During one of the most exciting periods in the history of AFL in our State, it was difficult to suppress ‘what if’ thoughts.

As Perth became the focus of big time footy, it was only natural to feel a sense that a wonderful opportunity had been missed.

This was particularly so as it appeared most West Australians embraced the Grand Final and ensured an AFL attendance record for Optus Stadium (61,118), with many even adopting a club for the day. 

And while the end score perhaps didn’t reflect how entertaining the game was, the event was a great spectacle and as such, our congratulations must go to Kate Roffey, president of the Melbourne Football Club, and all at the Demons on their first Premiership win in 57 years, as well as the Western Bulldogs for making it to the final weekend in September for the second time in the past six seasons.

As a club, we were desperately disappointed with our season. Finishing in ninth position and missing finals for the first time since 2014 is not what we had aspired to. 

Quite simply, we want success both on and off the field. Hence even before the finals series was concluded, all aspects of our Football Department had been reviewed. From this, a clear vision of what is needed to be in contention in the ‘22 season was determined. While wholesale changes are not considered required, tweaks in various areas are necessary. 

In this regard we are delighted to welcome three-time Subiaco premiership coach and Port Adelaide assistant coach Jarrad Schofield. Also, Matthew Knights a former champion player at Richmond, senior coach at Essendon and for the last decade integral in the highly successful Geelong coaching structure has joined us. Their experience, along with that of Daniel Pratt who re-joins our AFL program after guiding the AFLW and WAFL teams, will prove invaluable to our coaching ranks. 

Although our season did not meet team expectations, there were some outstanding individual performances that I would like to acknowledge, especially the effort of Nic Naitanui in winning successive John Worsfold medals. It surprised no one when he was officially endorsed as our best-performed player across the season, his form also recognised with his third all-Australian selection and his second consecutive appearance in that team.

It was also pleasing to see Dom Sheed elevate his game when so many of his senior teammates were sidelined and he deserved the distinction of being judged our second most consistent and influential player across the season.

Andrew Gaff’s high levels of output across his career continued when he finished in third position, while Jack Redden and Jack Darling wielded a strong influence during the 2021 campaign and deserved their places in the top five – JD also winning the leading goal kicker award.

One of the highly cherished recognitions available at our Club Champion Awards is that of best clubman, who wins the Chris Mainwaring Medal, and that distinction went to one of our emerging leaders, Liam Duggan.

On the subject of emerging players, it was pleasing to see Harry Edwards earn that mantle for his terrific growth as a key defender in 2021. He is an exciting young prospect who we expect to be an important part of our resurgence and our plans for sustained success.

The pandemic again threatened the AFLW season, but fortunately we were able to complete a season and it was exciting to see our continued growth. We committed to build from the ground floor when we were admitted to the competition, and it has been exciting to see the development of this team in such a short period.

Great credit goes to Daniel Pratt and his team for the way the players embraced the second phase of their evolution, and we especially enjoyed the debut season of Bella Lewis, who won the Club Champion Award, while Mikayla Bowen also enjoyed an outstanding year along with Irish recruit Aisling McCarthy.

With Daniel’s return to the AFL, the highly credentialed Michael Prior will take over as senior coach. We have already seen his influence over the squad which is now in full pre-season mode with a number of new faces including experienced Fremantle recruit Evie Gooch.

Sadly, one of the outstanding contributors in the short history of our women’s team, Chantella Perera leaves us after playing a pivotal role both on and off-field after coming to us from VFL club Hawthorn.

She played 13 of a possible 15 games across the two seasons and was a popular member of the squad.

While success on-field somewhat eluded us, off-field our membership base achieved record numbers growing to 106,422 while our supporters were estimated to be around 800,000 placing us at the top of the AFL membership table and the biggest of any sporting club in the southern hemisphere. 

The unwavering support for your club is greatly appreciated, and we all know that with that comes great responsibility for all charged with ensuring we are the best we can be, no matter the circumstances.   

Notwithstanding the challenges of recent times, your club remains committed to the community and our efforts in this regard continued with as much commitment and passion as ever with numerous school visits and clinics occurring. 

Fortunately, during these difficult times, I have been extremely privileged to have worked with outstanding people at our club led by our CEO, Trevor Nisbett, and our COO, Richard Godfrey. My sincerest gratitude to them and their executives and staff for the many hours of long and often very
difficult work.

I would also like to acknowledge my outstanding Board of Directors. It has been a great pleasure as Chairman to work with these very talented people that give generously of their time. 

Specifically, I would like to thank Paul Fitzpatrick and his wife Nikki, Chris Wharton and his wife Donna, Trevor Nisbett and his wife Pam, Terry Bowen and his wife Petra, Nicole Moody and her husband Andrew, Ben Wyatt and his wife Vivianne, Justin Langer and his wife Sue and Zoe Yujnovich and her husband Jason for their support in the past 12 months.

In the past year the club has once again demonstrated its capacity to attract high calibre people to the board and we are fortunate to have Ben and Nicole join us, with 2006 premiership player Rowan Jones also poised to come onto the board.

Unfortunately, that also coincides with the departure of Chris Wharton who has been an energetic and passionate contributor to the club over his tenure. We know he and Donna will continue to do all they can to support our club and we look forward to that.

I would also like to publicly acknowledge my wife Tam and my daughters Amy and Emily for supporting me in this role. Clearly without their understanding, I wouldn’t be able to dedicate myself to the responsibilities of being Chairman of such a great club.

In conclusion, may I sincerely thank you all including our sponsors, especially Hungry Jack’s and Lendi, as well as members and fans for your loyal support.

While we may not know what the future brings, I do know that our club, your club, The West Coast Eagles can meet any challenge because of the strength of the people and relationships that exist.

A Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you all. 

Enjoy your family and loved ones, stay safe and look forward to the 2022 season which will roll around before we know it.

Go Eagles!!

Russell Gibbs
Chairman