This year, AFL Indigenous Round falls on an away game for West Coast, so the club is getting the celebrations under way a week early by recognising the contribution of Indigenous Australians to the AFL competition this Friday night.
As the club acknowledges past and present Indigenous players, this match presents a unique opportunity to promote the David Wirrpanda Foundation, a charity formed by West Coast legend David Wirrpanda, which aims to enrich the lives of young people in the Indigenous community.
Supported by BHP Billiton, the foundation will hold its seventh annual tin shake event, raising funds to enable their important work to continue.
Special edition David Wirrpanda Foundation caps and scarves will be exclusively available throughout the Perth CBD during the day and around the ground before the game.
Hats and scarves will also be available for purchase from the West Coast Eagles Melbourne office at Tenancy 4, Goods Shed North, Village Street, Docklands.
The cap which comes in three colours (white, yellow and blue) has been specially designed by AFL legend and foundation mentor, Dale Kickett.
Kickett says the eagle represents the connection the foundation and Wirrpanda have with the club.
“The eagle is indicative of our growth and partnership with the West Coast Eagles,” he says.
The club is urging fans to support this worthy cause by purchasing a cap, scarf or donating to the tin shakers throughout the Perth CBD and around the stadium.
The West Coast Eagles will also have didgeridoo players stationed around the stadium, Indigenous face painting, Aboriginal dancers and a guard of honour made up of past and present Indigenous West Coast players as the teams run out onto the ground.
The West Coast Eagles is delighted to have principal community partner BHP Billiton on board as match day sponsor for this culturally significant game.
BHP Billiton has also generously offered to double the amount raised by their staff volunteers on the day as part of their matched giving program, so keep an eye out for BHP tin-shakers.
