The West Coast Eagles celebrated the loyalty and commitment of its 20-year members at the Silver Beneath our Wings Sundowner function at Domain Stadium last Thursday.

All of the attendees joined the club in 1997, when West Coast finished fifth on the ladder, but eventually got knocked out in the semi-finals by North Melbourne.

In 1997 Peter Matera was our Club Champion and both Matera and Fraser Gehrig were named in the All-Australia team.

Members had the chance to reminisce and discuss memories from the early years of the club as they watched an evening training session before being welcomed by MC Glen Jakovich.

The first special guest for the evening was West Coast opposition analyst and coach mentor Tim Gepp.

A fixture around the club for years, Gepp explained his role as an opposition analyst and discussed the upcoming game against the Western Bulldogs.

He also shared with members his many memories of the Eagles from the late 90s.

Jakovich was later joined on stage by West Coast Eagles board member and managing director of Crosby Tiles, Peter Carter.

The former Swan Districts player spoke about his love for the game and the West Coast Eagles.

He also discussed some of the exciting future plans for the club, including the new facilities at Lathlain and topics related to the new Perth Stadium.

Finally, with training wrapping up on the oval, Eagles’ rookie-listed player Brant Colledge made his way up to the John Worsfold room to have a chat with members and discuss East Perth Football Club’s progress this year, as well as his hopes of getting a call up from Adam Simpson to play for West Coast’s senior squad.

Shortly afterwards Jakovich drew out the lucky door prize winners before joining attendees for a group photo with the 2006 Premiership Cup.

For more information on the club’s member recognition program please click here.