Official Match Report
A commanding performance by Mines, who despite a slow start, took over the game from quarter time onwards, and the final margin of 17 points was puzzling as Railways never really seemed that close to the Diorites during the heat of battle. Railways kicked the first two goals of the game while Mines then kicked the next seven, but despite Railways winning the second half seven goals to five, this game was never in threat. Disappointing for Railways who had dual Fairest & Best winner Shane Properjohn playing his 150th club game, and the Panthers for some reason lacked spark and poise after quarter time which was not a performance Properjohn deserved after his excellent service to the club. Mines dominated the midfield with old stagers Russell Walton, Steve Dewar and Skipper Trent Moon dominant with the fleet foot support of Cameron Allen and Cale Delbridge, while Delson Trott also chimed in to bright up a dour game with a couple of goals and tricks. A match up of interest was the ruck battle between Luke Nugent and Railways recruit from Claremont James Staples, with the latter just winning the contest in his debut game for his new club and should prove a valuable acquisition to the Panthers for the balance of the year, while Ben Grace was a stand out across half forward and the defensive efforts of James Warren who nullified the effort of Mines Star Rob Hansen.