Rovers end solid season in style

Port Hedland Rovers players took the opportunity to get out of their footy shorts and suit up for their club’s night of nights at the Esplanade last weekend.

The Rovers had a successful 2019 season, rebounding after a disappointing season last year to make their way to the finals before bowing out to the Dampier Sharks in the semifinals.

Club president Russell Pyke said the club had a good ending to their season in both league and reserves.

“Coming off two wooden spoons last year, we finished fourth in the league and third in reserves,” he said. “Couldn’t be happier with the off-field (situation) and the club is building to where we were five years ago.”

The night belonged to midfielder Dylan Ross, who won the Hockey Medal for best and fairest in his first year with the club, while Chris Sims was the runner-up.

Pyke said Ross was under appreciated in the league but brought a lot to the Rovers side.

“We knew what he brought to the game and he’s going to bring a lot to our club in the coming years,” he said.

Ross said he was honoured and privileged to win the award.

“Moving here, the footy club has really welcomed my family and me, so it’s a real honour,” he said.

Other league award winners were Nat Fielding as back man of the year, Ash Mulhall for forward of the year and Craig Buckley for midfielder of the year.

Meanwhile, Isiah Coppin was awarded most improved and Joel Monaghan for most valuable.

Michael Porter and Todd Keyser were honoured as life members after reaching 100 games for the club.

In the reserves, Tristan Meyers took out the Leon Monaghan Trophy for best and fairest while Theo Mamok was runner-up.

Other reserves winners were Luke Hart for the best first-year player and Lewyn Tinker for most improved.

Saika Bero won the Deadly award and Brodie Fitzgerald took home the coaches’ award.