Sandgroper Sports

For the first time ever on the Sandgroper Sports Podcast, we welcome not one—but two international para-athletes in the same episode! Born with albinism and legally blind, brothers Chad and Kane Perris share their extraordinary journeys at the highest level of sport.

Chad, known as The White Tiger, is Australia’s fastest Paralympic sprinter. A podium regular on the world stage, he’s competed in multiple Paralympics and World Championships—clocking a blistering 10.65 in 2023 and narrowly missing medals in Paris 2024.

Kane, his younger brother, is a para-cycling powerhouse. After a devastating injury derailed his Tokyo dreams, he came back stronger—breaking records with pilot Luke Zaccaria and earning selection for Paris 2024, even after a brutal crash in Rio.

This is a raw, inspiring, and often hilarious episode about resilience, rivalry, and what it’s like to chase greatness—together.

🎧Tune in now to hear behind-the-scenes tales, brotherly banter, and the mindset it takes to overcome every obstacle in your lane.

#SandgroperSports #ChadPerris #KanePerris #Paralympics #VisionImpairedAthletes #AlbinismAwareness #AussieAthletes #ParaSport #Inspiration

This week on the Sandgroper Sports Podcast, we’re honoured to welcome a true WA footy icon—Allan “Chubby” Stiles.

A South Perth junior who played against under-14s at just 8 years old, Chubby’s rise was meteoric—three junior premierships, a colts premiership and B&F in 1965, and 150 league games for the Perth Demons. He starred in the 1970 State Game, earning the Simpson Medal, and went on to become a WAFC Hall of Fame inductee and Life Member of both Perth FC and the WAFC.

But his legacy extends far beyond the field. Chubby made waves in media and entertainment, becoming a familiar face in Australian movie theatres and a respected voice in football broadcasting as a radio commentator. His passion for the game also saw him pen the ever-popular “Chubby Chats” column in Westside Football, sharing sharp insights and footy tales with fans across the state.

From player to pundit, his contribution to WA footy is unmatched.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode full of stories, laughs, and reflections from one of WA football’s most colourful characters.

#SandgroperSports #ChubbyStiles #WAFLHistory #SimpsonMedal #PerthDemons #WAFootyLegend #RadioCommentator #ChubbyChats #WestsideFootball

Loyalty is a treasured trait in footy, and Les Fong had it in spades. From a young
age, the West Perth legend was a standout. Representing WA as a junior he caught
the eye of VFL recruiters when Richmond came calling when he was only 15, then
Collingwood later on in his career and also Claremont and East Perth —but Les
never wavered. He stayed true to his beloved Cardinals, debuting at only 16 and
going on to become one of the greatest rovers in WAFL history.

A 1975 Premiership hero, seven year club captain (a West Perth record), two-time
Breckler Medalist, and WA Football Hall of Famer, Fong’s impact on the game is
undeniable. With 290 games, 332 goals, and six state appearances, his legacy is
immortalized at Arena Joondalup, where fans walk through the gates bearing his
name.

In this episode of the Sandgroper Sports Podcast, Les shares incredible behind-
the-scenes stories, funny tales from his playing days, and what it truly meant to stay loyal to West Perth. Don’t miss this one with "Captain Courageous" himself!

Tough. Fearless. A premiership hero. Earl Spalding was as hard as they come on the footy field, but did you know he was also a gun cricketer?

In this episode of Sandgroper Sports Podcast, we sit down with the man known as "The Duke" to chat about his incredible dual-sport career. From playing Sheffield Shield alongside Terry Alderman and Bruce Reid—claiming the wicket of David Hookes—to making his mark at Perth Football Club before heading east to the VFL/AFL.

Spalding played in Melbourne’s 1988 Grand Final side, then became a key part of Carlton’s dominant 1995 premiership team. He shares what it was like playing alongside legends like Stephen Kernahan and Greg Williams, plus the special moment of running out with his brother Scott.

We also dive into his coaching career—returning to East Fremantle, helping shape the Fremantle Dockers, and leading Perth Football Club. And of course, we get some classic stories from his playing days.

This one’s full of laughs, memories, and great footy insight. Don't miss it!

🎧 Listen now! #AFL #WAFL #EarlSpalding #CarltonFC #MelbourneFC #EastFreo #PerthFC #FootyLegends #SandgroperSports

Few have left a mark on Australian Rules Football like Graham Moss. A Brownlow Medallist (and runner up), WAFL premiership-winning coach, and Hall of Fame Legend, Moss dominated both the VFL and WAFL in a career that saw him rise to the very top of the game.

In this episode of Sandgroper Sports Podcast, we sit down with the great man to hear incredible stories from his playing days—his epic ruck duels in the VFL against players like Gary Dempsey and in the WAFL against tough nuts like Ron Boucher.

We discuss his rapid rise at Essendon winning three fairest and bests in his four years there, and the moment he became captain in a season where he won footy’s highest individual honoor.

We also dive into his legendary playing and coaching stints at Claremont, where he built a powerhouse side featuring legends like  the Krakouer brothers, Blackwell, Ralph, Malaxos and many more - plus his role in shaping the formation of the West Coast Eagles. 

And of course, we couldn’t forget the bizarre Escort Cup semi-final where the Waverley sprinklers turned on mid-game to deny Claremont a semi final win against the VFL Premiers Hawthorn!

Don’t miss this deep dive with one of footy’s all-time greats.

We would also like to thank Phil Sutton and the Claremont football Club History Project for the images of Graham Moss throughout his career. 

https://www.claremontfchistory.com.au/

🎧 Listen now! #AFL #WAFL #FootyLegend #GrahamMoss #EssendonFC #ClaremontFC #SandgroperSports

A man with a passion for horses, AFL and life in general. It was a pleasure to sit down with a true sandgroper in Greg Harding, We could have chatted for hours.

Greg is one of only 1 of 14 Players to play for both the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles in the AFL. 

He began his AFL career with Fremantle in 1996, making his debut in the opening round Western Derby. During that same time he lived with WA Football Icon Percy Johnston, what an experience that was.

That same year, he received a nomination for the AFL Rising Star award. In 1997, he moved to the West Coast Eagles in 2001, playing nine games before retiring due to ongoing injury issues. 

Continuing on with the West Coast eagles as a runner & a second Run at Claremont where he won the EB Cook medal in 2003. Greg took the transition to coaching, leading the Swan Districts Football Club's colts team to a premiership in 2008 and serving as head coach of the league side from 2011 - 2017. 

After taking some time away from the Game he returned to the Swans in 2024 helping out with their reserves side and still involved with footy today. 

Some excellent stories along the way as well with some stories from both coaches in  Greg’s AFL Career with Gerard Neesham & Ken Judge as well.

This week on the Sandgroper Sports Podcast, we’re joined by a true legend of WA sport and media—Adrian Barich!

From his early days playing rugby in Canberra to captaining Marist College  first-ever premiership team, then dominating WA footy with the Perth Demons and West Coast Eagles, Barra has seen it all. And if that wasn’t enough, he even had a crack at rugby league with the Western Reds!

But it doesn’t stop there—Adrian’s career in media has been just as impressive. Since 1995, he’s been a staple of sports broadcasting in WA, covering the biggest moments on Seven News Perth, 6PR, and Mix 94.5.

And let’s just say—this episode is packed with some absolutely hilarious stories from his playing days and time in the media. From footy field antics to behind-the-scenes moments that will have you in stitches, Barra brings the laughs and insights like no other!

So, if you love WA sport and a good laugh, this is an episode you can’t miss! Tune in now on your favourite podcast platform. 🎧🔥

#SandgroperSports #AdrianBarich #WAfooty #WestCoastEagles #PerthDemons #FootyLegends #SportsMedia #Podcast

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Western Australian football legend Jamie
Harnwell to discuss his remarkable journey both on and off the field! 

From his early days at Sorrento FC to becoming a Perth Glory icon, Jamie shares
insights into his illustrious playing career, including his record-setting 256 league
appearances and tenure as the club's inaugural A-League captain. 

He also reflects on his coaching experiences, notably leading the Perth Glory Women's team to a premiership victory.

Jamie delves into his current role as the CEO of Football West, where he continues
to shape the future of football in Western Australia.

Don't miss this deep dive into the life of one of WA football's most influential figures!

Thank to our Friends at Juanita’s. We had the pleasure sit down with South Fremantle Football Club & Carlton Football Club Premiership Player Jon Dorotich. 

Jon's pathway to the South Fremantle football club was slightly different, with some assistance from Mal Brown, However following some strong years and form in the WAFL, Jon had some interested Clubs from the VFL for his services. 

He eventually made his way to Carlton and was known as a very reliable player during his years at the club. In the interview with Jon there is no shortfall of names mentioned that are synonymous in the WAFL & VFL. 

Some interesting experiences with Coach's who many can remember, and interactions with Robert Walls that do make you wonder. 

We talk about the Premiership years for both South Fremantle and Carlton as well his Bernie Naylor winning year & and being honoured by the South Fremantle football club as a Hall of fame Inductee. 

Motivated, But Determined!

Two words you can easily use when talking about Australia's Matt Wearn.

A through and through Sandgroper, Matt has given it his all to anything he put his hand too, Junior footy, Basketball and of course Sailing. The passion for sailing has been in his family for years and Matt took to it straight away as a youngster. 

Starting out in local regatta's before entering into International competitions, Representing his state and then of course Australia. In the episode with Matt he takes us on his pathways from this early days at Fresh Water Bay Yatch Club before making the move to Fremantle Yatch Club. 

Matt explains the art of sailing, boat design and the costs involved in the sport as well. 

We discuss qualifying for Rio 2016, but just missing out on selection. Making podiums in world championships and his progression to winning gold. His experience at the Tokyo Olympics, Winning Gold and difference in celebrations there compared to his latest Olympics Gold medal at the Paris 2024 games. 

Not to forget he is one of our most recently Australian flag bearers, an OAM recipient and an AIS athlete of the year winner as well.

All this and just a really nice guy!