Leslie Colin Mumme

Player 1955-1967

Games 219 (Claremont 204, Western Australia 15)

Goals 279 (Claremont 254 WA 25)

Honours: Claremont Fairest and Best 1957, 1962

Australian Carnival player 1958, 1961 Claremont premiership 1964

Claremont Captain 1964, 1965, 1966  Claremont Leading Goalkicker 1962

Although slightly pre-dating an era of lightning fast and highly skilled rovers such as Cable, Walker and Doncon, the short and stockily built Les Mumme was similarly effective and influential for both his club and his state over a 12 year period.  By imposing his strong frame on every contest with relentless determination, Mumme provided energy and resource to his team and was a vital contributor to the magnificent victory of Western Australia at the 1961 Brisbane carnival.

Les Mumme was born and educated in Collie and was a champion junior footballer.  He arrived at Claremont in 1955 as an 18 year old playing on weekly permits, but after 2 league games in the first 5 rounds he returned home to Collie.  The following season, despite having obtained a clearance, he again travelled up on a weekly basis for half the season before leaving to undertake national service training.  In his first full season with the Tigers in 1957, he captured his first fairest and best trophy and repeated this success in 1962.  After selection in the 1958 Centenary Australian carnival team, Les became a regular state squad member, and his 15 interstate appearances included many fine displays. 

For Claremont, Les Mumme was the consummate team player and his tough in and under work and highly efficient disposal sustained the club through many years of residence in the bottom four.  Appointed captain in 1964, his persistence was richly rewarded with a stunning premiership against the odds.   Mumme was a key contributor to Claremont's grand final win over East Fremantle booting 2 goals and being listed high among his side's best players.

Les Mumme also led the side in 1965 and 1966, and retired from league football in 1967 after 204 league games.   He went on to coach Gosnells the following season but returned to Claremont to coach the thirds (now 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.

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.    His 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.   There will be few prouder recipients of WA Football Hall of Fame membership than this highly popular football personality.