Life Blood of the Club - Stuart Mearns
Stuart Mearns - SMJFC Life Member
Stuart Mearns is a Life Member of the South Mandurah Junior Football Club whose decade of coaching and commitment helped shape the development of countless young footballers both on and off the field.
When asked how his involvement with the club began, Stuart traces it back to 2005, when he was living in Coolgardie Margaret River and his sons, Hamish and Aengus,first started playing Auskick. After moving to Wannanup from Margaret River in early 2010, the family registered with South Mandurah, and Stuart’s connection with the club quickly deepened. When the club found itself needing a coach for Hamish’s side, Stuart was approached volunteered to step into the role. What began as helping outsoon became a coaching journey spanning 10 seasons and left a lasting impact across the club.
Looking back on the people who helped shape his experience, Stuart fondly remembers assistant coach Darraen Starbuck, who stood alongside him for 98 years, andformer president Darren Dews, who provided strong support and guidance throughout his time at the club. Stuart also reflects fondly on the close-knit, supportive parent groups that surrounded the teams over the years, with many of those relationships developing into lifelong friendships away from football.
When asked about his favourite memories at the club, Stuart’s reflections centre around watching young players grow and develop over time. He describes having the “best seat in the house” as he watched his sons and their teammates progress through junior football, form strong friendships, and eventually transition into senior football. For Stuart, seeing boys grow into young men through the club environment remains one of the most rewarding parts of his involvement.
However, like any long-serving coach, Stuart also experienced challenges along the way. When discussing the tougher moments, he recalls the ongoing task challenge of trying to keeping training sessions fresh and engaging, particularly following after difficult losses. He also laughs about some of the poorly lit night games played throughout the region, where seeing play unfold at either end of the oval could often prove difficult.
When asked what advice he would give to those considering getting involved in junior football, Stuart emphasises the importance of being part of your children’s journey while you can. He believes the years pass quickly and that involvement through sport creates memories and experiences that stay with families long after the final siren.
Stuart’s philosophy also carries through when reflecting on what makes a strong junior football club. In his view, success is built on a positive culture, supportive families, and an environment that values participation and enjoyment over results. He believes strong parent involvement plays a vital role in building a healthy club environment where young players can thrive.
Throughout his time at South Mandurah Junior Football Club, Stuart became widely respected for his commitment to player development, teamwork and resilience. He consistently set high standards for his players while teaching the importance of responding positively through both victories and defeats.
Ultimately, Stuart Mearns’ story is one of dedication, mentorship and genuine care for the young people within the club. His contr ibution across ten seasons of coaching has helped shape not only better footballers, but stronger friendships and lasting memories, making him a thoroughly deserving Life Member of the South Mandurah Junior Football Club.
Interview and Article by
Kevan Waters (SMJFC Life Member) & Jack Christon-Waters (SMJFC Junior)
