The West Coast Eagles welcomed its Captain’s Club members into the Bill Walker Room for the final pre-game luncheon of 2017 – and effectively at Domain Stadium – prior to Sunday’s game against the Brisbane Lions.
Master of ceremonies Tiny Holly and Karl Langdon were on hand to welcome guests and share some of their favourite memories from their time of football at Subiaco.
Shortly after everyone settled in, it was time to welcome the first guest speaker for the day, West Australian born and bred Brisbane Lions champion and 2002 Brownlow medallist Simon Black.
Black spoke about his move from WA over to Queensland and of some of his favourite moments playing against West Coast, in particular his battled with recent retiree Matt Priddis.
He also discussed the reason behind his decision to step down as Lions midfield coach last year to set up The Simon Black Australian Rules Academy, designed to incorporate elite football training with business and fitness studies for young people.
Shortly after West Coast Eagles deputy chairman Peter Carter took to the stage to discuss a number of exciting projects coming up for the club.
There were several questions for Carter regarding the new stadium and many others regarding the club’s new facilities at Lathlain.
He discussed in depth the planned interactivity of the facilities. Members will be encouraged to watch open trainings from the comfort of an on-site café and visit the premises’ museum and community classrooms.
As the mains were served, West Coast general manager of communications Gary Stocks spoke about the release of his new book, Flying High II, which details the history of the first 30 years of the club.
Holly auctioned off a copy of the book signed by Stocks, Langdon and himself as a special piece of memorabilia from the final Captain’s Club luncheon at Subiaco Oval.
It was almost time for members to head out to their seats to see Auzzie fly, but not before welcoming the function’s final speaker, West Coast Eagles general manager of community and game development Richard O’Connell.
Given last weekend was the annual AFL Toyota Multicultural Round, O’Connell took the opportunity to discuss some changes and additions to the club’s multicultural and community program, including the introduction of the Naitanui Academy, which acts a pathway for emerging football players from international background.
After drawing the raffle and wrapping up a luncheon for the final time in 2017, members headed out to watch what turned out to be a fantastic win over the Lions.
We would like to thank all attendees for their ongoing support of these functions and wish you all the best for the remainder of 2017.
