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

EXCLUSIVESport

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Matt Rowell of the Suns runs with the ball during the round 24 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Gold Coast Suns at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 24, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Matt Rowell opens up on Dimma, his Suns future and Victorian interest

Suns midfielder Matt Rowell has spoken about his long-term future heading into the final year of his contract amid strong Victorian interest.

Sport

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 17: Havana Harris of the Suns poses during an AFLW Draft media opportunity at AFL House on December 17, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The midfielder top Suns draftee ‘idolised’

Just days after being selected at No.2 in the AFLW draft Havana Harris is dreaming of a ‘team up’ she hopes will make the Suns shine in 2025. Find out about her AFLW goals here.

Local Sport

Southport Sharks win the 2024 Bond University QAFLW Seniors. Credit: Queensland AFL Media and Highflyer Images

Revealed: Gold Coast’s top 10 sports clubs of 2024

From threepeats to shattering longstanding premiership droughts and producing generation next, plenty of Gold Coast sports clubs stood tall in 2024. See the best of the best here.

Local Sport

Matthew Lappin will be at the helm of the Southport Sharks QAFLW side in 2025. Picture: Supplied.

Lappin’s women’s footy dream ahead of latest coaching gig

A vision to revolutionise the way women’s footy is played and lead his daughter into her draft year has inspired 251-game AFL star Matthew Lappin into his newest coaching role.

Sport

Gold Coast rising tennis star Emerson Jones, 16, winning the Perpetual NSW Open at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Pictures: Tennis NSW

Teen tennis sensation granted Aus Open wildcard

Gold Coast tennis prodigy Emerson Jones, 16, is set to make her senior grand slam debut on home soil, and she could yet be joined by her brother.

Local Sport

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - DECEMBER 10: Gold medalist Summer McIntosh of Canada, silver medalist Lani Pallister of Australia and bronze medalist Mary-Sophie Harvey of Canada pose with their medals after the Women's 400m Freestyle Final during day one of the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) 2024 at Duna Arena on December 10, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Pallister’s triumph in wake of godmother Fraser’s frightening fall

Lani Pallister has rallied in the wake of a serious fall suffered by her godmother and Australian swimming icon Dawn Fraser to deliver a pair of strong performances. More here.

Local Sport

Kelvin Grove State College (QLD) v Eltham College (VIC) Open Boys Honours at AVSC 2024. Credit: Grace Hamilton

Named: Top volleyball prospects taking Schools Cup by storm

The Australian Volleyball Schools Cup has hit off on the Gold Coast, with the nation’s top talents putting their names up in lights. See who has dazzled.

Basketball Live Stream

Thumbnails for BA Schools Champs players of the tournament.

RANKED: Top 20 players from BA Schools Champs

The school championships threw up plenty of shocks, surprises and super finishes – but among all the excitement, these 20 athletes stood tall above the rest. Find out who made the list.

Local Sport

‘Had something special’: Davidson’s rise from Palm Beach to the Matildas

Leah Davidson’s junior coach has recalled the 13-year-old who was destined for success after she scored in her first Matildas start. Inside her rise from the Gold Coast to the big time.

Basketball

Brisbane State High are the girls schools champions. Picture: Taylor Earnshaw

Schools nationals insider: Read the best stories from a big week of hoops

The best young athletes from across the nation converge on the Gold Coast for the Basketball Australia Schools Championships. Find out the latest updates, and stories behind the ballers.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/mitch-bourke/page/4