{xtypo_dropcap}L{/xtypo_dropcap}es Mumme is best remembered as  a rover in the triumphant Western Australian 1961 Carnival side. 

But the nuggety player from Claremont was a strong competitor in the WANFL for twelve years in an era when we were blessed with a plethora of top class rovers.  Short and stockily built, Mumme wasn’t a lightning fast Billy Walker type rover, more a tough resolute in and under player. He was  a mainstay for Claremont through many years of residence in the bottom four, all made worthwhile by a stunning premiership against the odds in 1964, in what has been described as one of the best ever West Australian grand finals.

Recruited from Collie, Mumme initially made the trip to Subiaco each week , playing on weekly permits.  Even after being cleared to the Tigers, he continued to live in the coal mining town for several years before moving to the city. Strong for his size, Mumme’s reading of the play coupled with his efficient  disposal soon made him a permanent fixture of the Claremont midfield.

He was a premiership captain in 1964 and also led the side in 65 and 66, winning two Fairest and Best Awards.

Les Mumme retired from league football in 1967, and went on to coach Gosnells the following season, returning to Claremont to coach the thirds(now known as the colts) in 1968.  For twenty years after his retirement he was part of the golden years of football radio in Perth, when there were shows across the dial after the game and during the week.

Les told us: “There were many tough opponents, but blokes like Joe Fanchi, Haydn Bunton, Reg Hampson, and John Todd were always solid players. Like countless others, he regards Graham “Polly” Farmer as the best he’s seen.

His views on football today? “ I’m disappointed that the old skills have dropped out of the game.  Especially the dropkick, which was a better kick for marking.  It’s not an attractive exhibition, with continual flooding.”

Les Mumme’s son, Brad, looked like being a chip off the old block as a junior, being part of the much lauded Teal Cup team of 1985, but a knee injury put paid to a promising career. 

Still busily involved in his Financial Planning business, Les is now a vice patron of the Claremont Football Club, and is a regular at Claremont Oval.