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

Country footy championships win for Goldfields

15th July 2008, 7:15 WST






Goldfields are poised to make a long-awaited return to the top division at next year’s Landmark country football championships following Sunday’s victory over Great Southern in the B section final.

Led by Fyson Medallist Matt Johnston, Goldfields recorded a dramatic eight-point victory, 15.15 (105) to 14.13 (97), after trailing by 20 points at three-quarter time at Leederville’s Medibank Stadium.

The win represented the GFL’s second successive B section title and their third in five years.

Late goals by former WAFL star Chris Maguire (eight goals) and Kalgoorlie’s Rhys O’Loughlin sealed the win.

Maguire, who emerged from the three games with 19 goals, and Justin Langridge were named as carnival Allstars.

Langridge also claimed the Landmark Medal as the division’s overall best performer.

GFL chairman Hugh Gallagher has confirmed plans for a 2009 assault on A section for the first time since 1993.

“This was our dream, our intent,” Gallagher said.

“We want to be in A grade – make no mistake about that.

“We’ve done this with a youthful group that has been structured for the future.

“We had something like 14 different names from last year’s team.

“Several senior players made it clear that last year was their swan songs and we would have to rely on a new group of players.

“This new group has arrived, and they’ve arrived in style.”

After five B section grand final appearances since returning to the championships in 2002 following a nine-year absence, Goldfields coach Tom Briggs on Sunday defended a decision not to commit to A section earlier.

“That’s what we’ve been striving for and a lot of people have knocked us for not going up straight away,” Briggs said.

“Now we have to prepare for the next big hurdle and step up to A section.”

JARROD LUCAS and NEALE HARVEY/ Kalgoorlie Miner

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.

NEALE HARVEY - Kalgoorlie Miner

G'day and welcome to another week of the Captains view. First of all let me say congratulations to the Reserves for being the only team to bring home the chocolates last week. The Colts were severely beaten but it was good that they fielded a side on the day. As for the league boys it was a disappointing day especially from my part being red carded when the game was in the balance. I know we lost and by the way we played we deserved to lose and full credit must go to Railways but at the end of the day to be sent off the ground for abusing the umpire was totally unacceptable on my part. The only concern I have and I have had a few days to think about it is, to be sent off by saying a few explicit words in total frustration and with the game in the balance I don't no where the game is headed. The concern is if this was a grand final and the game was decided along these lines it would be disappointing. As Captain I am allowed to ask or question a decision that an umpire has made. Whether it is right or wrong and we all know that you cannot change the umpire’s decision, but knowing what they saw and from their angle sometimes it doesn’t add up to how players see it. This is my concern right now, nearly all umpires are willing to explain a decision he has made but there are some who use the threat of a yellow card even though it’s the Captain asking for an explanation. C'mon this is a game of footy where the physical demands are extreme and the way the body is battered and bruised and at times the contact is unexpected and unpredictable and the threat of a yellow card should be used as a last resort for more serious actions. I watched both grades of the Subi vs. Peel game and there were more serious explicits passed on and more biffo which I don't condone on the footy field and I didn't see one card for the day. We all saw the punches thrown on the other side of Digger Daws just on half time of the league match. The umpires at that level use it as a last resort or for something very serious whereas here sometimes it has been used as a first resort which I think is not fair because it is so inconsistent. I would just like the game to be played hard and fair and within the rules and not be over umpired.

Cheers
Rob.

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.

Cheers Rob.

Mines stroll to easy victory

6th June 2008, 9:00 WST






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.

JARROD LUCAS - Kalgoorlie Miner

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.

1st Doug Milne $7000

2nd Jayne Russell $500

3rd Trent Moon $500

4th KCD $500

5th Flower and Nardia $500

6th North End Tavern $500

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.

G'day and welcome to the Captains view for another week. I'm like Pedro this week in saying I'm a bit excited with the week-ends results. Our reserves kicked us off with a thumping win against the Panthers and a few boys are playing quality footy and are putting a lot of pressure on the league boys. This is a great position for the club to be in because the players in the league side have to perform or there spots are in jeopardy. It's a great test to see where the reserves are at this week with a game against the ladder leaders and a win will keep the pressure on the top two.

The only disappointment from the week-end was from our colts. I spoke to Hainsey after the game and he has laid the law down to the boys. He and everybody else can see the potential in these kids and they need to believe in that and be more dedicated to the club and their team mates. Going out the night before and thinking they can run out a game of footy the next day they have to be kidding themselves. The boys need to make a few sacrifices and get behind their coach because, we all know how hard the game is and we know it gets frustrating when your not winning but to get yourself out of the situation you have to rally together by working harder at your deficiencies. Boys the beauty about footy is you can have another crack at it this week and every week you run out you have nothing to lose and no-one will expect you to win. So this week you will have the under dog tag and you got to use that as a positive.

As for the league result it was great to come out and play four good quarters of footy. We have the ability but like I said we still have to work hard because every week the other teams want to roll us. This week will be no different and this should be an interesting battle with Steiny and Langers up against their old side. I'm sure the boys can't wait for Saturday night.

Just to finish off I must say congrats to all the boys for running out on Sunday because the ground is still s#***#*# and we copped it from the Panther hecklers on the balcony (as usual). They can say what they like but observing the ground first hand and talking to the opposition players after the game we agreed that the ground has a long way to go before it is back to its best. It must be frustrating for Railways and Kalgoorlie not to be able to train at their Home ground! The positive from it is we don’t have any major injury concerns from the game, THANKFULLY.

Thanks to our sponsor at the North End Tavern, Mark and Jane and the crew for their hospitality on Sunday night.

Also don't forget the cross dress theme for Saturday night. It should be an interesting night with rumours a few boys are going to great lengths to be the belle of the ball. (Just bring the girly attitude after the game boys and not before).

Cheers
Rob.

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 to another footy wrap up and the reserves kicked us off to a good start with the new fixturing format for this round. It must have done wonders for the boys as they maintained the lead for the whole game to eventually win by 76 points. The team needs to stick together and get behind Rob Zecca as a win against the bottom side Railways this week will keep them in touch with the top two.
As for the colts they were again right in the match even late into the last quarter. We can't fault the endeavour from the boys, they are really having a crack under Hainesy and that's the pleasing part. So we hope that first win isn't to far away.
From the league point of view the derby was probably, from a team perspective our best performance for the year. We had good contributors across the board but a special mention to Josh Hunt, Kieran Giblett, Travis Hart, Ben Basely and Jamie Bolt. These younger guys are starting to find their feet and understand their importance to the team and are playing excellent football. We are sitting nicely at the top of the table with a couple of games break but we still have to work on our game because there are a lot of areas we need to improve in.
We venture to the (home of football SRM) for the first time this year and it would be nice to have all three grades come away with a win against the Panthers. Enough has been said about the ground and we copped a lot of flack so this is our chance to stick it up the GFL, the press and everybody else who has labelled us as soft and arrogant so it is in our best interests to put the issue to rest.
Finally it was great to see our past player and current AFL player Jaymie Graham back at the Diorites on the weekend. It was great to catch up with the big fellow and he sounded happy to be back. His timing to watch the Diorites was spot on as his little brother Mitch has hit a purple patch at present. He would've been pleased with the result being a derby and all.
Cheers Rob

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

GOLDFIELDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE

GREAT SOUTHERN CARNIVAL

COLTS SQUAD 2008

To be played at Lake Grace.

Training Squad


Mines Kambalda Kalgoorlie

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

Training Dates

Mondays 5/5/08 Morrison Oval Start Time 6.30 pm
12/5/08 DDO
19/5/08 Morrison Oval
26/5/08 DDO
2/6/08 Morrison Oval
9/6/08 DDO

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.

Barry Gresham
GFL Colts Coach.

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 uncertain if Turner fit to play

15th April 2008, 11:45 WST








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.”

Diorites come from behind for victory

14th April 2008, 10:15 WST




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).

JARROD LUCAS
Kalgoorlie Miner

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.

The Mines Rovers Football Clubs annual major raffle $7000 cash prize is out on the streets for sale. It will be drawn on Friday 30th May so all members, supporters and diehards should get behind the club and buy a ticket, or if you can, sell a few. Tickets are available from the footy club or contact Gavin Kennedy on 0418 934 922 for your ticket. This is the big raffle that keeps our club up and running and your support is much appreciated.

Mines had to work hard against Eagles

31st March 2008, 10:45 WST



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.”

NEALE HARVEY

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

Under 12's - Tues & Thurs 4.30pm - 5.30pm - Coach Travis Wood - 0409 888 429

Under 14's - Tues & Thurs 4.30pm - 5.30pm - Coach Russell Walton - 0419 192 840

Under 16's - Tues & Thurs 5pm - 6pm - Coach Andrew Zafer - 0438 918 906

All other details please contact Jeff Turner - 0418 951780 or Nardia Turner 0418 916528

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.

NEALE HARVEY - KALGOORLIE MINER

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

Life membership awarded

5th October 2007, 13:00 WST



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.

Story by NEALE HARVEY Kalg/miner

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.

Selwood crowned AFL's Rising Star

Jason Shields - Geelong Addy

05Sep07


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 (