Wilson has joined the club for the final stage of the 2008 season again following his successful stint last year.

Wilson was approached by the club last year through associates.

Goldfields Football League chairman Hugh Gallagher said attracting the star was a surprise and a major boost for the club.

“He is an icon within the club,” Gallagher said.

“The respect the younger players have for him is profound.

“Troy Wilson is a coup, there is no doubt about it.”

Wilson is flown from his hometown in Perth to Kalgoorlie each weekend to play.

Gallagher said all expenses were covered by the club and its sponsors.

“They cover it as part of the overall cost of putting a team on the field,” he said.

“Sometimes sponsors are prepared to up their hand up to cover the cost.

“It’s not an uncommon thing to do.”

Gallagher said at least six players in the league were brought to the Goldfields each week on a fly-in/fly-out or drive-in/drive-out basis.

He said the league benefited from the boost in quality and rated Wilson as one of the top recruits.

Gallagher said Wilson was a high-caliber athlete who had a lot to teach others.

“Troy is an extremely healthy person,” Gallagher said.

“He really looks after himself.

“He is quite outstanding, more off the field than on.

“His mere presence is having a very positive effect on the younger players.”

On the field, Gallagher said Wilson was a team player.

“It’s not all about Troy,” Gallagher said.

“He is not a typical forward-line player. Troy really focuses on bringing other players into the game.

“He’s what I would call an engaging footballer.”

Despite retiring from the game several years ago, Gallagher said Wilson had no trouble keeping up with his younger counterparts.

He said Wilson hadn’t even picked up a football for nearly 12 months since last season ended and didn’t train midweek but he didn’t need any time to catch up.

“People talk about six-packs, this guy as an eight-pack.

“On the field, he is as tough as anyone else.”

The impact of having a sporting icon in the region has also boosted crowd numbers.

“Kambalda has a terrific following,” Gallagher said.

“They are a good chance to play in the finals this season for the first time in a few years and having Troy on the team will have a major effect on attendance in the final round.”