FROM FOUR GRAND FINAL LOSSES TO PREMIERSHIP GLORY: ANTHONY ASHWIN LEADS MINE ROVERS TO VICTORY
By Lynnese O’Donoghue | 12 October 2026
After four consecutive grand final defeats, Kalgoorlie footballer Anthony Ashwin has finally experienced premiership glory, leading the Mine Rovers reserves to victory as both coach and player.
But for the 36-year-old Aboriginal footballer, the win represents much more than a premiership medal. It's a story of perseverance, family, cultural pride and inspiring the next generation of Aboriginal footballers to take on leadership roles.
Speaking with Ngaarda Media, Anthony reflected on the challenges of a season that almost saw him walk away from the game altogether.
Having played for Mine Rovers since he was a child in 1999, Anthony had been considering retirement when club president Jeff approached him to coach the reserves side.
Anthony with his wife Latoya Ashwin and their kids, big smiles on the day for the Ashwin Family. Photo Credit: Latoya Ashwin
"I got asked three times over Christmas to be the coach and I said no, no, no," Anthony recalled.
It was encouragement from his wife, who believed the players would respect his leadership, that eventually convinced him to accept the role.
But the road to the premiership was far from easy.
With many players working in the mining industry, managing rotating shifts and travelling to mine sites made it difficult to field a consistent team.
Anthony said younger players from the club's Colts side were instrumental in keeping the reserves competitive, often playing two games on the same day to help fill the squad.
He also recognised that the team needed to change its approach after losing several previous grand finals.
"I had to change the tactic going into this year's grand final, and I thought I coached it well," he said.
Introducing younger, faster players proved crucial to the team's success.
For Anthony, the victory was particularly meaningful because Mine Rovers has been part of his life for more than two decades.
"I started playing at Mine Rovers Football Club when I was a kid in 1999, and I've never played for another club in town," he said.
Anthony Ashwin, Kalooglie Mine Rovers Reserves Premiership Coach and Player 2026. Photo Credit: Latoya Ashwin
Football is also a family affair. Anthony's wife and eldest daughter played in a grand final on the same morning, although their team didn't come away with the win.
Away from the football field, Anthony and his family enjoy spending time out bush, maintaining cultural traditions and passing knowledge on to their children.
He credits his grandfather with teaching him about culture through their regular trips out bush during his childhood.
Now a father himself, Anthony hopes to pass those same experiences on to his children.
"Even teach them things about the bush still, which I try and do," he said.
ABORIGINAL LEADERSHIP IN FOOTBALL
One of the proudest aspects of the season for Anthony was sharing a coaching role at Mine Rovers alongside Aboriginal league coach Samuel Stubbs.
Anthony said the pair recognised an opportunity to show younger Aboriginal players that they too could become leaders at their football club.
"This could be a good opportunity for our young kids coming up, watching us do this, be leaders and role models at our club," he said.
Anthony Ashwin Player and Coach Profile. Photo Credit: Kalgoorlie Mine Rovers
"They might realise, hey, if they can do it, I can do it too."
Despite his success, Anthony admitted taking on the coaching position had pushed him outside his comfort zone, particularly when it came to public speaking.
He said the experience taught him to overcome his nerves and develop confidence as a leader.
And with a premiership now behind him, Anthony hopes his journey encourages young Aboriginal people to challenge themselves and take opportunities when they arise.
"I never ever thought I'd be a coach of my football club that I'm growing up to love," he said.
"If you ever feel ashamed to do something, it's never too late to have a crack and get in there ... Don't be ashamed. Have a good go."
For Anthony Ashwin, the premiership is not only a reward for years of persistence, but proof that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to something extraordinary.