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The Western Desert Shield |
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Thursday, 20 December 2007 08:45 |
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Is a very special event in the life of any aspiring elite-level footballer who hails from the north-west of this State. Held once every two years and sponsored by Newcrest with the support of the Department of Sport and Recreation’s Indigenous Sports Unit, the game is played as the curtain-raiser to the West Coast Eagles home-game Western Derby clash against the Fremantle Dockers at Subiaco Oval. This year’s Western Desert Shield game pitted the Ngarda Goannas against the Martu Warriors. The Goannas comprised players from regions around Port Hedland, while the Martu Warriors were drawn from communities up to 600km further to the east in the Great Sandy Desert and closer to the Telfer Gold Mine, operated by Newcrest. Players from both sides gave of their rare and raw best in presenting a wonderful spectacle to the thousands of patrons arriving early for the big AFL clash. The Martu team, whose players are more accustomed to playing on red-dirt ovals in bare feet, was selected at the conclusion of the Punmu Carnival, just a week prior to performing on the Big Stage at Subiaco. Honours for the day went to the Ngarda Goannas, who were comfortable winners.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 02 August 2008 18:46 |