Diorites cap off major 2022 improvement to grab second spot in GFLW

Mines Rovers coach Pat Casey sung the praises of first-year standout Jess Moore, who kicked two goals in the side’s 27-point win, 5.4 (34) to 1.1 (7), over Railways on Sunday in the Goldfields Football League’s women’s competition.

The Diorites’ fifth win moved them into second place and showcased the finishing skills of Moore and Petra Brown, who also kicked two goals.

They have excelled in the GFLW after crossing over from other sports — Moore as a former national motocross champion and Brown as a star BMX rider who represented Australia.

Both are former Goldfields Sports Star of the Year award recipients and loom as key players for the blue-and-whites, who have made big strides in 2022 after the squad managed just one win and a draw last season.

In Moore’s case, a meteoric rise earned her WA Country selection after just four matches and last weekend’s appearance was just her eighth overall.

“I rate Jess very highly,” Casey said.

“The key to her game is that she’s keen to learn, is super-competitive and loves to win.

“As a great athlete and elite runner, we put her in the midfield. She has a big tank and actually gets a bit cranky if I try and take her off for a rest every now and then.

“Like all the girls, I think she enjoys the physical side of football, too.”

After last year’s struggles, Casey said it was great to see his players enjoying success.

A true test, however, would be against first-placed Kalgoorlie on Thursday night.

“We’ve had two good wins in the past couple of weeks which is character-building,” Casey said.

“That’s been really good for the group, confidence is high and the girls are really pleased and proud as they should be.

“The goal at the start of the season was to make the top-two and now we’re there, the challenge is to stay there.

“That’s the hard part I guess — we have a lot of room for improvement, but gradually getting closer to our best (form).

“I’m not sure exactly how you measure it (the squad’s 2022 improvement), but it’s been quite significant.

“It’s been a massive improvement and the girls are like sponges because they soak up everything you tell them.

“The improvement is all on them because they’ve wanted to get better.”

Kalgoorlie lead the standings with nine wins — four clear of Mines Rovers.