Goldfields Football League
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The Goldfields Football League is a regional Australian football league based in the Kalgoorlie region, Western Australia. Originally founded in 1896 as Hannans District Football Association, the league enjoyed a seat and full voting rights on the Australian National Football Council until 1919. The first clubs to play Australian football were formed within the region, and the league helped popularise the sport in the region, helping to establish the sport and supplant Rugby in popularity.[1]
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[edit] History
The league was formed during a meeting held in the Great Boulder Hotel, Kalgoorlie on the 29 July, 1896 as Hannans District Football Association. The association at this point comprised of four teams; Boulder City, based in Boulder; Hannans, now known as Kalgoorlie City and based in Kalgoorlie; Victorians, also based in Kalgoorlie; and White Feather, based in Kanowna.
[edit] The Clubs
Kalgoorlie City Football Club(Kangas) The original team in the GFL, the Kangas original name was Hannans and their nickname the Magpies. Despite being the wealthiest of the five GFL teams Kalgoorlie has struggled with its rivals to get success on the field, in terms of premierships. As the name might suggest the team is one of two clubs based in Kalgoorlie. Boulder City Football Club(Tigers) Boulder along with Kalgoorlie, is the oldest club in the league tracing its roots back to the creation of the GFL. Boulder represents the working class population of Boulder(Kalgoorlie' neighbour city). Often the club is on the receiving end of racist and stereotypical jokes, commenting on the 'Bogan' nature of the clubs players and supporters. Railways Football Club(Panthers) The Panthers are the second most successful club in GFL history. In 2006 they won the premiership by defeating Boulder 11.10(76) to 10.7(67). The Panthers are arch rivals with Kalgoorlie, sharing the same town and playing venue. Mines Football Club The most successful side in the GFL Mines came off a disappointing season 2006 finishing in secon last place. Based in the city of Boulder Mines represent more of the Middle to Upper class of Boulder. Although it is claimed that they are rivals with Boulder this rivalry is a lot less intense than the Kalgoorlie Derby and Kal v Boulder games. Kambalda Football Club(Eagles) The newest team and the most isolated Kambalda have had few times to celebrate. The future for the club does look promising however with many skilled Victorian players joining the team next season. Unlike the other four teams Kambalda do not share a ground and are located outside of Kalgoorlie-Boulder city limits. Based in a town of population 5,000 the Eagles often attract large crowds(despite lack of success).
[edit] The Venues
Sir Richard Moore Oval The home of the GFL, this ground hosts every Grand Final and has hosted State Games and WAFL games. Cap: 6,000 Home teams: Kalgoorlie, Railways Digger Daws Oval Located in Boulder it is the second largest venue. Cap: 4,500 Teams: Boulder, Mines Kambalda Oval Cap:? Home Team: Kambalda Morrison Sports Complex Although no team claims this as a home venue it is often the sight of Kalgoorlie hosted pre-season games or matches when Sir Richard Moore is unavailable.
[edit] Premierships
Below is the number of times each club has won the GFL premiership:
Mines- 37 Railways- 28(premiers of 2006) Boulder- 26 Kalgoorlie- 12 Kambalda- 3
[edit] Team Colours
Mines- Blue and White Railways- Black and Red Boulder- Black and Gold Kalgoorlie- Black and White Kambalda- Brown and Gold
[edit] Rivalries
Kalgoorlie v Railways
Kalgoorlie v Boulder
Mines v Boulder
[edit] Stars from the fields
The GFL has created some great footballers, the most notable being Dean Kemp who played with the West Coast Eagles and collected a Norm Smith Medal in 1994. Today there are currently two players from the Goldfields in the AFL, they are Jamie Graham of the West Coast Eagles and Eddie Betts of the Carlton Blus, both players are from the Club Mines.
Official web address-[1]
