The Kelmscott Bulldogs and Swan Districts integrated football teams went head-to-head in a curtain raiser hosted by the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium.
The curtain raiser was supported by the WA All Abilities Football Association and was part of the round two fixture in the Perth Football League’s integrated football competition.
The West Coast Eagles are major partners of the PFL and the WA All Abilities Football Association and provide ongoing support to the sustainability of all competitions.
The match was competitive throughout with Swan Districts managing to hold a steady 20-point lead at half-time after a hot start.
Kelmscott fought back in the second half, but their comeback fell just short with a shot on goal in the final 30-seconds just missing, sealing the five-point victory for the Swans.
West Coast Eagles Community and Game Development General Manager Richard O’Connell commended the players on a great game and praised the continuing partnership between the club and the PFL to promote all-abilities football in WA.
“Today was a fantastic showcase of football from both teams and the West Coast Eagles are proud to provide these players and coaches the chance to compete on Optus Stadium before an AFL match with a great crowd cheering them on,” he said.
“The opportunity for these players to participate in a curtain raiser that counts towards their Perth Football League integrated season is fantastic, and the competitiveness and desire to win because of it shone through with a really exciting match that went down to the wire.”
“The club is proud to be a major partner of the Perth Football League and the WA All Abilities Football Association’s competitions throughout the season, and we understand the importance of growing our game and making it accessible to people of any ability.”
The club is a foundation partner of the WA All Abilities Football Association and has supported the organisation for several years.
Mineral Resources Park has been the host of the WA Blind AFL season, Inclusion Football Academy exhibition matches and other inclusive events promoting football for people of all-abilities.
WA All Abilities Football Association Executive Officer Hayden Marchetto stressed the importance of the Eagles' support.
“Both male and females are out there playing and for them to be able to have this opportunity, play within the Perth Football League’s integrated competition on Optus Stadium thanks to the Eagles is just an outstanding achievement,” Marchetto said.
“West Coast Eagles are our foundation partner; their partnership is imperative to the sustainability of the WA All Abilities Football association and what they can lend to us in our learnings and in our development is fundamental to the success of the association.”
The West Coast Eagles are committed to the ongoing support of the Perth Football League and WA All Abilities Football Association and strives to make football accessible for everyone.
