The West Coast Eagles have galvanised the Club's support of grassroots football by adding a further layer to its commitment to the Perth Football League.
The relationship between the Eagles and the PFL has been in place for two decades, starting with a sponsorship of the colts competition under its previous entity as the WA Amateur Football League.
That relationship has now been elevated as the Club assumes the mantle as Major Partner Competitions.
“The Perth Football League is delighted to be extending our long partnership with the West Coast Eagles as Major Partner Competitions,” said CEO Andrew Dawe.
“The support provided by the Eagles allows us to continue to invest in the development of our 71 Clubs and community competitions which have expanded rapidly over the past five years.
“In previous years the West Coast Eagles support has focused on the Colts Competition but has now grown to be Major Partner of all PFL Competitions which includes the PFL’s Men’s, Women’s, Colts and Integrated competitions.”
Over the last 20 years, the Eagles have also sponsored the State under-23 and colts teams, helping to provide the financial support and opportunities so important to community football.
“A strong and healthy Perth Football League is absolutely imperative for our sport,” West Coast Eagles Chief Executive Trevor Nisbett said.
“We understand just how important the PFL is to the growth of our game and the role it plays in providing opportunities for players of all levels and backgrounds.
“It continues to grow year-on-year and in recent seasons has played a key role in the evolution of women’s football and All-Abilities teams, ensuring anyone with the desire to play Australian football has that chance.”
Each of the colts’ competitions is named after former amateur players who graduated to play with the Eagles – including Laurie Keene, Phil Scott, Drew Banfield, Brett Jones and Ian Dargie.
More recently, one of the great stories from the relationship was the pathway of North Beach forward Nic Reid to the AFL, playing four games for West Coast in 2022.
Former players David Hynes (North Beach), Steven Armstrong (Kalamunda), Quinten Lynch (Trinity-Aquinas) and Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls (Nollamara) have all coached senior teams, while Andrew McCarrey has long-been heavily invested in the WA All-Abilities team as well as coaching a couple of club teams.
The relationship between past players and the PFL remains strong, with dual premiership player Chris Waterman now coaching Wembley while Parris Laurie, an inaugural member of the Club’s AFLW team, coaches the Wembley and State women’s teams.
The PFL pathway has also provided the club’s current AFLW team with several of its most exciting young players. Twins Lauren and Zoe Wakfer started their journey with Warnbro Swans before they joined South Fremantle and defender Eleanor Hartill swapped basketball for football when deciding to try her hand at Collegians.
