Former WAFL star appointed Mines Rovers coach

Jackson Clark Published January 2, 2026 at 12.00pm (AWST)

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Samuel Stubbs has been appointed to coach the Mines Rovers in 2026. (Image: The West Australian)

Former WAFL forward Samuel Stubbs has been appointed senior coach of the Mines Rovers Football Club ahead of the 2026 season,.

The Wangkatha man was announced as the Rovers' new playing-coach on New Year's Eve, with the club expressing confidence in Stubbs' ability to lead a premiership-hardened group into its next chapter.

"After being a solid contributor as part of our premiership winning side under outgoing coach Marc Johnstone, we can't wait to watch Samuel lead us on and off the field as we chase back-to-back league premierships for the first time since 2009/2010," the Rovers wrote on social media.

"While young in age, Samuel has had plenty of experience playing football all around the countryside and we are extremely lucky to have someone of his calibre to continue on from the great position that Marc left the club in on his departure.

"With the majority of the premiership side ready to again grace Digger Daws next season, along with some elite recruits who will be joining the club in the new year, all augurs well for another successful season."

Stubbs inherits a side brimming with confidence after their nine-point victory over Boulder in last season's Goldfields Football League grand final.

*Stubbs celebrates a goal while playing for Perth Demons in the WAFL. (Image: Perth Football Club)*

A former Perth Demons star, Stubbs played 66 senior WAFL games and claimed the club's leading goalkicker award in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023.

Prior to his WAFL career, he featured in the Queensland AFL with Palm Beach-Currumbin and Mt Gravatt, building a reputation as a powerful and athletic forward.

His football journey also included a train-on opportunity with the Fremantle Dockers during the 2023 pre-season.

Stubbs joined Mines midway through the 2025 season and made an immediate impact, booting 52 goals from just 12 matches.

His season included two separate 10-goal hauls against Kambalda.

Off the field, Stubbs has carved out a significant following online, amassing more than 200,000 followers on TikTok.

His content blends on-field highlights with cultural dance and personalised goal celebrations, creating a platform that resonates strongly with younger audiences and First Nations communities.