GFL colts competition to stay at four teams in 2024

Goldfields Football League’s colts division will remain at four teams in 2024, minus Kambalda because of a lack of numbers.

Kambalda, who open the season at home this Saturday against Mines Rovers in the three senior grades following a round one bye, had hoped to return to the colts division this season for the first time since folding mid-way through 2022.

With no colts game scheduled, Saturday’s women’s match at Kambalda West Oval will start at the later time of 11am.

The reserves and league matches will follow at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, respectively.

GFL chair Eshe Christie on Wednesday praised Kambalda’s efforts over many months to attract colts-age players.

“The club has done a fantastic job thinking outside of the box and doing everything possible to gain a colts side,” she said.

“They worked their butts off to (try to) get it across the line.”

Kambalda’s efforts for a 2024 colts squad started late last year with an eight-week preseason program for boys aged 15-20, backed by Wyloo Metals and the Shire of Coolgardie.

“We had them (colts) training with the league guys and reached out to Norseman, Coolgardie and also Leonora, Kambalda vice-president Kane Piggott said.

“At the end of the day, the numbers weren’t quite there but it wasn’t through any lack of trying.”

Also on Saturday, Kalgoorlie play Boulder at Sir Richard Moore Sports Centre, starting at 9am with the women’s game.

The colts game is at 10.30am, followed by the reserves and league at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, respectively.

Mines Rovers will host a special coach academy seminar on April 26, run by Subiaco Football Club’s talent specialist coaches.

Subiaco’s visiting panel includes colts head coach John Mansbridge, his senior assistant David Hay and strength and conditioning coach Mack Liddelow.