Our Journalists

Mitch Bourke is a sports reporter at the Mackay Daily Mercury, and also for CODE Sports. Born and raised in Melbourne, he previously founded his own website ‘The Sporting Landscape’ before moving to Mackay to join the News team. Inspired by his love of storytelling, Mitch is passionate about Aussie rules, rugby league, cricket, and all things sport.

@Mitchbourke

Mitch Bourke

Latest

Sport

Every must-watch Gold Coast Suns academy talent profiled.

100+ names: Queensland footy’s top junior talents revealed

Discover the Suns academy names from across Queensland vying to crack onto draft boards now and in years to come, with the AFL and AFLW drafts upon us.

Sport

Leonardo Lombard and Mabior Chol of the Suns celebrate following the 2023 VFL premiership. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos.

The making of Gold Coast’s latest academy stud

He won a VFL premiership at 16 as his mum worked three jobs to support him, now he is set to join the Suns and has a martial arts background to thank for it. Go inside the rise of Leo Lombard ahead of the national draft.

Sport

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Jed Walter of the Suns celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 22 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Gold Coast SUNS at Marvel Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘Inequalities everywhere’: Why AFL draft changes are misguided

The contentious changes to academy bidding in 2025 are under the spotlight ahead of the AFL draft. Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans explains why the league needs more perspective.

Local Sport

Rhian Stowers in action for Bond University. Picture: Stephen Tremain.

Star snubbed by Super Rugby signs with international powerhouse

One of Queensland’s most exhilarating amateur rugby talents is off to the US after years of being snubbed by Super Rugby clubs. Inside his journey to an unlikely professional deal.

Local Sport

Matt Poole is coming out of retirement to compete in Iron Man.25 October 2024 Tallebudgera Picture by Richard Gosling

Surf champion Poole reveals next move after comeback falls short

Former Ironman champion Matt Poole’s stunning Iron Series comeback quest fell short. He opens up on what went wrong and what the future holds.

Sport

Daniel Gorringe getting his new Gold Coast Suns tattoo

WATCH: Social media star’s ‘fearless’ new Suns ink

AFL social media star Daniel Gorringe has pledged his permanent support to Gold Coast Suns’ divisive new look, as the ‘fearless’ rebrand was officially unveiled on Friday. See the video.

Sport

Gold Coast Suns player Noah Anderson in the club's new guernsey for 2025. Picture: Gold Coast Suns.

First look: Suns reveal new guernsey and fans react

The Gold Coast Suns have revealed its new guernsey as part of the club’s rebrand and the fans have had their say. See it first here.

Sport

Major cities shunned as Women’s Asian Cup venues confirmed

Three major cities have missed out on hosting AFC Women’s Asian Cup games in 2026 while shock inclusions shape as the major winners. See all the dates and venues here.

Sport

Gold Coast Suns CEO Mark Evans forecasts records to tumble ahead of Gold Coast's 2025 AFL fixture.

‘Break some records’: Suns set for 2025 fixture win

Ahead of the AFL’s full fixture release, discover why records are expected to tumble on the Gold Coast in 2025.

Sport

New Gold Coast Suns recruit John Noble. Picture: Somha Sleeth, Gold Coast Suns.

‘Insane position’: The key reason Noble couldn’t resist lure of Suns

Ex-Collingwood player John Noble has opened up what appealed to him about the Gold Coast Suns and why he believes the club is set for a AFL premiership tilt. More here.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/mitch-bourke