Kalgoorlie WAFL Clash a Family Affair for Father and SonThursday, May 19, 2022 - 9:01 AM - by Mark Readings

FOR Subiaco premiership player Ryan Borchet this weekend is a case of “Home Sweet Home”. 

The gun forward is returning to Kalgoorlie to represent the Lions and re-unite with his loved ones. 

“I’m very excited to be heading home to see my family and friends," Borchet said.

"I can’t wait to represent Subiaco back in my hometown and share that experience with the guys who are selected to play." 

Ryan’s father Graeme has a vested interest in the match as the Chairman of the Goldfields Football League. 

“Dad has been a big part of my development as a player and person and he’s sacrificed a lot to get me to where I am today, but I also can’t forget mum (Christine) and thank her for driving me to and from Perth countless times," Borchet said.

"My father has achieved so much personally as a player and coach which is why I’m very proud that he can now give something back to the GFL as Chairman." 

Watching his son run out onto Sir Richard Moore Oval on Saturday will be a big moment for Graeme. 

“My wife and I will have goosebumps knowing every possession Ryan gets will be cheered loudly as the hometown boy," Graeme said. 

For Ryan to play on his former home ground where he played all his junior and some senior footy at Railways will be very special." 

This father is proud of all his children’s achievements. 

“We’re blessed to have Ryan’s younger brother Jack join him at Subiaco where he’s now playing reserves, while their sister Aimee still lives in the area and is playing NBL1 West Women’s Basketball with the Goldfield Giants."

Ryan recalls the moment he fell in love with footy. 

“I have so many memories, from playing Auskick on a Sunday to making my debut in the Railways league side," Ryan said.

"But the highlight is winning my first premiership with Dad as head coach”. 

Like so many players from Kalgoorlie, Ryan has one player he’s long admired.  

“My footy idol growing up was Dean Kemp, who I was lucky enough to meet and get to know through my dad who grew up with him,” said Borchet.  

The Lions sharpshooter will arrive in Kalgoorlie two days before the match to give back to the community. 

“I’m flying there on Thursday morning with three other guys from the footy club to help run some footy clinics at the primary school," Borchet said.

"We’re also scheduled to train with the Subiaco Development Squad which has some of the best teenagers running around in the GFL,” Borchet said. 

Putting his GFL Chairman hat on, Graeme has declared Saturday a huge occasion for Kalgoorlie. 

“We have a long and proud history of hosting significant football matches," he said. 

"It’s great for our community to have the Lions and Swan Districts in town for the match and it shapes as a beauty."

To have some of the best WAFL players in front of Goldfields fans is a massive positive. 

"This game will be a great boost to the community, many of whom struggle to ever attend a WAFL match in Perth,” Borchet said. 

While Borchet is deeply appreciative to the WAFL, Rio Tinto and Channel 7 for staging the match in Kalgoorlie, he admits seeing his son in action may bring a tear to the eye. 

“I can get a little emotional and having run out of the Railways changerooms myself and to see Ryan do the same in a Subiaco jumper this weekend will be a super proud moment," he said. 

"So, he better get a kick!” 

Subiaco hosts Swan Districts at Sir Richard Moore Oval at 12.10 on Saturday. 

The match will be telecast on Channel 7 and broadcast on SEN WA.