Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am very pleased to speak about the Great Northern Football League, which is in the Mid West, in my electorate, and which I again sponsored in 2016. The Mid West has a great history with our national game, dating back to the 19th century, punching well above its weight when it comes to producing footballers for the highest level. The rich history led to the birth of the GNFL in 1961.

Powerhouse Towns won their 13th premiership, their 11th in the past 18 seasons, defeating arch rivals Railways by 71 points at the Recreation Ground. The Bulldogs shone under new coach and experienced footballer Chris Kane this year. He also took out the JJ Clune medal. Kane took out the league's best and fairest award in the South West last year. Towns also took out the Reserves premiership, knocking off Railways by five points—a very close, exciting game.

Congratulations to Chapman Valley, who won the Colts premiership following three impressive seasons.

Like any other sporting league and club, the GNFL cannot work without dedicated, hardworking volunteers. I congratulate for their hard work the GNFL board, led very ably by the president, Colin Cox, in another fantastic season. I am looking forward to 2017.