This week the two brothers will hope to add another grand final victory in what have been outstanding careers for our footy club. Leigh has been some what of a journeyman in his football life starting off when picked in the Teal Cup squad alongside the likes of Ben Cousins whilst playing for the Perth Demons At Perth he finished 3rd in the Colts F&B and went on to play 30 games in the reserves. A move to Peel Thunder in 2001 saw him play 15 reserve games and two league games in which he lined up with his two brothers for the first time in their footy careers. Leigh has also played around 100 games for Federals and Beverly in the Avon league and represented Avon at Wesfarmers and also the Goldfields in the last three Land Mark carnivals. Congratulation Leigh and lets hope you cap it off with another Grand Final win.
JOEL Selwood today wrote himself into Geelong Football Club history as the first Cats player to win the NAB Rising Star Award.
The 19-year-old, who was taken at pick seven in last year's national draft, collected the coveted award as the best first year player in the AFL at a lunchtime ceremony at the Palladium at Crown today.
The boy from Bendigo joined some of the AFL's elite including Nathan Buckley, Ben Cousins, Adam Goodes and Nick Riewoldt as a winner of the Rising Star award, which first started in 1993.
Selwood won the award with 44 votes, with Scott Pendelbury on 37 votes second and Nathan Jones on 17 in third place.
``It's not something that I set out to (achieve) at the start of the year,'' Selwood said.
``It only felt like yesterday since I walked in here so I haven't really re-assessed (my goals) but it was never in the plans to go out and win an individual honour. I don't think it is in many people.''
Selwood is the younger brother of West Coast and Brisbane twins Adam and Troy, who were both nominated for the Rising Star in 2005, the year that Brett Deledio eventually won the award.
Geelong coach Mark Thompson declared in July that Selwood was the best first year player he had seen by a mile.
And that praise was backed up by seasoned Cat midfielder Cameron Ling this week.
``I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but he has had the biggest impact of any first year player I have seen,'' Ling said.
``He is constantly in there getting the hard ball or he is laying the hard tackle and I think that is why blokes respect him so much.''
Mines Rovers colts bowed out of the Grand Final race on Sunday going down to Railways by 34 points. With Diorites in front at the half way mark by 3 points they could not contain the talented Panthers team in the 3rd quarter and were out scored 7 goals to 1 with both sides kicking four in the last. Good players for the Diorites were Josh Hunt, Neil Champion, Kerion Giblett (pictured) and Travis Hart who kicked 5 goals. Keiron Giblett will be hoping to get another chance at a GF medal as in will be in the selection mix for the seniors on Saturday night.
Score Railways 15.9 99
Mines 10.5 65
Mines 14 & Under team have got the grand final series of to a flying start for the Diorites with a fantastic win in last weekends 14 and Under Goldfields Junior Football League Grand Final against Railways in a 8.11 (59) to 7.6 (48) scoreline. The narrow 11 point win was once again orchestrated by the hard running Diorite midfield led by captain Delson Trott with a best on ground performance.The win at Sir Richard Moore Sports Arena was witnessed by a large crowd of spectators thrilling the large contingent of Diorites supporters who turned out in force to watch the closely fought out match. It was pleasing to see the large amount of senior league, reserves and colts players all their cheering on the future of the club and urging the boys on in the final quarter when the match got very close. Conragulations must go to all the team on their fantastic efforts all season and to the coaching staff of Andrew Zafer, Jeff Turner, Brett Mais & Tony Cummins in their efforts in getting the team to the grand final. To our junior club led by the hard working Jeff & Nardia Turner - congratulations on the great season and awesome effort in turning our juniors around and we look forward to the future of the Diorites playing stocks - For a full match report and all the end of season awards please click on our junior link.
With the League and Reserves teams through to the Grand Final Saturday night week the Mines Rovers selectors have a problem on their hands, albeit a problem they would rather have, which is a full squad of players to pick from. Missing from the 2nd semi win were Darrah Doutch and Marc Johnstone, two players who have been in the League side all year but missed through suspension ( Darrah ) and injury ( Marc ) but both have had a good season up forward keeping the goal umps busy, Darrah with 25 and Marc 22 goals in the qualifying rounds. Add to both these players being available for selection you also have a Reserves list, and a very impressive list it is with quality players such as Paul Hunter (pictured) and Mathew Crowley, both who have been in the leadership group before knee and leg injuries they received at the start of the year interrupted their seasons. Other players in the Reserves who have played league for the Diorites are Justin Doutch, Ben Barsanti, Luke Puertollano, Daniel Zecca, Boyden Champion, Ross and Corey Lynch, Ben Mullally, Rob Leahy, Shane Eldridge, Ben Pickett and Neil Cyprian. I'm sure all players in the League team will be doing everything in their powers over the next week to make sure they hold their spot and are focused on being part of a premiership team. Another selection problem will be if Colts players, Cody Alexander, Keiron Giblett and Joel Gust are released this week to play in the preliminary final or given the weeks rest - as I said - all very good problems - GO DIORITES
Brilliant midfielder Trent Moon was last night awarded the 2007 Kalgoorlie Miner Footballer of the Year in the GFL's big presentation night " the Mitchell Medal". Trent has had a fantastic year for the Diorites and went along to the night as the favorite for the Mitchell, but as as happened many times before the favorite hasn't taken home the award. Trent finished in second place on 33 votes behind Railways ruckman James Langley on 36 votes. However it was great to see the prime mover of the Diorites midfield take out the pretigious Kalgoorlie Miner award and he will be eagerly awaiting the Grand Final hoping to cap off a great 2007 season. The Diorites were also awarded the George Krepp champion club award which is decided on the ladder finish of all senior and junior clubs. The fantastic results from our senior clubs combined with that of our juniors should make everyone at the Diorites feel proud of a great 2007 and special mention to Past league captain Jeff Turner and his wife Nardia and all their helpers who have lifted our juniors back up the ladder.
Sharks through to Grand Final, their first in 23 years, Bats and Wolves to do battle in next week. Former Diorite junior Jake McIntosh played a major role in the victory and proud Dad Jim is over the moon he continued playing AFL when he moved to Sydney to attend university in the Rugby League state.
Southern Sharks are the first side through to the Grand Final with an inspiring 14 point win over Minor Premiers UTS at Kelso Oval on Saturday. UTS will now do battle with Manly Warringah in the Preliminary Final after the Wolves eliminated Holroyd Parramatta with a 32 point win on Sunday.
The Sharks had to overcome the loss of Coach and reigning Snow Medallist Jason Philp who was taken from the field on a stretcher in the second term and did not return. The Sharks Stuart Brierty also left the field on a stretcher in the second quarter with what looked like a serious injury however he was able to return after half time and played a pivotal role in the Sharks 8.10.68 to 6.8.44 win.
Southern Sharks troubled the Bats with their pace and were able to get the jump in the first term and they led by 14 points at quarter time. As you would expect from the Minor Premiers, they hit back in the second term and reduced the gap to just seven points after the long break The third quarter was a dogged affair with both teams only able to register one major and set the stage for a thrilling finish with the Sharks in front by nine points at the final break. After battling hard all day the Sharks were not about to relinquish their advantage and with Alan Fritsch dominating across half forward, in a best on ground display, the Southern Sharks finished the better to record a 14 point win and earn a weeks rest. For UTS all is not lost as they get to fight another day this Saturday. Apart from Fritsch, Jake McIntosh ( pictured ) and Joel Thompson had strong games for the Sharks whilst Jon Lynas, Luke Horder and Drew Pearse were UTS' best.
Mines Rovers progressed through to the grand final with a gutsy 9 point win in blustery conditions over Railways at Digger Daws oval today. In a low scoring encounter the Diorites held a 15 point lead at the main change and then held out a late charge by the Panthers, who closed within 3 points half way through the last quarter. With goals to Russell Walton and Keiron Giblett, who steered one through from deep in the pocket with no daylight between the sticks, ensured the Diorites a place in the 2007 Grand Final. Mark McQueen was best on ground for the blue and whites with a great effort in the ruck and around the ground, Robbie Hansen, Trent Moon and Steve Dewar were also in great touch.
The Reserves also are through to the grand final with a 9 point win over top of the table Roos with a fantastic team performance and the Colts with a win in the 1st semi also over the Roos by 20 points will play next weeks preliminary final for a chance to have all three Diorite teams in the 2007 Grand Finals. GO DIORITES
Last night Mines Rovers Under 14's star player Delson Trott was awarded the Goldfields Junior Football League Under 14's Fairest and Best Footballer for season 2007. In the count hosted at the Diorites clubrooms last night, Trott polled an incredible 67 votes to easily take the honours from Kambalda Karl Steinhauser by 12 votes. Amazingly young Delson polled the maximum 5 votes in 12 out of 15 games during the home and away season and polled in every single one of the 14 games he played for the season (he missed the last qualifying game due to injury). Delson is the captain of our under 14's team and his silky skills are great to watch. He has played all his football at the club since joining as a 10 year old -sticking with his team through thick and thin and is definately a player to watch in future years. Delson's win provided our Under 14's team with a great boost in the lead up to their forthcoming grand final match on September the 1st. Several other 14's players polled well and the results will be on our juniors page in the next few days. Congratulations to Delson on the much deserved award, once again you have done the club proud.
The finals begin this weekend with all Mines Rovers sides participating in them.
The Colts are into the first semi with the Reserves and League playing off in the second semi's. The time's are;
Saturday 3pm Mines v Kalgoorlie (colts ) at Digger Daws.
Sunday 12pm Kalgoorlie v Mines ( res ) at 2.15pm Mines v Railways ( league ) at Digger Daws.
Gates open 1.30pm ( Sat ) and 8.30am ( Sun ).
Mines Rovers Under 14 team have secured a long awaited grand final berth after a thrilling match against the redlegs in last weekend second semi final. The Andrew Zafer lead team held strong against a determined Railways team to come out 10 point winners and earn themeselves a chance at the flag. All junior finals will be played at Sir Richard Moore on Saturday the 1st of September and we urge all Diorites to get down and show the team who have come from the bottom of the ladder the past two seasons to show them some much need support! Also on the day our under 12's will have several players playing in the lead up exhibition matches between the Goldfields 12 year old squad. For a full match report and more junior news click on the junior link for an update.
It is all good news at the Diorites this week as they prepare for next week's 2nd semi final against the Panthers. With the Captain, Robbie Hansen and brothers Nathan and Leigh Mourish available for the game from injury and suspension further good news was established by Diorites.com that Hansen and fellow Osmetti Medalist Russell Walton have indicated that they will go around again in 2008. Both players want to reach individual milestones, Hansen 150 (139) games and Walton 100 (93) games for the club they have served with distinction. Robbie has received the Osmetti Medal four times 98, 01, 02 and 06 with Russell receiving it twice in 2000 and again in 04 and both players have won 3 premiership medals in 01, 03 (undefeated) and 04. Speaking with Robbie this week he has real affection for the Diorites and would love to play on forever but even the great man knows what his body is telling him so one more season will be his farewell as a player. To reach 150 games and qualify for life membership would be a great way to bring down the curtain on a career that in many eyes is one of the best ever seen at the Blue and Whites.
Mines Rovers junior product Jason Boyd is set to play his 50th game for the Diorites in the 2nd semi final against Railways on Sunday week. Jason who has played all his junior football for the club and is a dual Colts Fairest and Best winner in 2003/04 has been a consistent rover/small forward in his previous 49 games for the club and this year has kicked 14 goals in a very potent forward line along side the likes of Matt James and Nathan Mourish.
Congratulations are also extended to young Colts player Josh Hunt who played his first league game for the club in last weeks win over the Roos in the Diorites final home and away match.
Ron ( Strizza ) Moriarty, our former head trainer, currently with Ports in Esperance has been honoured by the WAFC. Below is the letter Ron received this week notifying him of his selection.
Congratulations!! You are the Goldfields District Finalist winner for the WAFC ?Volunteer of the Year 2007? program.
Your love for our great game has shone through, and you have therefore been selected to the District Finalist in the ?Volunteer of the Year 2007? program!
The WAFC and greater Football Community would like to thank you for your selflessness, hard work and dedication. Football would not be what it is today, without your tireless commitment.
Your efforts to ?Grow the Game? have not gone unnoticed! As such, you have been selected as the Goldfields District Finalist of the ?Volunteer of the Year 2007?.
There is one Finalist from each District (and that is you!) and each Finalist has won 2 tickets to attend the Sandover Medal on September 17th 2007 where you will be presented with a trophy and certificate for your efforts. Your 2 tickets to the Sandover Medal will be in the mail and out to you by the end of August 2007.
The overall State winner of the ?Volunteer of the Year 2007? will be announced at The Sandover Medal from the District Finalists and will win a trip for 2 to Melbourne to see the AFL Grand Final. (including accommodation, flights, two tickets to the Grand Final AFL Game and 2 tickets to the Eagles AFL Grand Final Breakfast!) That?s a prize of nearly $7000 to the overall State winner ? you have a one in 17 chance of winning that thank you prize!
The WAFC and greater Football Community want to recognise the sacrifices you have made, to make our game as great as it is ? and look forward to sharing many more fabulous footy moments with you in the future! Keep up the good work!
PS Lets hope Strizz wins so he can see the Mighty Cats!
Diorite Chris Brabazon's brother Ryan keeps putting his hand up to Paul Roos by continually playing well in the Swans reserve side. Below is the match report from last weeks game.
SWANS TROUNCE AINSLIE
The Swans' Reserves remain undefeated, posting another outstanding victory over Ainslie on Saturday in cold and windy conditions at Manuka Oval, winning by 159 points.
Ryan Brabazon, who was drafted at number 59 from Kalgoorlie in 2005, led the charge playing on the ball and at half forward. He picked up 45 possessions and kicked two goals. Tim Schmidt, with 45 disposals playing on the ball and Ed Barlow, who picked up fifteen possessions playing at centre half back in the final term, were also in the Swans' best. Lewis Roberts-Thomson, with five goals, Jonathan Simpkin and Simon Phillips also made an impression.
The Swans were leading by 52 points at the first break after kicking seven goals and keeping Ainslie goalless. By the twenty minute mark of the quarter only Sam Rowe, Phillips and Matthew Laidlaw had goaled but in the last five minutes, the Swans managed to pile on another four. Schmidt had two by the break and Simpkin and Jared Crouch also added their names to the scoreboard.
Brabazon opened the second term with two goals in the first twelve minutes and Jarred Moore also goaled for the Swans before Ainslie managed to kick their first goal for the game. Phillips kicked his goal from a free kick and Schmidt kicked another before the main break with a mark and goal from 45 metres.
The Swans piled on another three goals in the first ten minutes of the third term, with goals to top-up player Hanily, Phillips and Simpkin. At three quarter time the Swans were leading by 127 points after Roberts-Thomson kicked four goals in a row, two from free kicks, one on the run in the goal square and the fourth from a snap.
Ainslie kicked their second and final goal of the game at the beginning of the last quarter and all though the game was over the Swans added another six goals to their final score. Moore, Phillips and Stephen Doyle all goaled, and Roberts-Thomson took his tally for the game to five. Barlow also kicked two goals in the last quarter.
Next week the Reserves have a bye, but will take on Eastlake on Saturday August 18 at Manuka Oval in Canberra at 2.00pm.
The annual GFL Football Forum will be held on Thursday 8th November commencing at 5.30pm. As in previous years we would like as many interested people as possible to attend the Forum.
We have started to compile some agenda items and look forward to receiving other items from you. As we don't want the Forum to drag on all night, any items without notice will not be discussed, so start thinking about things that are important to your club now so that we can put them on the agenda.
The GFL will provide the catering.
Agenda items:
Time-on for colts and reserves in night games
Reserves competition - lack of numbers
GFL Grand Final venue
Length of season - is it too long, too short or just right?
Essential football infrastructure
Colts and Reserves playing times, following the trial in the first round this year of playing the colts after the Reserves
Review of Standard Penalties for Standard Offences system and Report of Umpire form
Yellow cards, timing of - should time on/time off be included in the 15 minutes or is this just 15 minutes of missed game time?
Grand final bars - GFL or clubs?
The Diorites ran out winners by 8 points in a close encounter at Digger Daws Oval in yesterdays top of the table clash against the Panthers. It was the fourth straight victory against last years premiers, the Blue and Whites having won all of the home and away games in 2007 and will now see them face off in the 2nd semi final in three weeks time. Matt James was again a target up forward and finished with 4 majors, the only multiple goal kicker for the Diorites in a game that they trailed at every change before producing a four goal last quarter to grab the points.
In the other games the Reserves ran out easy winners with Daniel Zecca kicking another bag (5) however the Colts were beaten but showed a vast improvement.
Position held at Southern Sharks: Player and Committee Member
How did you start out at Southern Sharks? Began playing Under 18s after moving from Western Australia and graduated in to the senior ranks.
Length of time with club? 6 years
Occupation outside of football? University student/Bar attendant
What is it about the club that I admire? The close-knit nature of everyone at the club, and the determination of everyone involved to win a premiership in 2007.
What is the most difficult task you perform? Marking out the ground after 3 weeks of rain.
What areas do you think need addressing in the Sydney AFL? I think the first division competition needs to be more competitive.
Most admired player in the AFL/why? Baby Jesus (Gary Ablett jnr), because of the way he can tear a game open.
Why Southern Sharks nominated: At a young age, Jake has been an integral part of the club?s committee the past few years, showing maturity well beyond his years. Jake is the club?s social committee officer and is always one of the first at the ground to help out. He helps set up on match day, is a club umpire, helps out in the canteen and even takes the guernseys home for washing! Jake is also a regular member of the Sharks? first grade side.
The Diorites recorded their 12th win for the season with a crushing win over traditional rivals Boulder in yesterdays clash at Digger Daws Oval and in doing so took hold of the Macgregor-Kennedy Boulder Derby Cup. The Diorites dominated in just about every position on the ground to run out winners by 83 points 23.10 (148) to 10.5 (65). The big forwards for Mines in Nathan Mourish (pictured) and Matt James dominated the forward line and finished with 4 and 6 goals each and were well supported by Marc Johnstone who also finished with 4. Trent Moon continued his outstanding season with another superb game in the middle and continually provided many opportunities for the forwards. The Diorites will look to continue this form as they head towards the finals and will hope the captain Robbie Hansen and fellow Osmetti Medallist Russell Walton can play in the remaining two home and away games before the 2nd semi final.
The mini Diorites, our Under 10's team have finally broke through for their maiden win this season. A one point win over the Saints was enough to secure the long awaited win & the Jeff Turner led team celebrated like they had just won the AFL flag with goal umpire Greggy Sortras leading the way. Well done boys!
Meanwhile the Mines under 14's have continued their good form with the ladder now showing them clear leaders on the the Under 14's table. The boys are striding ahead, have secured top position and now sit 3 games clear and strong percentage ahead of last years premiers Kambalda. The team has shown marked improvement on previous seasons, and after finishing at the bottom of the standings the previous two seasons, and are really enjoying being in the older side of their age group. Well Done to the team, Coach Andrew Zafer, Manager Tony Cummins, Team Runner Brett Mais and Junior President & Assistant Coach Jeff Turner in getting the boys up and running. With a second semi final & possible grand final berth awaiting them all our supporters are urged to get down and support the team in the lead up to the finals.
The Under 12's continue to sweep all before them and still remain unbeaten under the guiding hand of dual Osmetti Medallist Russell Walton and assistant Ben Barsanti. The team has won an amazing amount of games in a row and for more junior news click on our link at left to see how all our Junior teams are faring
This weekends round of fixtures against arch rivals and co tenants Boulder sees the annual McGregor/Kennedy Cup match. The club will be holding a cassrrole tea after thematch to honour club life memebr new all time GFL game record holde Brett "Boofhead" Turner after the match. All supporters are urged to get down to Digger Daws Oval to support the team and make it a great day to celebrate Boof's magnificent achievement as well. Casseroles can be left at the kitchen prior to the match or brought up straight after the game.
Brett ( Boof ) Turner will stand alone tomorrow as the GFL's game record holder when he takes the field against the Kambalda Eagles in the clash at the Kambalda West oval. Brett will pass the 275 game milestone which was held by larry Middleton the former eagle ruckman. his 1993 coach Colin McIntyre acknowledges his outstanding achievement -
TRIBUTE TO BRETT TURNER
Well done to Brett on achieving an outstanding record of breaking Larry Middleton's long standing record.
It has taken a long time, but you have finally made it. A fantastic tribute to your endurance and your wonderful service to the Diorites.
I was fortunate enough to see both you and Larry play and its fantastic that 2 icons of the game lead the games record.
Well done again Boof because I can only follow your last 12 years or so from a distance, but I still enjoy reading the Kalgoorlie Miner and the
football club's web site on a frequent basis.
You would make a good coach also, although you have been doing it for a while!
Apart from counting your money on a daily basis, you can now continue to reflect on an outstanding personal record and also your team success of playing in
8 premiership sides with 2 famous clubs.
Your brother Jeff and yourself have been an ornament to the game!
Goal kickers were:
Leigh Mourish (4)
Clinton Rudd (3)
Rob Hansen (2)
Aaron Rymer (1)
David Clark (1)
Brendon Sacilotto (1)
Henry Papertalk (1)
Justin Langridge (1)
Dale Beeson (1)
Best Players were Clinton Rudd, David Clark, Aaron Rymer, Wes Miller and Mark McQueen.
The Goldfields team had a first up win against Mortlock in the Landmark Country Championships today. The final score was Goldfields 14.12 (96) defeated Mortlock 12.8 (80). Goal kickers were:
Aaron Rymer (3)
Leigh Mourish (3)
Clinton Rudd (2)
Henry Papertalk (2)
Justin Langridge (1)
Rob Hansen (1)
Dale Beeson (1)
Matt James (1)
Best players were: Clinton Rudd, Aaron Rymer, Trent Moon, Justin Langridge and David Stubbs.
After the loss to Kangas last week the Diorites have enjoyed the bye but will have a big contingent of players representing the Goldfields at this weeks Land Mark country carnival with 13 players selected in the squad. They will return from that carnival to begin the last round with a clash against the rejuvenated Kambalda Eagles who recorded their first win of the year against the Kangas. The big talking point in GFL footy has been the recruitment of former West Coast Eagles big man Troy Wilson (pictured) and his six goal effort against Kalgoorlie was a big part of the reason they came up with their first win. The talking point at the Diorites over the next couple of weeks will be who will play on the big guy. Nathan Mourish and Mark McQueen have selected themselves only for the fact that they are two of the biggest bodies in the Diorites squad and at least both have WAFL experience. I?m sure coach Graeme Borchett will not have players knocking on the door to put their case forward to play at fullback on Wilson but his inclusion into the Kambalda side has certainly brought plenty of interest back into the local competition which can only be good for the game and should result in more people coming through the turnstiles.
With a general bye in local senior footy this week, the annual u/12 junior games against the Ballajura Football club from Perth will take place and anyone wanting to see the best of our local juniors in action should get to Digger Daws oval this weekend and give them some support.
For all the latest news on how well our junior club is going click on our junior link on the left. Under the guiding hand of club stalwart Jeff "Flower" Turner, our junior club is going along very nicely with some great results. At the completion of the second round of junior fixtures our once struggling under 14's team now sit on top of the standings. Well done to coach Andrew Zafer and alll those involved with the team, especially the players who have stuck with the team and are now enjoying their hard work. Good luck for the final round in the lead up to the finals. Diorites star Russell Walton might be injured but his Under 12's continue to shine and are now on a 36 game winning streak!. The juniors will have a Players Tea tonight along with their player of the round awards and all are welcome to come along and support the players and junior commitee.
Russell Walton is to miss this weeks game against Kanga?s after he strained a calf muscle during last nights gruelling session. Walton had recovered from a hamstring stain and would have been a welcome addition to the line up as Steve Dewar, due to play his 50th game for the Diorites this week is unavailable due to work commitments. Walton should be back in action for the Diorites when they clash with the Eagles on July 22nd which will be the first game of the last series before the finals. If ever there is a good time to be injured it was now as the Diorites have two byes in a row with their normal fixture bye followed by the Land Mark carnival in Perth from July 11th ? 15th. However all the news was not bad at last nights selection meeting with big forward Nobby Mourish and Ruckman Matt Fink both included in the line-up after missing last weeks clash with the Panthers due to work.
Mines Rovers stalwart Brett ( Boof ) Turner is set to equal the number of club games for the Goldfields Football League when he takes the field against Kanga?s this week-end The record of 275 games is currently held by former Railways and Kambalda ruckman Larry Middleton who was an outstanding player during the 70?s and 80?s. Brett will line up for game number 230 for the Diorites on Sunday having also played 45 games for the Tigers before swapping camps in 1991.This is an outstanding record and one that Brett should be very proud of and anyone wishing to pass on an email of congratulations can send it through to
jim@minesrovers.com
For a more detailed history of Brett?s career scroll down to the story posted on the 23rd May.
As previously mentioned, I think I have seen all but a handful of those games
and definitely rate him as one of the best players I have seen at the club.
- you can pass on my congrats for sure
delbo
Jeff Delbridge
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Congratulations Boof on an outstanding career over all those years. You would be an automatic selection in the Diorites All-stars team of the 90?s.
Jim McIntosh
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Boof,
Congratulations on getting to Larries record. A magnificent achievement.
I played alongside Larry the day he beat the old record.......I am sorry I couldn't hang on another 11 years to be there alongside you when you set the new mark!
All the best
Mick Garbin
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Howdy Jim,
Pass on my congratulations to Brett for this great milestone.
I certainly enjoyed playing with Boof and watching him annoy the hell out his opponents and team mates with his chatter.
Hopefully the trainers can keep him taped him up for a few more games
Cheers Tapps
Peter Tapper
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"Congratulations Boof, a magnificent achievement, in many ways you have not only played 250 games but you've coached them as well. Without doubt one of the most talented players to pull on a diorites jumper. While sometimes difficult to coach, you were a pleasure to watch because you always thought 3 possessions ahead, which sometimes put you at odds with your teammates. Well done and enjoy the occasion
Regards
Rod Sumner 1995,1996 coach
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Well done boof on a huge achievement, I had a great time on and off the park with you and hope you have a fantastic day as you have had so many times in the past with the diorites.
Mines Rovers Steve Dewar and Jamie Bolt will both line up for their 50th league match in this Sundays game against Kalgoorlie City. Dewar , who joined the Diorites via South Fremantle has been an outstanding player for the club and is a player who adds hardness around the contest and can also slot through a goal from long range. Jamie Bolt is a product of the clubs juniors and the team will be hoping he has recovered from a heavy hit in the game against the Panthers last week so he can play in his 50th along side Steve. Jamie played most of his juniors as a small forward/rover but a growth spurt when he was around 16 saw him fly past the 180cm mark and become a dominant tall wingman.
In other news the stats tell us why the Diorites are sitting on top of the ladder with five of top ten goal scorers for 2007 coming from the Blue and Whites. Matty James (28), Darrah Doutch (21), Marc Johnstone and Nathan Mourish (16) along with Jamie Bolt (14) have provided the goals on the board and form a very potent combination up forward. With an outstanding mid-field of the quality of Moon, Hansen, Dewar, Walton, McQueen and Alexander the forwards should be able to provide more of the same for the remainder of the season with the amount of inside 50?s they will receive from what is undoubtly the best mid-field in the competition.
An accurate Mines Rovers yesterday accounted for Railways by 45 points at Sir Richard Moore sports centre. The Diorites played their best team football in a month in an outing that must have pleased Coach Graeme Borchett no end. With only one game too go against Kangas to close out the third round before the last qualifying round commences and the run down to the finals it was just the hit out the Diorites needed. The mid-field was once again the reason for the Diorites dominance with Steve Dewar, Trent Moon, Cody Alexander and Robbie Hansen (pictured) in his first game back from injury getting plenty of the ball forward to supply big forward Matt James and Marc Johnstone with plenty of goal scoring opportunities. Mark McQueen is showing the benefits of a great pre-season and was once again in great form in the ruck and has had a stellar period over the last month. Youngster Alan Polak, who had only his sixteenth birthday last week was also very good and shows signs that he has a great future in front of him.
The reserves and colts also had good wins which gave the Diorites a treble for the day. In the reserves Daniel Zecca again dominated up forward with 7 goals in their 95 point win whilst in the colts Joash Polak and Neil Champion with 4 and 3 goals each headed the goal scorers in their 30 point win.
The Diorites displayed a great brand of football in the first half yesterday which gave them a 31 point lead over the Tigers and enough for them to hang on and win by 6 points after the scores were all tied up at three quarter time. Ruckman Mark McQueen (pictured) played an outstanding game and it was through his efforts alone that the Blue and Whites recorded the win. With three first gamers in Alan Polak, Luke Gust and Tristan Walker along with Ritchie Bourne playing his first game for the year the Diorites will be happy that they grabbed the four points especially with Captain Robert Hansen, Russell Walton, Chris Brabazon, (injured) Cody Alexander, Keiron Giblett and Benny Basley (colts carnival) not available. The Cat Marc Johnstone 3 and Jamie Bolt 2 were the major goal scorers. The Reserves returned to the winners list with Forward Daniel Zecca getting among the goals with 8 and he was supported by Robbie Leahy and Brad Spurling with 3 each. With the Colts carnival played on the weekend their round of fixtures will be played on the 15th July.
Last Sunday saw the Diorites take the points against a gallant Eagles combination at Kambalda Oval. A eight goal last quarter to nil resulted in a 44 point win after they trailed by 8 points going into the last stanza. Once again the Blue and Whites were led in outstanding fashion by Trent Moon (pictured) who continues to lead from the front and should be leading in most awards up for grabs this season. Cody Alexander, Keiron Giblett who played his first league game for 2007, Leigh Mourish, Mark McQueen who led the ruck and Darrah Doutch with 4 goals were also good players.
This week the Diorites come up against co-tennants the Tigers who are coming off a one point win against Kangas and will need to start the game in the same fashion as they finished off Kambalda. Robert Hansen and Russell Walton who have missed the last two games will undergo fitness tests this week and will be welcomed inclusions if passed fit.
Brett (Boof) Turner who is in his seventeenth season for the Diorites is closing in on the club games record of 237 which is held by the late Alan Forrest. Alan was a champion goal sneak kicking totals of 18 and 16 in several matches and was widely regarded as an automatic selection for any WA or VFL league team had he bothered to venture away but he preferred to live in the Goldfields, giving outstanding service to Mines Rovers. Boof who is on 225 games at present, will finish on 234 after the qualifying series which I?m sure all Diorites fans will be hoping for a 2nd semi final berth and a trip straight to the grand final which will leave him stranded on 236 games ? one short of the record and that is if he can stay injury free. Brett was recruited to the Diorites along with Brother Jeff (Flower) in one of the biggest coups of the nineties in a meeting with Mines officials in his fathers back shed. Brian Osmetti and Jim McIntosh walked away with the two signatures that night that was to turn around the fortunes of the footy club that had been starved of success for the past nineteen years. The Diorites went on to win the 91 premiership with the two brothers playing a major role in the first grand final win since 1972 and have since added a further six flags in Brett?s time at the club.Brett played in every GFL league Grand Final from 1989 to 1996 (eight straight) with the exceptions on 1997 & 1998 then played 2000, 2001( Capt ) & 2002 missed 2003 (played ressies) then played 2004. a total of 12 GFL league grand final appearances including 8 wins - 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2004. (Jeff holds an equally impressive record having played with Boulder in 1986, 1989 & then Mines 1991 - 1996, 2001, 2002 & 2003). The brothers started their careers at Boulder and an interesting stat is the fact that Brett played in a GFL Grand final from sub juniors to league in every year from 1981 until 1996 collecting numerous Sub Junior, Colts & a reserves premierships along the way. During the late eighties & early nineties it seemed that Boof played in every Football and Cricket final being played & he also boasts an impressive Cricket Trophy cabinet too from playing days at North Kalg along with two Kalgoorlie Miner Cricketer of the Year awards as well but that's another story.
Known not only for his love of the game and playing ability, Boof has always been known for his football knowledge and has been known to have a few opinions for many a coach about how best to play the game prompting dual premiership coach Rod Sumner to once state he was the hardest player to coach because he always had a better way to do it! Having said that Boofs love of a chat & interesting opinions has always kept the interest high not only for those at the club but also for many opposition players as well. One of the more likeable characters in Goldfields Football, many a player could attest that if Boof didn't beat you on playing abilty he had you laughing that much he ended up with the ball anyway!
Some of the highlights for Brett have been the premiership wins with the 93 one being his favourite as he also received the Fairest and Best medal in the same year along with the undefeated flag of 95. Other highlights was having his name alongside Ron (Strizza) Moriarty and Mick Toia above the trainers room ? put there by fellow team mates who thought he spent as much time in there as the two very good trainers did. In 2003 due to work commitments Brett could not devote as much time to footy as in the past but still played in the reserves side helping them to the flag as well as winning the Martin Medal as the F & B player of the year for the Diorites along with the F&B medal for the GFL. It wasn?t long before he returned to the league team, and has one senior player I spoke to this week is still very much worth his spot in the side because he still has the footy smarts. Brett has been a major part of the football club over the past decade and a half and along with brother Jeff, who is also a premiership captain (dual 95&96) should have no problems with a title of legend when spoken about in reference to his playing career at Mines Rovers. In my time at the football club from 91 to 05 I rate Brett in the top ten footballers that have played for the club over that period and the type of player who could perform in the big matches. I?m sure I am joined by all Diorites in wishing Brett all the best for the remainder of the year and we all hope it is a successful one.
Report by Jim McIntosh
Brett has also played 45 league games for Boulder and 10 GFL games.
Mines Rovers recorded their seventh win in a row to hold out Railways by 9 points in a tough encounter at Sir Richard oval yesterday. In the Belt Up game of the round the Diorites set up their win with a strong first term were they outscored the Panthers 6 goals to 3. They were well served by small forward Jason Boyd (pictured) who turned in his best game for the club and Matt James, who was returning from a knee injury among the goals with three majors each. Trent Moon continued his outstanding early season form with a best on ground game once again and must be a clear leader in the Osmetti medal. Geelong recruit Marc Johnstone also played his best game for the Diorites who must feel great with things flying along in Cat Land. Vetrans Russell Walton and Brett Pattison also turned in strong games and held the defence together.
In the other games the reserves had a good win with Ben Pickett 5 and Daniel Zecca 3 getting among the goals whilst the colts went down by 59 points.
Dual Osmetti medalist, triple premiership player Russell Walton has slipped back into the Diorites league team as though he has never missed a beat. Russell, who took a year off in 2006 and was in retirement mode after years of top line footy where he played over 100 games at the Perth Demons, which included the 1996 reserves premiership, came back to the Diorites and pulled on the boots in their hour of need. Russell's first few games were in defence, however with an injury to regular full forward Matt James he was swung to full forward and proved a match winner with four first half goals and some heavy tackles which helped keep the ball in the Diorites forward line in their 25 point win over the Tigers on Sunday. Not only is Russell a great bonus to welcome back to the club as a player but he is also a dedicated clubman and puts his heart and soul into the Diorites. He is a player that not only receives a lot from football but gives a lot back as well & that dedication shines through with his coaching of our current under 12 team. The talented team have continued their good form under the guiding hand of Rusty and we're sure all the boys know how priveleged they are to have a player of his calibre passing on his knowledge. As the season progresses Walton will only improve as he still goes about his footy in a professional manner in the way he prepares himself and will be a big bonus for the Blue and Whites in 2007.
The Diorites were big winners in all three grades in last nights matches over the Kambalda Eagles at Digger Daws Oval. In the league game the Diorites got away to a crusty start being out scored in the first quarter 5 goals to 1. After a good serve from the coach the Diorites hit their straps in the second stanza with the midfield becoming dominant led by Stevie Dewar, Trent Moon and Chris Brabazon who supplied the forwards with plenty of opportunities. Robbie Hansen (6) and Nobby Mourish (5) completely cut the Eagles defence apart and after a 9 goal to 1 second term continued to apply the pressure all over the ground to run out winners by 76 points. Travis Hart, in for his first game of the year did a stirling job on Kambalda's Benny Andrews which limited his influence for the Eagles.
Diorites Director Geoff Brabazon and player Chris along with Mum and sister, Cathy and Lauren are getting closer to watching son Ryan make his league debut with the Sydney Swans after another outstanding game on the week-end. Below is the match report.
Swans Reserves
The Swans Reserves have thumped a hapless Canberra, formerly Weston Creek, outfit by 236 points at the SCG on Saturday afternoon in slippery conditions.
Heath Grundy had kicked three goals by the first break and was joined on the score sheet by Luke Brennan, Kristin Thornton, Ed Barlow, Simon Phillips, Matthew Laidlaw and Daniel O?Keefe as the Swans led had 56-point quarter time led after kicking nine goals and keeping the Wildcats goalless.
The second term was much the same with the Swans kicking another nine goals but the Wildcats also goaled just before half time.
The Swans spread the scoring around with two goals to Barlow and another eight individual goal scorers. Sam Rowe, Luke Vogels, Thornton, O?Keefe, Phillips and Laidlaw all contributed to the goal spree while Grundy kicked his fourth.
If the 110-point difference at half time seemed unbelievable, the Swans only added to the damage during the third quarter kicking 16 goals in 30 minutes of football. Grundy took his personal tally to seven, Laidlaw took his to six and Brabazon added to his best on ground performance with his only goal.
The last quarter was markedly different from the three prior, with only six goals being scored, and one of those going to the Wildcats.
Thornton, Adam Prior, Irwin and Vogels all scored majors and Grundy kicked his eighth goal in his return to the Reserves after three games in the seniors.
The Swans called on Grundy after Nick Davis was injured in round one despite playing no practice matches in the pre-season, so it was beneficial for his match fitness to run out a full game as opposed to playing off the bench.
The Swans were led to victory by a group of their second-year players, drafted from all over the country.
Brabazon, who played a majority of the game in the midfield and on the wing was drafted from Claremont in Western Australia while Thornton, also a Western Australian, made his presence felt at half-forward and halfback.
Laidlaw and Phillips also contributed to the big score.
Laidlaw, originally from the Oakleigh Chargers in Melbourne, dominated the midfield and forward line booting six goals, while Phillips, a former Sandringham Dragons player, performed well on ball and also made an appearance in the forward line.
Keiren Jack, the only native New South Welshman to be drafted in 2005, was also named as one of the best players, and if he continues to shine may follow in the footsteps of fellow Rams representative players Nick Davis, Craig Bolton, Adam Schneider, Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Paul Bevan.
The Swans? next game is against Belconnen at Manuka Oval on Saturday 5 May at 2pm.
MATCH DETAILS
Swans Reserves: 9.3, 18.9, 34.11, 39.16 (250)
Canberra Wildcats: 0.1, 1.1, 1.2, 2.2 (14)
Goal-kickers:
Grundy 8, Laidlaw 6, Barlow 5, Vogels 3, Thornton 3, Phillips 3, D.O'Keefe, Pryor, Irwin, Rowe, Doyle, Davis, Brennan, Brabazon
Best:
Brabazon, Jack, Laidlaw, Vogels, Thornton, Phillips
Our Under 14's team enjoyed a great win against Kangas yesterday. Zafes & Flower have the boys firing and the boys are relishing being on the older side of the age bracket. It was great to see the smiles on the boys faces as they sung the Diorites song loud & proud and the boys were all wrapped as it was their first win against Kangas in this grade in several seasons. Well done and keep up the good work - for more results from this weeks juniors click on the juniors link.
For all the info on our junior club and players plus a great story on Flower Turner - click on our junior link. The Juniors are going along very nicely and recorded a couple of great wins against the Tigers for their first round of fixtures last Monday night. It is great to see our 14's team is much improved and the boys would have relished their big win over the derby rivals. Well done boys and keep it up!
Although West Coast are undefeated and have a relatively stable side on the field, the pressure from two key squad members at South Fremantle is always mounting.
Defender Jaymie Graham was once again a solid performer for the Bulldogs at the weekend, while forward Ashley Sampi is seemingly getting fitter and more productive with each game he plays.
The pair were both among the Bulldogs best players in their 30-point win over East Perth last Friday night.
Graeme Borchett will be a happy coach after completing round one on top of the ladder with four straight wins after endouring a tough 2006 season. An experienced coach, he will be working on keeping things in perspective after the Diorites big win over the Roos by 62 points yesterday as they head into the bye and prepare for the next series. Yesterdays win once again featured the power forwards in Matt James, 4 goals Darrah Doutch and Nathan Mourish 3 each dominating the forward line. They continue to receive plenty of ball from mid-fielders Trent Moon, Robbie Hansen, Steve Dewar and Cody Alexander who has had a great start to the year. In the other games the reserves were outplayed to the tune of 85 points while the once again inaccurate colts ran out winners by 10 points
Former Diorite Andrew (joey) Leroy will make his league debut today for Peel Thunder in their clash against Claremont. Andrew will start in the forward pocket and share the rucking duties against former Docker and Western Bulldog star Daniel Bandy. Andrew played 21 league games for Mines Rovers during his time in Kalgoorlie - Boulder whilst attending WASM and was a developing ruckman/centre half forward. Everyone at Diorite land wishes Andrew all the best in his league career.
In other news Leigh Mourish and Chris Brabazon come into the squad for the clash against Kalgoorlie at Sir Richard Moore tomorrow but will be missing half back Matt Crowley who will miss several weeks with a ankle injury.
Nathan Mourish is what footy is all about, getting out and having a kick with your mates and having fun. Since being recruited by the Diorites the football journey man has been a consistent preformer for the blue and whites in his 61 games with premierships in 2003/2004 and the Osmetti Medal in 2005 among his many highlights. Before arriving at the Diorites Nathan had played in the WAFL at Perth 88 games, Peel 35 games and was on the inaugural Fremantle Dockers list in 1995. Diorites pride themselves in recruiting quality people and Nathan is certainly in that category,as not only being a top footballer he is also a very good club person off the field and well liked among his peers. Nathan was the reason younger brothers Jonathon and Leigh arrived at the club who have both given great service to our footy club. Nathan comes from a very good football background with his father Gus having played also for the Perth Demons. Younger brother Caleb is now on the Dockers list and playing league for that very good side the East Fremantle Sharks. With the Diorites off to a great start in 2007 it is no coincidence that Nobby is in great form, either in the forward line or the back half and featuring in the best players list each week. Nathan has been an inspiration too a lot of young aboriginal boys, both in his work environment and the football club, and the he sets the standard for them all.
Diorites star centre half back Matthew Crowley has sustained a foot injury in a work related incident according to news given to Diorites.com. This will be a big blow to the clubs explosive start to the 2007 season as fullback Brett Pattison (pictured) is still expected to miss another 3 weeks with a hamstring injury. Crowley, who has played 89 games for the Diorites has emerged in recent years as a star player for the club and has been an outstanding leader in the Diorites defence earning Allstar selection. On the brighter side Leigh Mourish should return to the side after missing the big win over the Panthers with Wade Alexander and Chris Brabazon not far away from playing their first games of the season.
Mines Rovers ran out big winners by 81 points in the GFL match of the round yesterday, confirming that the blue and whites are back on board after a dissapointing 2006. The Diorites outclassed last years premiers Railways in the 3rd quarter kicking 6 unanswered goals after an even first half. New recruit Matt James was once again the dominant forward booting 5 goals along with Jamie Bolt with 4.
The reserves also find themselves on top of the ladder after three rounds winning by 56 points however an inaccurate colts team went down by 43 points to record their first loss of the season.
Click on match results for further details.
Mines Rovers have gone into the Easter break with the first of their targets set for 2007 achieved, that is, two wins on the board. The Diorites led their co-tennants, the Tigers, from the first bounce and ran out winners by 54 points 119 to 65. The Diorites were well served by ruck rover Leigh Mourish, who many say was his best game for the club and was well supported by onballers ruckman Mark McQueen (pictured) and r/r Trent Moon. Mathew Crowley and Justin Doutch were solid across half back as was Brett Pattison at full back. Captain Robbie Hansen combined well with Cody Alexander in the middle to give the Diorites plenty of drive all night which resulted in forwards Matt James and Darrah Doutch getting among the goals with 4 each. In the other game our Colts continued their impressive start to the season with a win over last years premiers by 23 points and with good numbers on the track each week look as though they will be in for a good year. Travis Hart, Benny Basley, Keiron Giblett, Neil Parker and Josh Hunt were the outstanding players for the Diorites. The Reserves complete the round on Tuesday Night and the Club would like as much support as possible to see if we can take out the treble.
Mines Rovers completed a hat trick of wins over Kambalda in the opening game of the season, which would have delighted the Diorite faithful, however they will be wise to sit back and see how the first round of fixtures pan out before they can see what improvement has been made from last year. The Eagles were the only team the Diorites won against in 2006 so Thursday nights match against the Tigers will be a big test. Steve Dewar, Trent Moon and Robbie Hansen have all started the season in good form after injury interrupted 2006 seasons and along with new recruit Mat James who booted six majors will have a big say in how the club fares this year. Utility Chris Brabazon should play his first game on Thursday night with dual Osmetti medalist Russell Walton (pictured) to resume the following week.
This Sunday 25th March the Diorites are holding a registration/ membership drive for all seniors, juniors and supporters of the club at Digger Daws Oval. Events will get underway at 11am through to 1pm with lots of "give aways", fun races and games for the juniors with a BBQ and drinks for seniors. The new club strip will be displayed and those who pay their membership on the day will receive their "new" trousers free which will be part of the players match day uniform. Come on down and support the Diorites in 2007
The Diorites will have their first practice match of 2007 this coming Tuesday 20th March at Digger Daws. The game, which will be an intra club match will give the Dioirite faithful their first look at the several new recruits who have joined the club. This week a further four players have been signed including Matthew Fink, a centre half back who hails from Wesley - Curtin FC in Perth. Others to sign are the Gust brothers, Ben, Joel and Luke from the Donald FC, North Central FL in Victoria.
The Diorites annual Cracker Jack championships is on this Friday the 9th March at the Kalgoorlie Bowling Club getting underway from 6.30pm. The night has been organised by the social club and is open to all Mines Rovers players, supporters and friends with a cost of $10 which includes a bar-b-que meal and your chance to be the 2007 Cracker Jack Champion.
Also this week-end club Director and Life Member Bobby Foster is turning 50 so if you spot him around wish him all the best.
The Diorites have four new players signed in the early stages of the 2007 season with another three Victorians along with a prominent big man rumoured to have signed for the club in the past few days. Those players signed so far are:
Jamie Caruana from Federals / Avon FL
Neil Cyprian from Kalgoorlie / GFL
Justin Hooper from Mundaring / Hills FL
Marc Johnstone from Bell Park / Geelong FL ( must be very good ).
After a poor 2006, the Diorites are working hard too gain some respect back in the 2007 season and this has been showing on the training track with good numbers despite the oppressive conditions the players have had to endure in 40c heat.
Diorites .com will bring you further information on recruits as they comes through so stay posted.
NAME
Jarred Ismail
AGE
26
HEIGHT
180 cms
CURRENT WEIGHT
90 Kgs
PLAYING WEIGHT
85 Kgs
GFL CAREER
Mines 1992-2001
HONOURS
Premierships Colts and Reserves
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW
Como
OCCUPATION
Plant Mechanic/also involved with Phantom screens.
INVOLVEMENT IN FOOTY NOW
Having a break due to injury played 3 seasons with Canning Tigers
TEAM MATES STILL IN CONTACT WITH Jaymie Graham, Alex Coughlan, Scott Kennedy, Ronny Stockdale, Adrian Cunningham.
HARDEST OPPONENTS
Darren Mason (Railways)
CAREER HIGH LIGHTS
Premierships in Colts and Reserves
Goldfields Junior Football Association Registration Day
The Goldfields Junior Football Association Registration Day will be held on Sunday 25th February at GFL House (Sir Richard Moore Sports Oval) commencing at 10.00am - 12.00pm and Kambalda Oval 10am-12pm. All players need to re-register for season 2007.
For further information on Junior Clubs please call the following Junior Delegates :
? Mines Football Club ? Jeff Turner 0418 951 780
? Kambalda Football Club ? Trevor Titchener 0407 424 633
? Boulder City Football Club - Bettina Kennedy 0438 096 116
? Kalgoorlie City Football Club ? Kyran O?Donnell -
? John Paul College ? Wayne Cullen 9021 7777
? Railways Football Club ? Gavin Mills 9021 1722
Proposed Age Groups for this year will 10?s 11?s 12?s U14?s & U16?s
Registrations forms can be downloaded from the Goldfields Football League Website www.fieldsfootball.com.au
For Junior Auskick (5-8yrs) please call Candice Brown on 0408944027
The first 3 weeks of pre season has been completed and according to captain Robbie Hansen, (pictured) interviewed by Diorites.com this week, it wasn't the temperature, which exceeded 40c on several nights he was referring to when describing training as hot. After a dismal 2006 season Hansen has been delighted with the numbers at training and the efforts of several senior players who are looking at turning the club back into a top team in the GFL in 2007. Hansen has been impressed with the efforts of Russell Walton, Trent Moon, Leigh Mourish, Steve Dewar, Wade Alexander and Mitch Graham. The club has been active in recruiting and the sight of Matty James, the former Eagle and GFL ruckman, along with several Victorian recruits on the track things are looking up at Diorite land. Jaymie Bolt who was bitten by a spider and underwent surgery and Cody Alexander (illness) are set to resume in the next few weeks. Colts players are still a bit down on numbers and need players for that grade.
Training is Mondays at Digger Daws (boxing and Gym) and Tuesday and Thursday at Norkal Park with the footballs being introduced this week.
The Diorites 2007 season will get under way on Tuesday 23rd January with the first pre season run at Norkall Park, which is located in Vivian St, Boulder. Training will be Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm to 7pm with gym session's each Monday at the Football Club, which are already under way. Players are required for all grades League, Reserves and Colts which are now 19 years and under. League coach Graham Borchett will be assisted by Kyle Robinson, Rob Zecca is once again at the helm of the Reserves, assisted by Rhett Pettit and Paul Hunter is in charge of the Colts and will have Chris Brabazon as his assistant.
After a dismal 2006 coach Graham Borchett will be looking at a much stronger preformance by his charges in 2007 and that will be aided by the return of several key players, namely Russell Walton (pictured), Trent Moon and Paul Hunter.
Australian football has enjoyed spectacular international growth in the last 10 years - so much so that the game is now played in over 40 countries.
The Australian Convicts are set to have a stellar 2007 promoting our great game internationally with the announcement of our USA and Canada tour in October 2007!
The Convicts, made up of amateur players from around the country, have already toured Europe and South Africa. Our 4th tour promises to be our best tour yet!
Now here's your chance to 'start spreading the news' about our great game as we tour USA and Canada. The Convicts will play and promote footy in North America whilst proudly wearing the green and gold!
Tour highlights include Los Angeles, Tijuana (Mexico), Las Vegas, New York and Toronto! Visit www.theconvicts.com to see the full itinerary!
We invite all amateur players and officials to apply to represent the Australian Convicts on our upcoming North America tour.
The opportunity to represent your country playing the sport that you love, combined with seeing the world and having a beer or two, is highly recommended. Apply today for the trip of a lifetime!
To apply for the ultimate end of season trip please visit www.theconvicts.com
Past players in Eddy Betts (Carlton) and Sam Miles (Subiaco) returned home to the Goldfields to visit family and friends over the xmas break. Hopefully the boys took care of themselves and did not add any extra kilos as they are now back in full training. Another past player, who the scribe ran into yesterday, was Justin Zecca (pictured) who is back in the City for a wedding. Justin indicated he could be back in the blue and white strip this season as he is contemplating retuning for work. He would be a great addittion as "Harry" has not got any smaller.
With regards to the web site I will try and keep news coming through, however I have made many requests to the footy club for "news items" but unfortunately have recieved very little from the club. Hopefully 2007 brings a change and everyone is up and running and the Diorites return to the winners list both on and off the field.
A Big Thank You to all who purchased a ticket in the the Diorites and North Kalg Cricket Club "Boxing Day Test Raffle". the raffle was a huge success with much needed funds generated for both clubs. A big pat on the back to committee member Gavin Kennedy for once again co ordinating the raffle - a huge job! To our committee - keep up the good work to once again take the Diorites to the top were we belong and a force to be reckoned with in Goldfields Football. Also special thanks must go to Nardia Turner, a tireless worker for both clubs - her efforts in organising this raffle for both clubs were tremendous and have given both clubs a big boost. To Brett Mais, Andrew Zafer, Natalie Mais and the North Kalg Committee, thanks for being on board, and with so many of the Turner clan playing for both clubs, we look forward to more successful ventures between the clubs . Most importantly the results are as follows -
NKKCC & MRFC
Boxing Day Test Raffle Draw
Results of draw at
Kalgoorlie Bowling Club
20th Nov 2006
THE BOXING DAY TEST RAFFLE DRAW IS LESS THAN ONE WEEK AWAY - THIS COULD BE YOUR ONLY CHANCE TO GO TO THE FAMED BOXING DAY TEST - PART OF THE ASHES SERIES!!
FIRST PRIZE IS BUSINESS CLASS FLIGHTS, 6 NIGHTS AT CROWN TOWERS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY TICKETS FOR 2 PEOPLE FOR THE FIRST 4 DAYS OF THE TEST!! AT ONLY $100 A TICKET THIS IS GREAT VALUE FOR A ONE IN 500 CHANCE OF WINNING A GREAT PRIZE -
CONTACT NARDIA TURNER ON 0418 916528, FAX INBLOOM ON 08 90911633 OR EMAIL JIM MC INTOSH - jim@minesrovers.com TO GET YOUR TICKET!! - CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ARE FINE AND ONLY A FEW TICKETS ARE LEFT!
THE HOTTEST TICKETS IN AUSTRALIA ARE TO THE BOXING DAY TEST IN MELBOURNE. MINES ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB IN CONJUNCTION WITH NORTH KALGOORLIE CRICKET CLUB ARE GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN
TICKETS TO THE ASHES - THE BOXING DAY TEST!! A ONCE IN A LIFETIME CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO THE BOXING DAY TEST FOR JUST $100.
IMAGINE FLYING BUSINESS CLASS, STAYING AT THE LUXURY CROWN TOWERS HOTEL FOR 6 NIGHTS AND WATCHING THE AUSSIES SMASH THE POMS! THE BOXING DAY TEST IS ALWAYS PROMISES A FUN FILLED ACTION PACKED DAY! IMAGINE ALL THIS FOR ONLY THE COST OF A $100 TICKET.
THERE ARE ONLY 500 BOXING DAY TEST RAFFLE TICKETS LEFT IN TOTAL AND ONLY A FEW LEFT - WITH THE DRAW ONLY A WEEK AWAY ON THE 20TH OF NOVEMBER - IF YOUR INTERESTED AND DONT WANT TO MISS OUT EMAIL JIM MC INTOSH - jim@minesrovers.com. OR CONTACT NARDIA TURNER AT INBLOOM - 0418 916528, 0890212777 OR FAX 08 90911633 TO SECURE YOUR TICKET - CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WELCOME -
WHAT A CHANCE TO GO TO THE ASHES BOXING DAY TEST FOR ONLY $100 - SECURE YOURT CHANCE NOW!
October 14th was the first of several wedding dates for players and past players of Mines Rovers Football Club. Last Saturday Daniel Zecca was married to Kate Keneally in the WASM gardens then headed to Phuket for their honeymoon and will be followed this week-end the 28th by Kyle Robinson (pictured) who ties the knot with long time girlfriend Emily Greenhill in the Boulder Town Hall. Saturday 18th November is the date past player Jarred Ismail marries his lovely lady Chontelle Hunter in Perth.
In other news around the club former premiership player Shaun Leo, Mel and family are back in Kalgoorlie after a stint in Hopetown.
North Kalgoorlie Cricket Club and Mines Rovers Football Club have combined to hold the raffle of the year. First prize is a trip to the Boxing day Test in Melbourne for two people flying business class with six nights accommodation at Melbourne?s Crown Casino. Second prize will get you two tickets to the ODI Australia v New Zealand at the WACA on the 28th January with two nights at the Burswood plus a travel voucher to the value of $600. Third prize is a $500 Sports Power Voucher.
Tickets are only $100 and selling fast with the raffle to be drawn on the 20th November. Tickets can be obtained through Gavin Kennedy at Carpet Choice or email through your requests to jim@minesrovers.com and tickets will be arranged.
This is a great raffle, can you imagine sipping champagne in business class on your way to Melbourne - Be in it to win it!!!
Many thanks to Nardia and Natalie for the hours spent on the phone obtaining the tickets which are as rare as rocking horse s...t.
Jaymie Graham won West Coast's rookie of the year at the Club Champion award. Graham who was overlooked for the grand final after playing all home and away matches ended a fairy tale season by winning the award.
Chris Judd won his second Club Champion followed by Darren Glass and Ben Cousins.
Graham's family waits with bated breath
September 28, 2006
Raised by his grandparents through a difficult childhood, Eagle Jaymie Graham hopes to share grand final day with them, writes Ray Wilson.
LONG before he first stood some of the best forwards in the game, Jaymie Graham had stared into some of life's toughest challenges. Which is why having his Nan and Pop at the MCG on Saturday is such an important part of his grand final dream.
Former horse trainer Peter Graham and his wife Robyn raised Jaymie from the age of four and his younger brother, Mitch, after his mother's life was ruined by drugs.
"When they were four or five, I said to their mum (Robyn's daughter), 'I'll take the boys for 12 months for you to get yourself back together'," Robyn said. "They never went back.
Jaymie is full of admiration for his grandparents, who he sees every week, dining with them and his girlfriend Kasey after West Coast home games.
"Two days won't go by without Jaymie calling us," Robyn said. "We just love him, he's gorgeous."
The love is shared. "They've been great," Jaymie said. "They've been inspirational. They got me to where I am today.
"I learnt a lot from what happened to my mum ? drugs were the problem. So that's taught me and my younger brother Mitch a lesson. Nan and Pop brought us up well."
His unusual name came through his mother's belief that he could swap to Jay at a later time if he wanted to. He doesn't.
Most of Jaymie's childhood was spent in Kalgoorlie, where Peter Graham was a horse trainer.
"I've stayed away from the races, too many early mornings. That's what happened with uncle Brad (Peter's son), who played in the (1985) Teal Cup side with Woosha (John Worsfold) and Peter Sumich, but when Pop got suspended he gave up footy to become the horse trainer," Graham said. "I tried not to make that mistake but when they needed a hand I helped out."
Graham cut his teeth on the rock-hard Digger Daws Oval, the home ground of Mines Rovers, the club that spawned Luke Toia and Dean Irving.
"It was good for my footy because you got to play against grown men when you were 16," Graham said. "I got a lot of help from Merv Dellar who was coaching at the time."
He played a significant role in South Fremantle's premiership last season while still rookie-listed with the Eagles. While his Bulldogs mates celebrated the victory, Graham stayed on the water ? just in case he was needed on the AFL grand final day in the clash against Sydney. He wasn't.
On the morning of "Mad Monday", life took another turn when he was summoned to Worsfold's office. Despite playing two games in 2005, Graham was rising 23, beyond the limit for rookies. And he was nervous.
"I was happy the way I finished last year but I was till on the rookie list and I wanted to get on the main list," Graham said.
"I was fortunate enough at that meeting to be told by Woosha that I was going to be promoted. It was a relief and good knowing that going into the pre-season."
Graham played all 22 home-and-away games, along with the qualifying final against Sydney before getting dropped for the Western Bulldogs semi-final.
The lanky defender was recalled for Saturday's preliminary final against Adelaide but knows there are no guarantees of a guernsey on football's biggest stage.
But Graham wants the opportunity to mix it with Barry Hall and Michael O'Loughlin at the MCG on Saturday. Nan and Pop want it, too.
"We've got a very good babysitter and she has kindly offered to look after the kids for four days if the Eagles got into the grand final," Robyn said. "I've got my fingers crossed that Jaymie gets a game."
Congratulations go out to Ron (Strizza) Moriarty from all Diorites on his recent Life Membership award for services to the Ports football club in Esperance. Strizza, a Life Member of the Diorites (1984), retired to the coastal town with wife Margaret in the late 90?s after a long and distinguished career with our football club from 1958 to 1997. Strizza joined the Diorites in 1958 and continued as a player before joining the training staff in 1968 alongside Kevin Young George Conen, Ron White, Ned Kelly and Silvo Satti. From about 1974 Strizza took over the reins as head trainer and it was in the early 90?s that Mick Toia arrived at the club and learnt the trade under Strizza. In 1995 he had to start withdrawing due to back problems and eased out letting Mick take over until his eventual move to Esperance. Strizza is still held in high esteem at Mines Rovers for the tremendous amount of work he put into our club and it was no surprise that Ports arrived on his doorstep before his furniture was unloaded to end one of the shortest retirements in history.
Well done Strizza.
Mines Rovers captain Robert Hansen has won his fourth Osmetti Medal after returning to league football at the mid-way point of the season. Hansen polled 43 votes to win the award from Mathew Crowley on 38, who had a fantastic season earning the fullback position in the Kalgoorlie Miners All Star team. Wade Alexander who also had an outstanding year finished third in front of Mitch Graham who had to give football away towards the season?s end due to work commitments.
Hansen, who underwent a knee reconstruction in 2005, returned to give the young Diorites much needed on field leadership and although he started slowly it wasn?t long before he started to produce the football all Diorites have enjoyed watching over the years. His form improved with each game and the confidence was building so much so that in the final game, the first semi final, he put in an outstanding effort to be best on ground in a performance that gave the Diorite faithful hope for 2007
Robert has previously won the Osmetti Medal 1998, 2001 and 2002 along with a string of other achievements in Goldfields Football.
Jamie Bolt was the winner of the Mick Garbin Medal, which is kindly donated by Greg and Linda Black from Kalgoorlie Diamonds and Kel Parker was awarded the Jim Ramus award for outstanding service.
COLTS F&B MCINTOSH MEDAL
1st Keiron Giblett 31 votes
R/U Justin Giles 29 votes
3rd Trent Brown 28 votes
4th Ben Basley 21 votes
5th Steve Hucks 16 votes
RESERVES F&B MARTIN MEDAL
1st Robert Leahy 32 votes
R/U Brett Turner 26 votes
3rd Daniel Zecca 25 votes
4th Darrah Doutch 21 votes
5th Robert Hey 20 votes
All awards for the Colts and Reserves will be presented at the counting of the Osmetti Medal which will be held at the Railway Motel on Friday 8th September from 7pm. Tickets are still available for this outstanding night and are available from Gavin Kennedy at Carpet Choice. Pictered is McIntosh Medallist Keiron Giblett.
Benny Basley has been awarded the 2006 Rookie of the Year award at the Mitchell Medal presentation held on Monday night. Ben has had an outstanding first season in the league team following his 2005 year in which he was the McIntosh Medallist (colts F&B). His colts coach in 2005, former Diorite league captain and life member John Alexander must be congratulated for pursuing Benny and urging him to continue with his football career after several outstanding sub junior seasons. Ben, at colts level was missing a few games here and there and it was Johns persistence that got him back on track and doing what he does best- playing footy. Ben is the future of our footy club and hopefully he can go further with his footy as has our two past Rookie of the Year winners (2000) Jamie Graham and (2003) Cameron Allan.
Justin Giles, who is a member of our Colts team, was also awarded the medal for the u/16s as the F&B player in the junior competition where he plays for JPC. Justin is an outstanding prospect and will be a very impotant part of the Diorites rebuilding program in 2007.
The Diorites season came to an end for all three grades in yesterdays 1st semi-finals which were probably expected with all grades finishing in fourth spot. The league went down to Kalgoorlie by 43 points 18:12 to 11:11, the reserves by 69 to Boulder 12:14 to 2:5 and the colts to Kambalda 12:13 to 5:5 a margin of 50 points.
In the league game the Diorites started the in great fashion and looked sharp all over the ground but as the game went on the Roo?s got on top and it was only the one factor, fitness, which has been the big difference between the clubs above the Blue and Whites all year. Captain Robbie Hansen led the side superbly and was in everything for the four quarters and was just pipped as best on ground by Ben Molett of Kangas .Chris Brabazon, Jonathon Mourish , Mark McQueen, Ben Basley, Matt Crowley and Steve Dewar also put in good performances on the night. Though it wasn?t one of the best nights the club has had , a positive came out after the game with the captain urging all his team-mates to join him in a rigorous pre-season to get the side as fit as possible for the 2007 season and climb back up the ladder. Other good news was the announcement of former Perth player and dual Osmetti medallist Russell Walton (pictured) that he would be pulling the boots back on next season and with the return of Paul Hunter (ACL) and Trent Moon the Diorites have three great recruits to kick start the new season.
With the footy season just about done and dusted and cricket on the horizon, two of our Diorite girls - Renae Pattison on the left and Kelly Sanderson on the right - are looking very smug in the hands of Australia and the world's number one wicket keeper, Adam Gilchrist, during his recent visit to Kalgoorlie. The B's, Brett and Benny, had best get the girls thinking about footy again as the first semi final looms this Saturday night under lights at Sir Richard Moore.
Mines Rovers under 16 side has claimed a spot in this years grand final with a resounding win over the previously unbeaten JPC. Congratulations must go to coach Nathan Weir and his players and hopefully they can do the job Grand Final day at Digger Daws oval on the 26th August.
This Saturday the League, Reserves and Colts all play off in the first semi-finals at Sir Richard Moore oval and with the second semi on the Sunday.
Congratulations to Darrah Doutch who has taken out the reserves goal kicking award with 49 from Kalgoorlies Ral Finlayson on 48. Daniel Zecca was the next best Diorite on 17. It was a great effort by Darrah who has played the last five games in the league side and finished the qualifying rounds by booting 4 in Sundays loss to Kangas.
Name - Dean Hansen
Age - 38
Height - 175cms
Current Weight - 82KG
Playing Weight - 70KG
GFL Career - 94-95 Season
Honours - 94 Res Premiership
95 League (undefeated)
Living Now- Perth
Occupation- Self Employed
SW Caf? Blinds
Involvement in
Footy Now - WCE Member
Team Mates Still
In Contact With- Warren Goes
Hardest Opponents - All
Career Highlights - Premierships With MRFC and
EFFC Colts Prem 1987
This years Mitchell Medal will be held at the Graduates Hall in Macdonald Street on Monday 21st August following the 1st and 2nd semi-finals. After many years of the Medal night being held at the Tower hotel the change of venue comes about due to the hotel unable to provide a sit down three course meal for the big numbers this night brings. The Diorites main vote catcher this season will be youngster Wade Alexander who has had an outstanding year and will resume against Kangas this Sunday after missing against the Tigers with injury.
Our very own web site has had a bit of publicity via todays edition of the local paper the Kalgoorlie Miner. With a score of 8 for design and 7 for content it is not too bad for our own little piece of cyber space. The web site is a very important tool for the Football Club as far as documenting our history as it passes us by so once again we urge all our supporters to provide us with any information, news past or present which will enhance our footy club. We also offer all our very important sponsors the opportunity to advertise any special deals they want to pass onto members via our site An email to jim@minesrovers.com is all it takes. If players want to update profiles then that can be done by the same contact.
With three games in the last qualifying round left, all against teams above them, the Diorites have nothing to loose and everything to gain as they head for a first semi-final clash. Self-confidence is a funny thing in sport and if the Mines Rovers players have a look around at their team mates then there is no doubt that if they keep working hard over the next three weeks anything can happen. Captain Robbie Hansen, arguably the best footballer in the past decade in the GFL, is regaining his best form since returning from an ACL, the Mourish brothers on their day can be match winners especially Nathan as he has often shown in big games. The imminent return of two hard men in Stevie Dewar and Mark McQueen, who was close to best on ground in his first game back last week in the reserves, will give a lot of confidence to the list of young players in the team. Brett Pattison (pictured) at full back and Matthew Crowley have been consistent performers for the club this season and can shut down players and reload with their pace from defence. The most important group of players if the Diorites are to have any say in the finals are the 20-30 gamers, namely Jamie Bolt, Wade Alexander, Jason Boyd, Chris Brabazon, Ben Basley, Jolan Fleay, Kieron Giblett and Damen Tasker. These young players will need to be prepared to run themselves into the ground and be accountable at all times as to exert maximum pressure on the opposition. A trump card will be coach Graeme Borchett who has been in this position before as coach and pulled of one of the greatest surprise victories in the GFL finals ? we need not ask who against. Graeme is a coach who demands a hard and tough approach at the ball and if the Diorite players give him that on the day who knows what can happen! This Sunday the club faces premiership favourites Railways in what is a big test as they will be still smarting after their lose to Kangas in their last outing.
With Fathers day or "Boyfriends" day just about upon us and you are looking for that something special why not put a set of Diorite plates on his pride and joy. Not only will you be supporting the club but he will love his new plates. There are still many numbers left and for $200 these are the cheapest personalised plates in the land. Contact the club for further information or email jim@minesrovers.com .
The Diorites ran out winners by seven points over the Eagles yesterday and much of the thanks can go to captain Robbie Hansen who turned in a brilliant performance, his best, since returning from a knee reconstruction at the mid-way part of the season. Brett Pattison, full back and Nathan Mourish joined Hansen as part of a miserly defence which kept Kambalda at bay. Youngster Keiron Giblett, Matt Crowley and Darrah Doutch (5 goals) were other good performers for the Diorites making sure that the fourth win over the Eagles for the year was in the bag. Good news for the club was the form of Mark McQueen in his first game for the club in 2006 in the reserves big win. Joining him in the best players list were Jonathon Mourish and Ritchie Bourne, both regular league players, who had been dropped from the league team for non attendence at training with some speculation that they might not play again this year. Hopefully that is all past as the club needs all three up and running with the first semi only 4 weeks away. There is some concern for the colts as they have forfeited for the second week in a row so the footy club needs all the young players back on the track and getting behind Nathan Weir and their club this week.
Young colts player Joash Polak and Brad Wongawol made their debut for the Diorites against the Kambalda Eagles in yesterdays game with both players aquitting themselves well. Brad kicked two goals with Joash putting through one in a tight contest. Well done to both boys.
The Diorites will receive a much welcomed addition to their team, in the form of big man Mark McQueen, who has returned to the Goldfields after three months of intensive training at the Fire Brigade Academy where he joins a long list of firefighter/footballers who have lined up for the club. Mark joined the Diorites in the last half of 2005 after arriving from an extended working holiday overseas. Mark is the brother of past players Craig and Ross and has played football with both Subiaco and Swan Districts. Mark will be a bonus for coach Graham Borchett as he will provide a presence on the field, an area which is needed in the team if they are to go past the first final.
Last weekend not only saw a host a Diorites play for Goldfields at the Landmark championships in Perth but also a good contingent from our under 12's also represented the Goldfields in the annual Goldfields - Ballajura cup for Under 12 players as well. Jake Littlewood, Mathew Ralph, Ricky Dawes, Shannon O'Meara, Clayton Lewis, Eugene Hombergen, Hayden Kennedy, Joesph Scafidi and Mitchell Turner from the Diorites under 12 team all donned the Goldfields Guernsey with Committeeman Jeff Delbridge's son Jordan (who plays for Saints) also playing as well. The game is a much anticipated encounter for the under 12 players and after suffering a defeat at the hands of Ballajura during the last school holidays the boys were out to even the score. The two games were played at Sir Richard Moore oval and saw the Goldfields score two great wins to retain the cup. The Diorite players all played excellent football displaying some great skills with Jake Littlewood top scoring with three goals in the main game whilst Clayton Lewis was awarded a best player trophy for one of the best players on ground. In the first game young Mitchell Turner and Hayden Kennedy were also awarded the best player trophies for two standout performances as well resulting in the Diorites having three out of the four best players for the two games. Also Joe, Matty Ralph and Mitchell all backed up after their first game to help out in the main game, so were sure there were a few tired boys that night. All the boys enjoyed themselves and with a few billeting players from the opposition, they were given a bit of a taste of the goldfields and apparently enjoyed a trip out bush yabbying with Jeff "Flower" Turner and Kangas coach Peter Reed just as much as the game (were sure that Flower and Pete were on their best behaviour!). The club thanks Goldfields coach Tony Lennox for the opportunity given to the players and we know that the boys are all looking forward to the trip to Ballajura next year!!
Listed are the winners of the Mines Rovers Football Club $7000 annual raffle. The club would once again like to sincerely thank all those who supported the club in buying a ticket and those who helped in selling the 300 tickets. Also to new Director Gavin Kennedy, son of past President and ledgend Pat, for doing a great job in tracking down all the ticket sellers- he will be after you all again next season!!!
1st $7000 ticket 66 Harold Donald
2nd $ 500 ticket 16 Flower & Mangs
3rd $ 500 ticket 4 Lang & Brett
4th $ 500 ticket 293 Leo Mannix
5th $ 500 ticket 204 Steve & Wendy
6th $ 500 ticket 103 Gavin & Stephen
Sam Miles (20) will make his debut for the Subiaco Football Club in todays match against Peel Thunder. Sam, who was an outstanding junior with the Diorites made the move to Perth to follow his footy dream after representing WA in state schoolboys football. Sam has worked his way through the Colts and Reserves at Subiaco over the past couple of years and is part of a large contingent of former Kalgoorlie/Boulder youngsters at Subiaco.
The annual landmark carnival is on this week in Perth commencing on Thursday, which gives the Diorites their second bye in a row. Congratulations to the Mines Rovers players in Jolan Fleay, Wade Alexander, Matthew Crowley, Chris Brabazon, Lyndsay Holly, Jaymie Bolt and Nathan Mourish along with selector Rob Hansen ( pictured ) who will all represent the club in fine style. The Diorites who are hanging on to fourth spot in the race to the finals will provide once again the biggest contingent of players for the carnival with seven.
Young Diorite Rowan Lillywhite donned the famous Blue and White jumper whilst in Spain, to run with the bulls on the streets of Pamplona. Rowan, who was a speedy wingman was showing he had lost none of his pace as he enjoys his overseas working holiday. This was a first for our jumper in Spain, so we hope Rowan got through without injury.
The Diorites web site team would like to hear from all past players of our football club so we can run a weekly segment " WHERE ARE THEY NOW ". We seek your support to track down those past players so we can feature them on the web and find out what they have been up too over the years. Past players can have the form emailed to them by contacting our web site jim@minesrovers.com or we can mail out the form if they phone 0419922456.
A late change has been made for tomorrow night's training venue Thursday 6th July. All players are advised that training will now be held at the Oasis commencing at 6PM sharp. Please bring joggers as basketball and other indoor sports will be played as part of the training session.
The Diorites are set to battle out the remainder of the season after suffering another heavy defeat, this time to the Roo's by 88 points. It has been a difficult season for the Blue and Whites who begun the year with several seasoned players in Russell Walton, Kyle Robinson and Nathan Behrend hanging up the boots. Captain Robbie Hansen has only just returned after a knee reconstruction but along the way in 2006 the Diorites have lost v/captain Paul Hunter (pictured) with an ACL injury, Luke Simms (broken jaw) Trent Moon (hamstring) and if things were not bad enough premiership player Leon Berthelsen has transferred to Perth with Jason Orr returning to Bunbury. Yesterday, missing through work and injury were Brett Pattison, Mitch Graham, John Mourish, Andrew Leroy and Keiron Giblett. Some good news however is big man Mark McQueen will finish his fire brigade school this week and return to Kalgoorlie to replace Leon Berthelsen. Congratulations to Darrah Doutch and Jade Hinder who both played their first league game yesterday. Darrah is having another great year and is well out in front in the reserves goal kicking with 49.
He may be small in stature but young Diorite Wade Alexander is having an outstanding season for the blue and whites and would be right up with the leader board in the Osmetti Medal, MRFC fairest and best award. Having already been included in the colts " Allstar " team at the recent carnival he continued his outstanding form in last weeks encounter against the Tigers to be among the best players. Wade has adopted a never give in policy and will always give a great contest, something the whole team needs to adapt if the Diorites are to have any say in the remainder of the season. Wade is the son of former Diorite Captain and life member John and brother of Cody who also plays in the league side. The Alexanders have a long history at the Diorites and no one is more proud of her grandson's than Rona who still watches the boys every game. This week Mines come up against Kangas and one thing is for sure that the Alexander boy's will be giving 100% for their football club.
