Brett Whiteley (Braddon, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Nothing unites or divides us more than—what's it called?—football. North-west football is fantastic. ON Saturday the Wynyard Cats conquered the Ulverstone Robins in the North West Football League grand final, making it back-to-back wins for the Cats for the fist time in their club history. Not all was lost for Ulverstone; they took out the reserve grand final and also the underage competition. The Robins were on track to win the game, but they just did not have what it took. The Cats were too strong in the end, coming back to win 138-76. All players should hold their heads high not only for leaving everything they had on the ground but for playing the game in the true spirit of the game.

I want to make special mention of some of the Wynyard heroes. Zane Murphy won the Wilf Barker Medal for best on-ground. That award comes off the back of a stellar season for which he also won Most Valuable Player and Player of the Year. North West Football icon Errol Bourn deserves particular recognition as coach of the Wynyard Football Club, leading them to consecutive premierships. I should not forget the efforts of the 37-year-old Greg Sharman, who this year became only the second player in the league's history to kick over 100 goals in consecutive premiership teams.

Finally, congratulations to the La Trobe Football Club, who hosted the grand final and did—as they always do—a fantastic job as host. The oval was in top condition.

Again I want to congratulate all players and coaching staff and particularly all volunteers. We love our football, and your contribution is important to the fabric of our community.