Mortlock Football League

The Mortlock Football League is an Australian rules football competition based around 8 clubs in the south-west region of Western Australia. It is one of a number of football leagues in the wheat-belt region of WA. The eight teams represent the towns of Calingiri, Dalwallinu, Dowerin, Gingin, Goomalling, Toodyay, Wongan-Ballidu. Wyalkatchem played until the end of 2010.

Mortlock Football League
SportAustralian rules football
Inaugural season1946
No. of teams7
Most recent
champion(s)		Dalwallinu Football Club
Most titlesGoomalling Football Club (20 Premierships)

Mortlock League also includes a hockey competition which involves all clubs mentioned above. Teams compete in a home and away season of 14 rounds with a number of byes and one week during the season dedicated to playing country week football against other south-western country leagues. The season ends with a finals campaign including the top 4 teams from the home and away rounds. Notable players that have been recruited from their respected towns to AFL teams include; Josh and Matthew Carr (Goomalling), Lance Franklin (Dowerin), Willie Dick (Goomalling, Ballidu), Brendan Fewster (Gingin), Mal Brown (Dowerin). Retired AFL players to have previously/currently played in the Mortlock Football League are; Michael Pettigrew, Ashley Sampi, Antoni Grover, Kepler Bradley, Greg Broughton.

History

The Mortlock Football League's origins date back to the formation of the Goomalling-Dowerin Association in 1923, although organised football had been played in the district since 1904.

The Goomalling Football Association was formed at a meeting held in the Goomalling Agricultural Hall on 28 May 1904. Representatives from Dowerin, Goomalling and Mumberkine were present and the district was divided into three wards from which the teams would select their players. E. F. Edwardes was elected as President and H. Slater took on the role of Secretary. Mumberkine were premiers in the Association’s inaugural season. The Oak Park club was formed in 1905, but their lifespan proved to be a short one.

Goomalling were premiers in 1905 and 1906, before hotel proprietor T. F. Elliott provided a cup for the premier side in the Association. The 1907 season saw Dowerin, Goomalling and new side Rovers (Goomalling) compete for the Elliott Cup. Rovers, donning the colours of yellow and black, drew their players from the north side of the Goomalling-Dowerin Railway line and played at the Oak Park ground.

The known results for the 1907 season saw Goomalling defeat Rovers before Rovers later exacted revenge with a 34-point win, Goomalling overcame Dowerin, 6.9 to 3.6, Rovers outclassed Dowerin, 6.13 to 1.3, Dowerin beat Goomalling by 6.7 to 5.8 and Goomalling edged out Rovers, 5.8 to 4.6.

At the end of the season, Goomalling and Rovers were equal on points, so a play-off was scheduled, with Rovers triumphant by 13 points, 4.10 to 3.3. Captain Herb Slater and Black Tommy, both outstanding players and goal scorers, played key roles in Rovers taking out the premiership.

In 1908, Rovers were premiers once again when they defeated Goomalling by five points to retain the Elliott Cup. A derby match in July saw some 500 people in attendance as Rovers defeated Goomalling by 11 points.

In 1909, W.A.F.L. club East Perth were the guests of the Goomalling Association for a match in the region on August 21, with the visitors running out narrow 4.10 to 3.15 winners. The local competition saw Rovers achieve a hat-trick of premierships after a solid 9.10 to 4.9 win over Goomalling in the decider.

Despite good coverage of football throughout the state, the West Australian provided virtually no coverage of the 1910 Goomalling Association season. It is known, however, that Rovers won their fourth consecutive flag.

The Goomalling Association made the journey to Perth for a return fixture with East Perth in 1910. In a one-sided contest played at Loton Park, East Perth were comfortable 44 point winners, 12.12 to 5.10. Later in the season, the Goomalling Association met the Eastern Districts Association at Northam and, in wet conditions, the home side prevailed 5.8 to 1.3.

The 1911 season was rocked by the disqualification of the Rovers club on July 20, following the off-field actions of some members of the club, including a clique supposedly led by Herbert Slater and ‘Gunner’ Hills, who ‘attempted to run the Goomalling Football Association and endeavoured to bully members of the committee into letting them have their sweet way.’ The season continued with just two clubs, with Goomalling proving far too strong for Dowerin and were crowned premiers.

The 1912 season saw the admission of the Wanderers (Goomalling) to restore a three-team competition. The Wanderers players were chiefly Karranadgin settlers, and the team chose to wear the colours of red, white and blue. Dowerin won the premiership in this season, which by now was the F. L. Rose Cup.

In 1912, The Goomalling Association wrote to the W.A.F.L. in 1912, suggesting the staging of a Country Week competition. Unfortunately, the Association was unable to raise a representative side, leaving Avon, Bunbury, Geraldton, Moora and Nelson as the first teams to participate in this competition.

In 1913, Goomalling lost only two matches all season en route to securing the premiership, ‘icing the cake’ with a 5.16 to 4.4 win over Dowerin in the Final.

In 1914, the Country Week competition included eight teams – Bunbury, Forrest, Geraldton, Goomalling, Moora, Quairading, South Suburban and Warren. The Final saw an upset six point victory for Forrest over Goomalling, 6.12 to 6.6.

The W.A.F.L. affiliated associations in 1914 were Albany, Arthur West, Bunbury, Central District, Central Murchison, Collie, Forrest, Geraldton, Goomalling, Katanning, Moora, Meekatharra, Narrogin, Nelson, South Suburban, Upper Chapman, Warren and the W.A.F.A.

There was virtually no reference to the Association in the West Australian in 1914, but it is known that Dowerin were premiers after a comprehensive 13.25 to 3.2 win over Goomalling.

The onset of the First World War meant that football was set aside until later in the decade.

In the first five seasons after World War I, five different associations were formed

1919 - Central Districts FA (Goomalling, North Jennacubbine, South Jennacubbine)
1920 - Goomalling-Dowerin-Jennacubbine FA (Dowerin, Goomalling, Jennacubbine)
1921 - Goomalling FA (Goomalling, Karranadgin, Konnongorring)
1922 - Central Districts FA (Australs, Jennacubbine, Jennapullin, Rovers)

The Goomalling-Dowerin Association was formed in 1923 and has remained intact since then (apart from a three-season World War II recess from 1942-1944). Jennacubbine won the first two premierships.

The Association was renamed as the Goomalling & Districts Association in 1925 (11 years after its predecessor disbanded) and this competition was conducted until 1941, when World War 2 forced the cessation of the competition for three seasons from 1942 to 1944.

The competing clubs from 1923 to 1941 were: Dowerin (1923-1924, 1933-1941), Goomalling (1926), Goomalling Australs (1923, 1927-1941), Goomalling Country (1925), Goomalling Rovers (1923, 1927-1941), Goomalling Town (1925 - withdrew mid season), Jennacubbine (1923-1926; 1928-1941), Konnongorring (1927; 1930; 1932-1937), Mumberkine (1932-1937), North Goomalling (1924), South Goomalling 1924), Toodyay Rangers (1931) and Wongan Hills (1925-1926; 1928-1930; 1936-1940). Rovers were the standout performers with 6 premierships, Australs, Dowerin and Jennacubbine all won 4 premierships and Wongan Hills were premiers in the inaugural season in 1925.[1]

The G&DFA resumed in 1945, with five clubs (Dowerin, Ejanding, Goomalling, Konnongorring and Wongan Hills) affiliating. In 1973, the league changed its name to the Mortlock National Football League.

The affiliated clubs since World War 2 have been: Ballidu (1961-1995), Bolgart (1958-1976), Cadoux (1967-1970), Calingiri (since 1959), Dalwallinu (since 1992), Dowerin (1945-2012), Dowerin/Wyalkatchem (since 2013), Ejanding (1945-1962), Gingin (since 1973), Goomalling (since 1945), Jennacubbine (1946-1971), Konnongorring (1945-1948; 1954-1975), Toodyay (since 1960), Wongan/Ballidu (since 1996), Wongan Hills (1945-1995), Wyalkatchem (1955-1957; 1976-2010) and Yerecoin (1959).[2]

In 1973, with the inclusion of Gingin the association changed its name to the Mortlock National Football League.

The most well-known players to come out of the MFL are four-time All-Australian Jack Clarke (ex-Jennacubbine) and the legendary Mal Brown (ex-Dowerin), as well as VFL/AFL players Eric 'Tarzan' Glass (ex-Goomalling), Willy Dick (ex-Goomalling and Ballidu), brothers Josh and Matthew Carr (ex-Goomalling), Brendon Fewster (ex-Gingin) and arguably today's highest profile player in four-time All-Australian Lance Franklin (ex-Dowerin).

Seven players have played at VFL/AFL level and 95 players have been recruited to the WAFL from current MFL clubs. Players to have played 50 or more WAFL games are Laurence Watson (Bolgart), Mal Brown, Ronald Brown, Murray Couper and Ian Newman (Dowerin), Brendon Fewster (Gingin), Gary Brookes, Willy Dick, Eric Glass and Charles Western (Goomalling), Jack Clarke (Jennacubbine), Anthony Beattie and Chester Mackean (Toodyay) and Ron Bayens (Wongan Hills).

The League receives good promotion in the local media and season 2014 sees the return of live football broadcasts of MFL matches after an absence of many years, thanks to Frontier Sports Media. Their weekly 'Mortlock Matchday' broadcasts can be heard via www.frontiersportsmedia.com as a live audio stream and via the TuneIn radio app.

Mortlock Football League (and Goomalling Association) 1945 to 2017
Club Status Joined Years in comp. Premierships: Premiership Years
Calingiri Current 1959 59 13 1962, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2000, 2006, 2015
Dalwallinu Current 1992 26 1 2017
Dowerin/Wyalkatchem Current 2013 5 1 2013
Gingin Current 1973 45 3 1997, 2002, 2011
Goomalling Current 1945 73 20 1945, 1946, 1948, 1952, 1958, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2007
Toodyay Current 1960 58 7 1961, 1973, 1974, 1980, 1988, 2004, 2014.
Wongan/Ballidu Current 1994 24 2 2009, 2016
Ballidu Former 1961-1993 33 2 1981, 1987
Bolgart Former 1958-1976 19 2 1960, 1969
Cadoux Former 1967-1970 4 0
Dowerin Former 1945-2012 68 8 1947,1972, 1982, 1985, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012
Ejanding Former 1945, 1962 18 2 1955, 1957
Jennacubbine Former 1946-1971,
1973-1978		 32 2 1954, 1956
Konnongorring Former 1945-1975 31 1 1959
Wongan Hills Former 1945-1993 49 5 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1979
Wyalkatchem Former 1955-1957,
1976-2010		 41 2 2001, 2003
Yerecoin Former 1959 1 0

Boekeman Medal (Fairest and Best)

Bendigo Bank Player Of The Year Award
  • 2007 Craig Wilson (Dowerin)
  • 2008 Dean Trewhella (Dowerin)
  • 2009
  • 2010 Brad McNeill (Dalwallinu)
  • 2011 Rheece Bartel (Gingin)
  • 2012 Rheece Bartel (Gingin)

Lyndon Bird Goal Kicking Award

LEAGUE

  • 2000
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003 Justin Kiely (Wyalkatchem) 62 Goals
  • 2004 Phil Brookes (Dalwallinu) 62 Goals
  • 2005 Daniel King (Calingiri)
  • 2006 Michael Potts (Gingin) 83 Goals
  • 2007 Samuel Stanton (Toodyay)76 Goals
  • 2008 Jay Betts (Toodyay) 87 Goals
  • 2009 David Wilson (Dowerin) 62 Goals
  • 2010 David Wilson (Dowerin) 56 Goals
  • 2011 Geoffrey Rouse (Gingin) 83 Goals
  • 2012 Geoffrey Rouse (Gingin) 99 Goals
  • 2013 Geoffrey Rouse (Gingin) 101 Goals

2011 Ladder
Mortlock Wins Byes Losses Draws For Against % Pts
Gingin 122001413629224.64%56
Toodyay 92301253873143.53%44
Dowerin 92301038917113.20%44
Dalwallinu 4280983104394.25%24
Goomalling4280924117878.44%24
Wondan Hill/Ballidu22100905132268.46%16
Calingiri22100724127856.65%16

FINALS

Final Team G B Pts Team G B Pts
1st SemiDowerin177109Dalwallinu12678
2nd SemiGingin1816124Toodyay91266
PreliminaryToodyay141296Dowerin51545
GrandGingin1612108Toodyay9963

2012 Ladder
Mortlock Wins Byes Losses Draws For Against % Pts Final Team G B Pts Team G B Pts
Toodyay 110301458681214.10%441st SemiDowerin131492Wondan Hill/Ballidu111076
Gingin 110301664783212.52%442nd SemiToodyay167103Gingin15898
Dowerin 110301529878174.15%44PreliminaryDowerin111076Gingin91670
Wondan Hill/Ballidu 806013331132117.76%32GrandDowerin15595Toodyay101474
Goomalling60801199129692.52%24
Dalwallinu20120856148757.57%8
Calingiri00140495227721.74%0

2013 Ladder
Mortlock Wins Byes Losses Draws For Against % Pts Final Team G B Pts Team G B Pts
Calingiri 1004015981045152.92%401st SemiWondan Hill/Ballidu2010130Gingin6642
Dowerin 1004013681142119.79%402nd SemiCalingiri131694Dowerin111076
Gingin 90501588895177.43%36PreliminaryDowerin141094Wondan Hill/Ballidu81260
Wondan Hill/Ballidu 905012691087116.74%36GrandDowerin169105Calingiri111379
Toodyay806013001092119.05%32
Dalwallinu20120671161541.55%8
Goomalling10130820173847.18%4

2014 Ladder
Mortlock Wins Byes Losses Draws For Against % Pts Final Team G B Pts Team G B Pts
Calingiri 110301622966167.91%441st SemiGingin141094Dowerin81058
Toodyay 110301486964154.15%442nd SemiCalingiri169105Toodyay12779
Gingin 1004014831080137.31%40PreliminaryToodyay1912126Gingin131593
Dowerin/Wylie 707011901080110.19%28GrandToodyay121486Calingiri101474
Goomalling60801073120189.34%24
Dalwallinu40100880129567.95%16
Wondan Hill/Ballidu00140708185638.15%0

2015 Ladder
Mortlock Wins Byes Losses Draws For Against % Pts Final Team G B Pts Team G B Pts
Toodyay 1103014511212119.72%441st SemiDalwallinu1815123Dowerin12476
Calingiri 905015811066148.31%362nd SemiCalingiri2020140Toodyay91266
Dowerin/Wylie 80601434956150.00%32PreliminaryDalwallinu185113Toodyay111480
Dalwallinu 806011591111104.32%32GrandCalingiri1818126Dalwallinu6743
Gingin70701150947121.44%28
Goomalling608012391221101.47%24
Wondan Hill/Ballidu00140651215230.25%0

2016 Ladder
Mortlock Wins Byes Losses Draws For Against % Pts Final Team G B Pts Team G B Pts
Wondan Hill/Ballidu 140001815923196.64%561st SemiDowerin121183Goomalling91165
Dalwallinu 110301613887181.85%442nd SemiWongan101272Dalwallinu91064
Dowerin/Wylie 90501280981130.48%36PreliminaryDalwallinu1617113Dowerin9963
Goomalling 707015331108138.36%28GrandWongan1710112Dalwallinu6844
Gingin608011701117104.74%24
Toodyay20120912165855.01%8
Calingiri00140726237530.57%0

2017 Ladder
Mortlock Wins Byes Losses Draws For Against % Pts Final Team G B Pts Team G B Pts
Dalwallinu 110301640777211.07%441st SemiToodyay1515105Gingin141094
Wondan Hill/Ballidu 110301524870175.17%442nd SemiDalwallinu2117143Wongan12779
Toodyay 110301622941172.37%44PreliminaryToodyay178110Wongan141296
Gingin 70701110113098.23%28GrandDalwallinu1912126Toodyay111076
Dowerin/Wylie40100959144366.46%16
Calingiri30110979155762.88%12
Goomalling20120827194342.56%8

References
  1. http://frontiersportsmedia.com
  2. http://frontiersportsmedia.com
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