Before the West Coast Eagles took on Geelong at Patersons Stadium, there had already been a number of goals kicked at the home of football in WA.

The game’s curtain raiser, featuring a combined Hedland/Newman Senior High School team and Helena College, was played as a part of the West Coast Eagles Kicking Goals program, a joint initiative between BHP Billiton, the Swan Districts Football Club and the West Coast Eagles.

The Hedland/Newman team represented the latest group of students participating in the Kicking Goals program. The combined team proudly wore their Kicking Goals jumpers in this game, which reflected the involvement of BHP Billiton in the program.

Their opponents, from Helena College, represented the Swan Districts Football Club zone. Established over 100 years ago and now supporting over 700 students, Helena College has long been recognised for its adherence to their founding principles of peace, compassion and tolerance. The school was authorised as an International Baccalaureate World School in 2012.

Kicking Goals uses football as the catalyst to maintain high levels of school involvement in the Pilbara. It also encourages strong involvement in the local community by assisting with Auskick centres and other junior sport initiatives.

Launched in 2005, the educational program is part of a commitment to deliver quality programs at Hedland and Newman Senior High Schools, as well as primary schools and Indigenous communities in the Pilbara. It is open to both boys and girls.

Sincere thanks to BHP Billiton, the principal community partner of the West Coast Eagles, for making this game possible. Their continued support of Kicking Goals and all other West Coast Eagles schools and community programs is greatly appreciated.