Snapshot in Time: Mullewa premiership image underscores the timeless impact of sport on a community

If you weren’t already convinced about the positive impact sport can have on a community, take a look at this image.

It could be said it depicts the level of excitement people are currently feeling about the AFL season starting up again in what could potentially be a “normal-ish” season.

In this picture you can see just how many people came together to celebrate Mullewa taking out the Great Northern Football League premiership in 1984 for the second consecutive year.

The headline in the Geraldton Guardian reads “Mullewa’s flag again”. Over numerous pages, columnist Steve Hill details the ebbs and flows which led to the Saints’ victory over Railways. The emphasis was on the importance of the third quarter in securing the game (by 35 points no less).

The first goal of the match was scored by Anthony Cross of Railways, who was reportedly “a focal point in attack all day”. Stand outs for Mullewa appear to have been Gus Mourish (pictured), Brad Tunbridge, who was awarded the Guardian medal for best player on the day, and Ashley Taylor.

Prior to the game commencing, the seasons’ award winners completed a lap of honour around the Recreation Ground in front of a whopping 4000 spectators. Chris Mainwaring of Rovers was amongst them as the Guardian Rock Award and Sunday Times Medal winner.

Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information or to donate a historical photo or slide, contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au