Railways facing big task in pursuit of outright first place against Diorites

Railways coach Cory Jones declared Mines Rovers a better all-round squad in 2024 and lauded the Diorites’ fitness as a major obstacle, ahead of Saturday’s clash in the Goldfields Football League’s women’s division when outright first place goes on the line.

Both teams have nine wins, against one loss and a draw, with Mines Rovers holding first place on percentage.

Railways, after back-to-back grand final appearances, find themselves in unchartered waters after two earlier clashes this season against the blue-and-whites produced a draw and an eight-point loss.

“They (Mines Rovers) got the better of us last time and it’s up to us to respond,” Jones said.

“They’re a solid unit and have definitely improved from last year, especially when it comes down to their fitness.

“That was the thing that got us last time and apart from that, they have some very clever footballers who have been around for a while.

“With that solid nucleus, Mines have gone to a whole new level this year which is a credit to them.”

Jones said the task of boosting fitness among his squad late in the season was challenging.

“We have some shift workers and being consistent on the (training) track is difficult,” he said.

“But the girls are doing their best and training the house down.

“We’ll see where that takes us.”

With his side coming of a double bye, Mines Rovers coach Quinny Matla said he was wary of an opposition ambush.

“We obviously haven’t had a game for a few weeks and training has been a little bit light so this will be a big test for us,” Matla said.

“Fitness has been one of our strengths, but it will be interesting to see which players have done any extra work.

“We got the better of them (Railways) last time out and no doubt they’re going to be very hungry in chasing a bit of redemption.

“But we’ve also worked hard to get top-spot and now our priority is retaining it.”

Mines Rovers will wear black armbands in support of team member Chanelle Halligan, whose grandfather, Jack, died on Friday.