Mines Rovers' Benjamin Stubbs celebrates with Rusi Komaitai after his team won the Goldfields Football League grand final against Boulder at Digger Daws Oval on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
UPDATE: In a breathtaking finish, the Mines Rovers triumphed over their arch-rivals Boulder in the Goldfields Football League grand final, clinching a dramatic nine-point victory with a final score of 11.10 (76) to 9.13 (67) at Digger Daws Oval on July 15, 2023.
This thrilling match saw Amar Elnour become a club legend, scoring the decisive goal that propelled the Rovers to victory after a back-and-forth final quarter filled with tension. The win marks the end of a seven-year drought for the Rovers, delighting their fans and players alike.
The atmosphere was electric as the two teams exchanged leads in a gripping contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Matt Braham, playing in his 150th senior game, was carried off the field by his teammates, celebrating a momentous occasion for both the player and the club. This was the first grand final derby clash between these fierce rivals since 2018, and it lived up to the hype with an intense battle throughout all four quarters.
Boulder started strong, leading by 12 points at half-time, but the Rovers surged back with a game-changing performance in the second half, scoring 8.2 compared to Boulder’s 4.5 after the break. Despite having one more scoring opportunity, Boulder’s shaky start with a 0.5 in the first quarter proved to be detrimental.
As the final term unfolded, Boulder initially extended their lead to 13 points due to goals from Guy Laughlin and Dustin Walters. However, Elnour’s crucial contested mark and subsequent goal shifted the momentum, reducing the gap to just seven points. With only 11 minutes remaining, Kodee Lowe scored to bring Mines Rovers within a single point.
With the clock ticking down, Elnour stunned the crowd with a remarkable kick from a challenging angle, putting the Rovers ahead by four points at the 14-minute mark. Cale Delbridge then secured victory with a final goal at the 16-minute mark, sealing a historic win for the Rovers.
The victory was celebrated not just for the trophy but for the emotional journey it represented for the players and fans. Marc Johnstone, the Rovers’ coach, expressed relief and elation after securing the championship, stating, “It was a long last five minutes, but we got there. I knew we’d run the game out and had the fitness to do it.”
In contrast, Boulder’s coach Kye Bradley reflected on missed opportunities, lamenting the impact of their goalless first quarter. “We had our opportunities and just didn’t take them,” he said, highlighting the pivotal moments that slipped away.
As the dust settles on this exhilarating contest, the Mines Rovers look forward to basking in their well-deserved glory while Boulder will regroup, determined to rise again. Fans from both sides will remember this grand final as a thrilling chapter in their rivalry, and the emotional stakes will undoubtedly fuel their next encounters.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates and reactions from this unforgettable grand final!
