Champion of the Month

Country Football WA and West Coast Poly are proud to spotlight John Hewett, President of the Eastern Districts Football League (EDFL), as a nominated West Coast Poly Champion of the Month a long-serving football advocate who continues to champion the growth and sustainability of footy across regional WA.

John has been involved in country football for decades, known for his steady leadership, inclusive approach, and deep commitment to the clubs and communities across the Eastern Districts region. As current EDFL President, John plays a pivotal role in overseeing a league that stretches across multiple small towns ensuring footy remains a central part of community life.

Whether it’s managing league logistics, supporting club volunteers, or driving discussions around innovation and retention, John is always looking for ways to build connection, fairness, and opportunity within the game.

A genuine people person, John’s passion lies in bringing everyone to the table players, umpires, club officials and community members alike. His strong relationships across clubs have helped drive positive change and ensure the EDFL continues to thrive in challenging regional environments.

He’s also a strong advocate for retaining talent and building pathways, particularly for young players and women, recognising how critical local football is to identity, well being and regional pride.

“It’s about more than football it’s about community,” John says. “And keeping that alive is what drives me.”

From the committee room to the canteen queue, John Hewett leads with humility and heart. His impact stretches far beyond the scoreboard, and his dedication is a key reason why footy in the Eastern Districts is still strong today.

Congratulations, John your leadership is making a lasting difference in Country Football.

Country Football WA and West Coast Poly are proud to recognise Jeff Delbridge as a nominated Champion of the Month. A tireless contributor, life member, and beloved figure at Mines Rovers Football Club in the Goldfields Football League.

Jeff’s involvement with the iconic Kalgoorlie-based club spans decades and countless roles, but one thing remains constant  his unwavering commitment to community, tradition, and making the game better for those around him.

Affectionately known around the club as a quiet achiever, Jeff has taken on just about every role possible from club committee and operational support to match day duties, mentoring younger volunteers, and making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes.

Jeff’s contributions aren’t just administrative they’re deeply personal. His passion for footy and the people involved with it is evident in everything he does. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t seek recognition, but whose absence would be impossible to ignore.

Mines Rovers is one of the most successful and storied clubs in country football, and much of that continued success is due to the steady hands and big hearts of volunteers like Jeff. His influence has shaped generations of players, helped keep the club organised and competitive, and ensured its legacy remains strong in a fast-changing world.
Whether it’s helping with canteen logistics, supporting junior development, or just being a calm and consistent presence around the clubrooms, Jeff is always there often doing the little things no one sees, but everyone benefits from.

His nomination comes from a place of deep respect within the club and the broader Goldfields community. As one voice put it, “Jeff is just one of those blokes who gets in and does the work, no fuss  just love for the club and the game.”

Country Football WA and West Coast Poly thank you, Jeff, for everything you’ve given to Mines Rovers and to regional footy in WA. Champions like you are the reason this game continues to thrive.

West Coast Poly Champion of the Month // July – Kim ‘Yogi’ Melvin

Country Football WA is proud to recognise Kim ‘Yogi’ Melvin as the West Coast Poly Champion of the Month for Round 3  –  a man whose love for the game has spanned over five decades and whose impact on regional footy continues to bring communities together.

Yogi’s football journey began in 1973, pulling on the boots in D Grade for Rovers in Bullaring, Western Australia. Since that first kick, he’s lived and breathed country footy for an incredible 51 years – as a player, coach, radio broadcaster, and now President of the Upper Great Southern Football League.

His passion never wavered. As a coach at Wickepin Football Club, Yogi led one of the great rebuilds — turning a struggling side from wooden spooners to premiers in just four years. But it wasn’t just about what happened on the field. Yogi has also spent years behind the microphone, using his voice to broadcast local football to homes, cars and sheds across the Upper Great Southern region — sharing the stories, the scores, and the soul of country football with the community.

“Community brings everyone together — and that’s what Country Football does,” he says.

From the boundary line to the commentary box and now the boardroom, Yogi’s commitment to the game runs deep. Whether mentoring young players, supporting club volunteers, or calling the action over the airwaves, he continues to champion the values that make country football so special.

Thanks to our partners at West Coast Poly, we’re proud to celebrate volunteers like Yogi who go above and beyond to keep the heart of our game beating strong.

Congratulations, Yogi – your dedication to Country Football is an inspiration.

West Coast Poly Champion of the Month // June – Mark Timms

From the far reaches of the East Kimberley, Country Football WA is proud to announce Mark Timms as the West Coast Poly Champion of the Month for Round 2 — a selfless football stalwart who has poured more than two decades into building and sustaining the game in one of WA’s most remote communities.

Based in Wyndham — the northernmost club in Country Footy WA — Mark wears more hats than most clubs have players. Since 2003, he’s been the heart and backbone of the Port Wyndham Crocs and the East Kimberley Football League (EKFL), serving as League and Club Registrar, Past Club President (10+ years), Women’s Coach, Men’s Team Manager, runner, strapper, first aider, and even the occasional emergency player — kicking a senior goal in recent seasons!

Mark’s tireless work goes far beyond the boundary line. He’s driven facilities upgrades, built partnerships across the Kimberley, and ensures match day operations run like clockwork — often seen marking ovals, fixing equipment, or helping other clubs with whatever they need. Whether it’s strapping opposition players, chauffeuring teammates (infamous playlists included), or helping coordinate club logistics, Mark does it all with humility and heart.

His commitment to female participation has also made a lasting impact. Mark has led the Wyndham women’s program since 2018, and in 2024, took on an assistant coaching role for the Kimberley Women’s Team at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Women’s Country Championships in Perth — opening doors for female players to represent their region and gain confidence on the big stage.

Mark is the definition of community spirit. He just gets in and gets it done — for the love of the game, the town, and the people in it.
Even the Wyndham Supermarket, which Mark runs alongside his partner Sheree, is an unofficial hub for Crocs culture — doubling as a footy merchandise store and local museum of trophies, premiership pennants and club history.

In the East Kimberley, where keeping a footy club alive requires passion and grit, Mark Timms stands tall. His devotion, versatility, and leadership inspire those around him and keep the game thriving in the north.

Congratulations, Mark — your contribution to Country Football is nothing short of legendary.

West Coast Poly Champion of the Month // May – Wayne Stubber

Wayne Stubber is a true champion of country football, and his commitment to the Railways Football & Sporting Club in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) speaks volumes about his dedication. Over the past 15 years, Wayne has held a variety of roles within the club, from coach to committee member, and is now proudly serving as the club’s President.

Wayne’s journey with the Tigers goes beyond his leadership role. It’s deeply personal, a family affair at Tigerland. His sons, Bodhi and Taj, are both involved in the club, with Bodhi coaching the Men’s league team and Taj leading the Women’s team. The Stubber family’s connection to the club is stronger than ever, with Bodhi joining his brother Logan on the field each weekend in the senior men’s team. “Football isn’t just a game for us; it’s a way of life and a family connection that’s passed down through the generations,” Wayne says, reflecting on the club’s strong family-oriented spirit.

Off the field, Wayne’s contributions are just as significant. As a driving force behind the redevelopment of the club’s facilities, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the club’s infrastructure can meet the demands of its growing membership. Once completed, the new facilities will serve as a home base for not only football but also cricket, netball, basketball, and soccer. This redevelopment is set to provide a lasting legacy for the next 50 years, ensuring that future generations have the resources they need to develop as athletes and community leaders.

For Wayne, the redevelopment is about creating a sustainable future for the club. “It’s important that we continue to grow and provide an inclusive environment where everyone, from all sports, can come together and thrive,” he explains. His commitment to shaping the future of the club goes hand in hand with his vision of strengthening the community.

Wayne’s tireless work and dedication have recently earned him recognition as the West Coast Poly Champion of the Month for Round 1 of the 2025 season. This honour celebrates Wayne’s exceptional leadership, his passion for the sport, and his unwavering dedication to the country football community. For Wayne, the recognition is a reflection of the collective effort put in by so many people who work to make the club and the sport what it is today. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a club, and I look forward to seeing what the next 50 years bring for us,” Wayne says.

With West Coast Poly back for the 2025 season, Wayne’s recognition as the Round 1 winner highlights the ongoing importance of honouring the contributions of dedicated volunteers who make country football thrive. Through his leadership, Wayne Stubber embodies the essence of what it means to be a true champion of country football. His impact is felt not only on the field but also in the hearts of the community members he serves. His passion for the game and for fostering the growth of the sport in regional areas continues to inspire players, coaches, and volunteers alike. His legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on country football for generations to come.