Back-to-back Grand Final wins for Goldfields FC

Castlemaine Goldfields FC Mens have won their Metropolitan League three Grand Final against East Bentleigh this Sunday, Matthew Parkhill reports.

Castlemaine Goldfields FC Mens have secured their back-to-back league finals and inter-league grand final with a 3-2 finish against East Bentleigh on Sunday.

Castlemaine Goldfields FC Mens have secured their back-to-back Grand Final win against East Bentley. (Image: Matthew Parkhill)

The squad travelled three hours to Cranbourne East, facing windy conditions and a rough first half at Inez Hunter Reserve, down 2-0 at halftime. An own goal in the second half kickstarted the Castlemaine squad, with two more goals cementing the win before the final whistle.

The Men's squad have climbed three divisions in the last four years, beginning their journey from league six and now being promoted to league 2. It is the highest level Castlemaine FC has competed at.

But soon, the Solomon Islanders, who make up half the team, will leave Australia for home once their work contracts at DON KR expire. Many of the Islanders, who live in DON KR rental housing in Castlemaine, have been playing for the club for the past three years, volunteering and spectating every weekend.

What started as a social Mens squad has grown into a fierce competitor in the Metro league, competing against state players from various Melbourne-based teams and finishing top of the ladder in 2024 and 2025. The squad took nine wins in a row this season for their grand-final winning position. Coach David Gunter marks the colossal effort down to a shared passion for football and maintaining support for one another during the season.

Dave (left) says the energy at Castlemaine Goldfields FC and fan support has brought the squad to their triumphant win. (Image: Matthew Parkhill)

“I feel elated really. It’s just a great (team) to watch, the enjoyment of their football is just phenomenal… they play it because they love the game, and you can see it when they're out there.”

“When they’re together, there’s no stopping them.”

The squad have impressed many of their opponents, with the Islanders bringing energy every weekend.

“The first half is relentless, and the second half the opposition is burnt out… I think it’s a joy to play against them, the opposition feel… I’ve had people watching come over and say ‘what’s going on, these players are so good.’ A couple weeks later in Essendon, this guy comes over, shakes my hand at halftime, and said he was amazed.”

Jerome Time plays in the midfield and was instrumental in securing Castlemaine’s second goal against East Bentleigh on Sunday, with a pass across the box to top-scorer Lemuel Ago. Jerome says the season has been a special one, with lots of ups and downs, and will miss Castlemaine and the club when he leaves.

“I felt very excited about the season, I’m really excited and happy about the boys, we looked forward to playing (today) and we said that before we leave from Castlemaine we want to bring the cup home,” Jerome said.

Jerome Time with team captain Dotahn Henderson, who was injured for the grand final. (Image: Matthew Parkhill)

“(I also feel) a little bit sad. We’ll miss the boys, it’s a nice place to stay with nice, good friendly people.”

Many of the Mens squad play in both the first and second teams, volunteering to help set up friendly matches and wash and carry equipment. For Sunday, the club rented a bus to drive the squad and any supporters from Castlemaine to Cranbourne East.

Mac Ronald Lamu, who plays in the second Mens team and volunteers around the club, joined the team on the bus to watch Sunday’s game alongside many others.

“We came down so far, and the boys were so happy, they were looking forward to winning this game,” he said.

“I really love it. Back in my home country, I never played a game, but here they put me on.”

East Bentleigh played a hard game, slipping two goals in the net in the first half against strong wind. (Image: Matthew Parkhill)

Mac says the support from David and others around the club has made him feel welcome in Castlemaine.

“I just love them, because whenever you need help they’ll help you, and I feel welcome.”

“(but) we are so sad, because we are going to be leaving our Castlemaine family back here… if things work out the way we want, we’ll come back to see our family again.”

“I just want to say thank you so much to the Club and the Castlemaine community for supporting us, and DON KR for the sponsors.”

Goldfields FC stole the win from East Bentleigh with a goal by Patrick Laura in the last fifteen minutes of the game. To celebrate, the club will be hosting a friendly match and awards ceremony in October with a final send off for many of the Solomon Islanders, some of whom will be leaving for home in June.

If the Mens compete again next year, they’ll be playing in Metropolitan League 2, however Coach David, who has led the team the past four years, originally coaching the second Mens team, says playing in Metro takes a lot of effort.

The Solomon Islanders will soon leave Australia unless they can extend their visas, but will miss Castlemaine and hope to return soon. (Image: Matthew Parkhill)

This story also ran in the Castlemaine Mail by agreement with the Burne.