West Perth Football Club Latest News

WE ARE BACK!

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Female Falcons Fly at City Beach Oval

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1100

Friday 11^th November saw Year 8/9 students from both Wanneroo SHS and Kinross College emerge on City Beach Oval to take part in a cross district competition with Claremont District schools. Claremont District have run a Female Year 8/9 and Year 10 carnival for the past 3-4 years, providing a solid base of players moving through to the WAFC School Girls Competition. Shenton College, Churchlands SHS and Perth Mod (last year’s premiers) joined with the West Perth schools to provide a solid competition for the day.

Claremont Development Officer Sam Cousens addresses the group

The day’s competition kicked off just after 10:00am and continued through til 2:00pm, featuring 5 rounds of fixtures and also a time to come together and observe a minute’s silence to rememberour fallen heros at 11am- this event was significantly marked by a jet fly over. Directly following a minute’s silence, Wanneroo SHS and Kinross College did battle in the second fixture for the day, a West Perth derby. After a tough battle for the first half of football, Wanneroo SHS came out victors, taking bragging rights moving into the lunch time break, ready for the 3 game that followed. Shenton College were awarded the Championship Shield for both Year 8/9 and Year 10 carnivals.

Churchlands students observe a minute’s silence.

The skills displayed on the day were fantastic given that very little or no training had gone into this event. Looking to the future, we aim to make this a permanent fixture of both the West Perth and Claremont calendars, allowing the schools competing to continue to grow their player and skill base for the coming years and also growing female participation along the way. Congratulations to all players on superb behaviour, intensity and sportsmanship shown on the day.

Justin Burt addresses the Wanneroo SHS team

DENNIS COMETTI LUNCHEON - MORE TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1000

West Perth Supporters,

Due to a rapid sale of tickets to the Dennis Cometti Luncheon on Thursday the 7th of July, West Perth Football Club decided to source a new, larger venue at Mount Eliza, Frasers.

We now have 36 seats available.

All details to purchase your tickets are available from Mel at the Club so if you are interested in attending the luncheon please contact Mel on 9300 3611 or email her at promotions@falconsfc.com.au Once your payment has been received we can confirm your tickets.

For the last 36 tickets once again it is first in, first served.

We look forward to hearing back from you!

SECOND TICKET RELEASE - DENNIS COMETTI LUNCH

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1000

The West Perth Football Club would like to notifty our members and supporters that we have heard your requests for a bigger venue for the Dennis Cometti Lunch on Thursday the 7th of July 2011. The function has now been moved to Mount Eliza at Frasers and there is an extra 36 seats available. There are only tables of 10 (no 8’s left) available or of course there are individual tickets. Again it is a first in best dressed scenario so make sure you get on to it straight away!

If you are interested please contact Mel at the club on 08 9300 3611 or by email at promotions@falconsfc.com.au

SALECIC NAMED AS WAFL STATE CAPTAIN

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1000

WEST Perth skipper Jason Salecic was announced 2011 WAFL State Team captain at an official jumper presentation at the new Bendigo Bank Stadium in Mandurah last night, Tuesday June 14.

Salecic, who has represented the WAFL at State level on six occasions, said he was privileged and honoured to be named as captain by State coach Brian Dawson.

Salecic, 27, has played 169 games for West Perth and kicked 113 goals since making his League debut in 2002.

He is the only WAFL club captain named in the WAFL State squad for this year’s game against Queensland on Saturday, June 18 and will assume sole leadership duties, with vice captains not being appointed in 2011.

The day will also feature exhibition games and form part of the official opening of the redeveloped $9m Bendigo Bank Stadium, concluding a week of football celebrations for the entire Peel region.

Saturday June 18

9am – Peel Thunder Colts v State Academy 16’s

11:10am – Peel Football League v Lower South West Football League

2.15pm – WAFL v QLD

5:20pm – WA State 20’s v Indigenous All Stars

Tickets are $18 for an adult, $15 for WAFL club members, students and concession, while kids under 15 are free. Entry to the ground is also free for the first curtain raiser before 11.10am.

Broadcast Details - WA v QLD

ABC TV

ABC 720 & Grandstand Digital

990AM Information Radio

WAFL State Squad

Ray Bartholomew, Steven Browne, Dion Fleay, Brent LeCras, Jason Salecic, Caleb Shadbolt, (West Perth); Luke Blackwell, Ryan Brabazon, Kane Mitchell, Ian Richardson, Beau Wilkes (Claremont); Tallan Ames, Tim Geappen, Ashley Hansen, Graham Jetta, Tom Roach (Swan Districts); Rory O'Brien (East Fremantle); Brendan Lee, Josh Smith (East Perth); Andrew McDougall, (Perth); Blake Broadhurst, Michael Rix (Subiaco); Kristin Thornton (Peel); Ryan Cook, Cory Dell’Olio, Josh Head (South Fremantle). Coach: Brian Dawson

Queensland Squad

Niall McKeever (Brisbane Lions), Kallen Geary, Dayne Zorko (Broadbeach), Jake Crawford, Joel Tippett (Gold Coast Suns), Ryan Davey, Todd Grayson, (Labrador), Kent Abey, Caleb Brown, Paul Shelton, Adam Spackman (Morningside), Nathan Gilliland, Gavin Grose, Albert Proud, Chris Smith, Josh Vearing (Mt Gravatt), Darren Ewing, Cameron Ilett, Shaun Tapp, Iggy Vallejo (NT Thunder), Scott Clouston, Brad Howard, Trent Manzone, Josh Pullman (Redland), Kurt Niklaus, Matt Payne, Danny Wise (Southport). Coach: Jason Cotter

Visitors to Mandurah for the State Game can explore all the region has to offer at: www.visitmandurah.com

VINNIES CEO SLEEPOUT

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1000

On Thursday the 16th of June 2011, West Perth Football Club Chief Executive Officer Gerry O'Dea will be participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout at the WACA. With almost 14,000 people on the streets every night in Western Australia alone, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout aims to raise money and awareness for the homeless.

Please help Gerry in his quest to raise $5000.00 for this worthy cause. Any donation large or small is greatly appreciated.

You can donate by going to the website & following the links:

http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/ceos/wa-ceos/profile/?ceo=726

We would like to say a huge thank you to those people who have already donated and wish Gerry all the best for the sleepout.

FALCONS JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLINIC: APPLY NOW

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1000

APPLY NOW!

BANQUET AUCTION 2011

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

The West Perth Football Club will be holding its annual Banquet Auction on Saturday 30th July, 2011 at the Stirling Adriatic Centre. This occasion represents the largest single component of our club’s annual fundraising ventures and as such, is extremely important to the club in terms of our success both on and off the field.

We are currently seeking donations for the main auction, silent auction, lucky dip bags and raffle prizes.

Any donation great or small would be greatly appreciated.

There are many benefits associated with donating to this event including:

Promotional and advertising exposure of your company to all guests at the Banquet Auction
Your company name listed in the official Banquet Auction Catalogue
Your company details listed on the official West Perth Football Club website – www.westperthfc.com.au, including a link to your company’s website
Your company details listed in the 2011 Year Book & Annual Report
If you are able to donate to our Banquet Auction, please fill in the attached donation form to notify us of your donation pledge. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at promotions@falconsfc.com.au or by phone on 08 9300 3611 or 0488 008 824.

2011 Banquet Auction Donation Form - FINAL

We would also like to offer all West Perth supporters the opportunity of an Early Bird Discount if you buy your ticket to the Banquet Auction before Friday the 1st of July. Tickets are normally $110.00 per person but for a limited time tickets are only $100.00. To secure your ticket at the Early Bird price, please fill in the booking form attached and pay for your ticket before the 1st of July 2011.

2011 Banquet Auction Booking Form

On behalf of the West Perth Football Club, I would like to thank you in anticipation of your support and hope that you will be able to assist us in making the 2011 Banquet Auction our biggest and best yet!

Melissa Edmondson

PROMOTIONS OFFICER

Falcons in Impressive Display

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1000

By Darrell Kent

West Perth returned to their best in the match against Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday. Despite losing key midfielders Mark Hutchings and Matt Gaudagnin before the game the Falcons had too much run for their opponents and ran out forty nine point winners. This victory combined with Claremont’s shock loss to Perth sees them one game clear at the top of the premiership table.

The skipper won the toss and elected to kick to the Midland end of the ground. It only took the Falcons a minute to get onto the board and this occurred after Anthony Tsalikis scrambled the ball forward and Jeff Gobbells marked in the square. It was the start of a busy day for both players. Brent Lecras, who had been moved up forward, scored a behind before Brett Wolfenden kicked the first for Swans at the six minute mark. From this point until the eighteen minute mark the game ebbed and flowed with behinds being the only score. Scores were tied after a great run by Andrew Strijk got the ball forward to Jeff Gobbels who went behind but Brent Lecras kicked his first from fifty shortly after to give the Falcons back the lead; one which they would hang onto for the rest of the game. Jeff Gobbels kicked his second at the twenty five minute mark after receiving a clever handball from Shane Tregear and this combined with two more behinds to Swans saw West Perth take a ten point lead into the first change. At quarter time they led 3.4 (22) to 1.6 (12).

Marc Crisp started the scoring with a behind in the second term. It was great to see Marc force his way back into the team after persevering for two years while he battled with injury. At the four minute mark Shane Tregear roved the ball off the front of the pack to kick his first and a minute later a clever pass from Brent Lecras saw Marc Crisp split the middle. The twenty three point lead was reduced shortly after when Ashley Hansen kicked his first. He tried hard for Swans all day. Hansen was again involved when Brett Robinson kicked one and his second at the fourteen minute mark saw the lead trimmed back to one straight kick. Three minutes later Chris Keunen, who was the dominant big man on the day, took a bounce through the middle, passed to Andrew Strijk who then got the ball into the hands of Shane Tregear for his second. Anthony Tsalikis then showed great awareness to get the ball to Brent Lecras for his second and the final goal for the term came after a precise pass from Shane Tregear hit “Slick” on the chest forty out. His straight kick gave the Falcons a twenty four point half time lead. Scores were: 8.7 (55) to 4.7 (31).

West Perth sealed victory in the third term when they kicked five goals and held Swans goalless. At the end of the quarter they had kicked eight unanswered goals with the run commencing at the seventeen minute mark of the second quarter. The first went to Ray Bartholomew who goaled on the run after gathering outside fifty, Jay Van Berlo and Chris Keunen combined to assist Anthony Tsalikis for his second and then Jeff Gobbels roved the ball from a boundary throw in for his third. The lead was now forty four after twelve minutes. Shaun Bewick and the hard running Jason Salecic combined and the result was a Jay Van Berlo mark forty five out. His straight kick took the lead out to forty eight before VB was involved once again when he handballed to Brent Lecras who then used his trademark sidestep to get into the clear and kick his second. At the final change the game was safely in the bag as the Falcons had raced to a fifty three point lead; 13.10 (88) to 4.11 (35).

When Luke Tedesco ran forward from half back and goaled at the seven minute mark West Perth had kicked nine unanswered goals. Tim Geappen broke the drought with his first six minutes later. He had been well held by a tight Falcon defence that included impressive youngster, Joe Morrow. Ashley Hansen added two more to his tally before Chris Keunen kicked the final goal for the game after marking a ball from Jay Van Berlo in the square. The final siren saw West Perth forty nine point victors; 15.14 (104) to 7.13 (55).

Caleb Shadbolt played his fiftieth game for West Perth against Peel in the previous game. Congratulations to Shaddy who is very skilled either side of his body. His use of the ball in the game against Swans, left and right foot, was impressive. This was a valuable victory for the Falcons. There were a number of best players with none better than the captain Jason Salecic. Other players recognised included Dan Hunt, Joe Morrow, Jay Van Berlo, Jeff Gobbels, Ray Bartholomew and Shane Tregear. Big man, Chris Keunen, was the dominant big man and often gave the midfielders first use of the footy. Another big game at the Arena this Saturday as the Falcons square off against the enigmatic Subiaco. The Reserves and League both now sit top of their respective ladders, be there to cheer them on.

LIFE MEMBER - Steve Wheatley

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1000

The West Perth Football Club would like to pass on its deepest sympathy to the family of Life Member Steve Wheatley, who passed away on Saturday night.

Steve was a member of the Stats team that also included Bill Spittles, Dom Cosoleto, John Jarvis and his brother John Britten – all of who are also Life Members and still attend games regularly. Steve was an avid Falcons and Dockers supporter who will be sadly missed.

The players will wear black armbands this week in his honour.

FALCONS CONSOLIDATE TOP SPOT

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

By Darrell Kent

It was a tight contest all day but West Perth had a hard fought victory against Subiaco at the Arena on Saturday. There was very little in it at the end of each quarter and the final margin of fifteen points was indicative of what was a close encounter all day. Congratulations to the Reserves who recorded their tenth straight victory with a come from behind victory against the Lions. Coach Paul Sanzone must be thrilled with the way that the team is playing and ensuring that the pressure remains on the League side to perform. Senior coach Bill Monaghan and his panel can take a lot of pride in the fact that the League and Reserves sides sit on top of their respective ladders. The matches against Claremont next week should be beauties as there is a lot riding on both results.

Subiaco kicked with the aid of a strong breeze, to the northern end, at the start of the match. Danny Hughes had the Lions on the board when he kicked the first of his five for the game at the two minute mark. The Falcons reply came two minutes later when a clever soccer into the square by Anthony Tsalikis enabled Andrew Strijk to soccer his first for the day. It was an unusual way to score a goal. Shortly after Blake Broadhurst got on the board for Subi but in what was a fast start to the match Jeff Gobbells kicked a clever dribbled goal after some good work by Kepler Bradley. Scores were tied up after six minutes but the Falcons took the lead for the first time when a kick scrambled forward by Mark Hutchings was pounced on by Matt Gaudagnin who gave the Falcons a one straight kick lead. A behind to the Lions was followed by a clever goal to Jack Anthony and this gave Subi a one point lead. A behind to the Falcons levelled it up once again but consecutive goals to Subiaco saw them go to a twelve point lead after twenty one. West Perth steadied to kick a behind before an unselfish pass from Shane Tregear saw Jason Salecic kick one from the square. At the end of the first term West Perth trailed by five; 5.1 (31) to 4.2 (26). This was a good result kicking into the breeze.

A heavy shower during the quarter time break ensured that the second term was a real slog. The ball rebounded between defences for much of the quarter. Andrew Strijk showed his class at the seven minute mark when he gathered the ball on fifty and kicked his second. This gave the Falcons a one point lead. The next score didn’t come until the eighteen minute mark when Subiaco were the beneficiary of two fifty metre penalties that allowed them to score and regain the lead. The Falcons reply came two minutes later after a terrific double effort by Shane Tregear who eventually passed to Jeff Gobbells for his second. Just before the half time siren the hard working Steven Browne marked and after receiving fifty metres converted from twenty. This gave West Perth a seven point half time lead; 7.2 (44) to 6.1 (37).

Subiaco commenced the second half with a rushed behind before Matt Gaudagnin gathered outside fifty and kicked his second. A classy effort. The lead was out to eighteen after a Brent Lecras pass set up Anton Saylor for his first. Anton had a great game with his second half being outstanding. Both teams kicked behinds before Blake Broadhurst kicked his second to reduce the margin to twelve. The Falcons finished the term with three behinds to take a fifteen point lead into the final change. They led 9.6 (60) to 7.3 (45).

After two hard fought second and third quarters the final term really opened up with each side kicking six goals. The first went to the Falcons and it was courtesy of a miracle goal from an impossible angle by Andrew Strijk to give him his third. Clever play by Kepler Bradley enabled Brent Lecras to finish from fifty. The lead was now twenty seven after two minutes. Danny Hughes kicked his third for the Lions a minute later but Shane Tregear replied for the Falcons shortly after with a major on his non- preferred right foot. Marc Crisp then kicked a behind for West Perth before Blake Broadhurst’s third saw the margin back to twenty two. Five goals were scored in the first seven minutes of the quarter. The frenetic start slowed for a few minutes before Anton Saylor set the game alight with consecutive goals. The first came after a bounce and a neat finish from fifty and the second came at the nineteen minute mark when he carried the ball a long way, handballed to Brent Lecras and continued running to get the ball back and finish from the square. It was a wonderful piece of football. As it turned out the Falcons needed every bit of their thirty two point lead as Subiaco surged home and by the twenty seven minute mark had reduced the lead to just nine. Falcons supporters breathed a collective sigh of relief two minutes later, however, when Anton Saylor was once again involved. He handballed to Brent Lecras who sealed the game with his second. Final scores were West Perth 15. 8 (98) to Subiaco 13.5 (83).

It was an enthralling contest all day with the first real wintry conditions presenting a challenge to both sides. West Perth really stood firm to deliver the goods. Best players included Marc Crisp, Jason Salecic. Matt Gaudagnin, Luke Tedesco, Kepler Bradley, Chris Keunen and best was Anton Saylor. There were a few injury concerns after the game with the main one being Josh Pearce. Let’s hope that all is well with Josh as he closes in on his one hundred and fiftieth game. Next week the Falcons take on Claremont at home. Be there early as both teams have to win to hold onto their top spot.

MAJOR RAFFLE KICKS OFF FOR 2011

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

The West Perth Football Club is delighted to announce the commencement of its 2011 Major Raffle which this year has the finest array of prizes ever!

Thanks to the generosity of Darren Tyrrell from Emirates and George Michalcyzk from Motive Travel, this year’s amazing first prize is a 5-night stay in Dubai for the 2012 World Cup, the Richest Horse Race in the World. Your stay includes economy airfares, accommodation, tickets to the World Cup and a city sights tour. This world class event takes place in March 2012 and is one of the highlights on the world sporting calendar.

An incredible experience not to be missed, this trip is costed at $8,500.

Thanks also to the generosity of Peter Kambouris from Kambos, second prize is a TCL 55 inch LCD 3D television valued at $2,500.

We will also have 3 other prizes of $100 each.

These prizes make the raffle our most exciting in years, with only 150 tickets on sale at $100 each.

To secure your ticket, please contact Jessy on 08 9300 3611 or by email at reception@falconsfc.com.au. You can also secure a ticket off one of our Club Directors.

Players Review 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Players Review 2011 is here..

Its been 4 years since the last players review fundraiser and it all returns on the 23rd of July.

A night full of entertainment and laughs come see the falcons players at their very best off the field with dances, songs, skits and humour up on the big stage.

Raffles
Cheap Drinks
Entertainment
Food nibbles provided

TICKETS ON SALE NOW. $30

Contact any current falcons player for tickets or the football club..

HAL CADDY

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

The Board of Directors, staff members, volunteers and players would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the family of Hal Caddy, who passed away recently.

Hal was a Board Member for 12 years from 1975 til 1986. He was a long term sponsor and supporter of the club and was also a Life Member.

The players will wear black armbands this weekend against Claremont in his honour.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Dear Members,

Please accept this open letter of apology for my behaviour on Saturday.

Whilst I do not wish to condone my actions in any way please be aware that I never swore or used foul language towards the umpire.

This does not excuse my behaviour however.

Umpires at all levels of our game are an important component of the enjoyment and success of Australian Rules football. They must be respected at all times.

Earlier this week I initiated discussions and spoke separately to Darrell Sinclair (the WAFL Umpires Coach), umpire Gavin Statham and Clint Roberts (WAFL Operations Manager) extending my sincerest apologies for my actions.

I am well aware of the privileged position I hold within the West Perth Football Club. It is important that all members of our Club and most importantly the President, all staff and officials, respect the Code of Conduct that the Club has in place.

I welcome you all to attend this Saturday’s top of the table clash with Claremont at the Arena Joondalup. I look forward to seeing you there to enjoy a great game with the rest of our members and supporters.

Yours Sincerely

Brett Raponi

FALCONS THE REAL DEAL

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

By Darrell Kent

West Perth confirmed that they are genuine premiership contenders with an impressive six point victory against Claremont at the Arena on Saturday. It was a tight contest all day but when Claremont established a game high lead of sixteen points at three quarter time the job lay ahead for the Falcons but they showed their finals credentials to control the final term to win by six points.

West Perth kicked to the Perth end to start the match and it was a high quality first quarter with thirteen goals being scored. This was the same amount as was kicked in the final three terms of the game. The skills on display from both sides were first class and the good sized crowd were treated to some fine football. Claremont was first on the board with a major to Garrick Weedon from the top of the square but West Perth responded strongly by kicking three behinds. At the eleven minute mark a major to Clancy Rudeforth was followed by the first of three to Andrew Foster. This gave the Tigers a fifteen point lead. The first goal for the Falcons came when Anthony Tsalikis took a courageous mark in the square after a kick forward by Jeff Gobbells. But the lead was extended again thanks to a Ryan Brabazon major. Some good ruck work out of the middle by Frank Stockley saw Jeff Gobbells pass to Jason Salecic who reduced the margin from thirty but a minute later ex-falcon Mitch Andrews marked on a sharp angle and his kick restored the fifteen point lead. At the twenty minute mark Jeff Gobbells took a strong grab fifty out and he kicked accurately. His strong marking was a feature of the day. Goals to Marc Crisp and Josh Mellington saw the Falcons grab a three point lead after twenty five before consecutive goals to the Tigers saw them back to a nine point lead. The high quality quarter came to an end after Aaron Black goaled from twenty. It was a high standard quarter of football and at the first change Claremont led 7.0 (42) to 6.3 (39).

The pace had to come out of the game in the second term but the intensity didn’t. Josh Mellington did a terrific smother at half forward and followed up to kick his second. It was a fantastic individual effort. A behind to Claremont was followed by a second to the Tigers Ben Saunders and after twelve minutes they had once again established a four point lead. Two behinds to West Perth followed before Andrew Foster kicked his second and after a rushed behind the Tigers led by nine. Anthony Tsalikis got the Falcons back in the game after a strong mark fifty out. His accurate kick split the middle but then Byron Schammer got onto the scoreboard for Claremont to give them a nine point half team lead. They led 10.3 (63) to 8.6 (54).

The third quarter was almost a replica of the second with five goals being scored. The first went to the Falcons Shane Tregear who steered one through from the boundary and then another strong grab and second major to Jeff Gobbells saw West Perth sneak into the lead again. The Tigers then worked hard to get the better of the second half of the term to kick three unanswered goals to lead by a game high sixteen at the final change. The challenge was squarely in front of West Perth as they trailed 13.6 (84) to 10.8 (68).

The game tightened even further in the final term. The intensity had all supporters enthralled and when the final siren went it was hard to believe that West Perth had kicked the only three goals of the quarter while holding Claremont to one behind. The tackling by Falcon forward Josh Mellington was a feature of the quarter as was the hard running and constructive use of the football by Jason Salecic and Steven Brown. The teams traded behinds until the ten minute mark when Shane Tregear kicked his second on his non-preferred right foot. This reduced the margin to eight. It was a term that saw Claremont rarely venture into the forward line and the game really got interesting at the thirteen minute mark when Steven Browne reduced the margin to two after a pressure finish from forty five. At the twenty two minute mark scores were tied West Perth had scored two behinds. One of these was the result of another terrific run down and tackle by Josh Mellington. The next six minutes of football were frenetic as both teams tried to gain the advantage. The deadlock was finally broken at the twenty seven minute mark when Jay Van Berlo took the ball from a ball up and snapped accurately. West Perth were then steadfast in maintaining this lead until the final siren. When it went they had recorded a memorable 13.13 (91) to 13.7 (85) victory.

The Reserves had lost by one straight kick but the league side rectified this with their victory. The victory was probably West Perth’s best for the year. There were a number of good players for the Falcons but the awards went to Jason Salecic, Josh Mellington, Luke Tedesco, Mark Hutchings, two hundred game player Brent Lecras, Jeff Gobbells and best was Steven Browne. There isn’t any time for the Falcons to rest on their laurels as next week they face another finals contender in South Fremantle. Be at Fremantle Oval for what should be another top clash.

LE CRAS FRESH FOR 200TH GAME

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

By Tracey Lewis

“It’s a lot of footy!” was the straight-to-the-point response from one of the most versatile players in the WAFL on the confirmation he would play his 200^th senior game this weekend.

Brent Le Cras, who is having a remarkable season playing mostly from centre half back for the league-leading Falcons, said he was almost embarrassed at joining the illustrious club.

“I knew I was around the mark, but wasn’t sure quite when it was coming up,” said Le Cras who turns 30 in October.

“A while ago I spoke to Callum Chambers and Craig Smoker (former Falcons teammates) about the 200 club and all we could say was how much footy that involved.

“They are both 200-game players and I’m sure when we’re older and looking back it will be something we’ll be proud of.”

Le Cras, who made his WAFL debut with the Falcons in 2002 and won a Simpson Medal in their premiership team the next year, was drafted by North Melbourne as a forward.

He has carved a reputation as a strong-leading forward at both WAFL and State football level, but it was an approach to Falcons coach Bill Monaghan to head back to defence that has revitalised his passion for the game.

“I’ve played a lot of my career in the backline but was drafted as a forward,” Le Cras said.

“I met with Bill pre-season and asked if I could play more in defence. He said as long as it worked with the team structure he was putting together then we’d give it another go and I think it’s freshened me up.

“I don’t really mind where I play as long as we are winning!

“Forward or back, I don’t really prefer one over the other, but the move this year has certainly been a good one so far.”

Le Cras’ football is also reflecting the stability of his life off the field.

His little boy Koby has just turned three and he is in the final year of a plastering apprenticeship – although his heart really lies with crayfishing.

“I come from a crayfishing family and I was doing a bit of that in 2009 when Bill started coaching at West Perth but it’s hard to combine with football,” he said.

“Work won’t dictate how long I keep playing for though, that will all depend on how I’m feeling and what Bill thinks.

“At the moment though I am still enjoying it and our team this year is as consistent as it’s been in a few years.

“Previously we were losing games we shouldn’t and winning games we shouldn’t but this year things are running more smoothly and hopefully we can keep that going into the last round when we have the bye and then into the finals.

“We’ve probably exceeded outside expectations this year but internally we believed we were going to be in a good position to challenge the best teams in the league.

“We’ve got Claremont this week and it’s a massive game for us to stay ahead of the pack.”

Brent Le Cras’ record:

West Perth (2002-03, 2005, 2008-2011) -- 114 games

North Melbourne (2005-2006) -- 6 games

Port Melbourne (2004-2005) -- 37 games

North Ballarat (2006) -- 18 games

Port Adelaide (2007) -- 20 games

Western Australia -- 4 games

Total: 199 senior games

ROUND 17 VS SOUTH FREMANTLE PRESENTATIONS

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Reserves and League presentations will be held at 6pm in the Griff John Hall at Fremantle Oval after the South Fremantle vs West Perth game on Saturday the 16^th of July 2011.

All members and supporters are welcome to attend!

DENNIS COMETTI AND FRIENDS

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Dennis Cometti and Friends Luncheon

Last Thursday marked the date for the second annual Corporate Luncheon which was held at Mount Eliza Marquee, Frasers. It was a beautiful venue overlooking our sensational City. The day was made even more spectacular by the attendance of special guests Number One Ticket Holder Dennis Cometti, Tom Harley, Mark LeCras and Bill Monaghan.

The luncheon which sold 170 tickets in 23 hours has been a highly anticipated day for the 235 guests attending.

The day started with Dennis interviewing Mark LeCras on the season so far and about his potential to become the next ‘Dennis Cometti’.

The next interview was Dennis interviewing Bill Monaghan about the Falcons outstanding start to the WAFL season about our high hopes to become the 2011 Premiers. Dennis even offered to give Bill some coaching advice!

Last but most certainly not least was Dennis interviewing Geelong’s 2007 and 2009 Premiership Captain Tom Harley. The interview gave everyone in the room insight in to the challenges of becoming an AFL Premiership Team and the reward after achieving lifelong dreams.

The day proved to be both insightful and entertaining for all in the room and we would like to thank Dennis, Tom, Mark and Bill for their support of West Perth Football Club, the day would not have been what it was without your ongoing support.

We hope to have you all back at the club soon.

WEST PERTH FLY TWO GAMES CLEAR ON TOP

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY CHRIS PIKE

WEST Perth consolidated top spot on the WAFL ladder with a come-from-behind win over Claremont on Saturday in a terrific battle at Arena Joondalup, and now coach Bill Monaghan will weigh up the best way to have his team ready for a finals campaign.

The Falcons came from 16 points down at three quarter-time to kick the only three goals of the final term to run out six-point winners against Claremont.

It puts West Perth two games clear on top of the WAFL ladder after 16 rounds so the Falcons are now basically assured of a top-two berth, and will have to hit a rough patch from here over the last six games to not claim the minor premiership.

If the Falcons do that it will be their first minor premiership since 1993 even though they won premierships in 1995, 1999 and 2003.

While Monaghan certainly doesn't want to flirt with form, the next few weeks might present an opportunity to give a break to some guys battling niggling injuries while also providing a chance to others in good form in the reserves.

"It's something that we will need to discuss as a match committee and probably plot our way through loading, and resting players and all of that. Probably to a large extent we ticked the finals box last week and then this win definitely ticked that," Monaghan said.

"We've got on-going management issues of our players and a couple of sore blokes who we will now sit down with our doctors, physio and strength and conditioning people to try and work out what their best passage is leading into finals.

"What we can't go away from is paying respect to the opposition and playing our best. We have been really stable with our selection all year and it might also be a good opportunity to test a couple of other guys on the periphery to make sure we have a large enough squad going into the finals."

Once again the win was set up by a superb finish by West Perth and that has been the story of the club's rapid rise this season to top of the ladder after narrowly missing the finals in 2010.

West Perth has narrowly lost the first halves of its 16 games but dominated the second. Over all 16 third quarters the Falcons have outscored their opposition by 23.12 and then by 25 straight goals in last quarters.

Given that, Monaghan always had faith that his team would finish strongly against the Tigers and after some inaccurate kicking, that's exactly what happened.

"We back ourselves in because we are a good finishing side. Just given that they were down to only two rotations, though, and the breeze was favouring our end slightly then we felt if we took our opportunities that we could outscore them," Monaghan said.

"It was a little bit shaky at times but I thought our perseverance, pressure and willingness to keep competing shone out in the end. We were lucky enough to pepper the goals for a bit of the last quarter and then finished off with a couple in front of goals. I felt that we would have been unlucky not to have won the game."

While West Perth's midfield led by Steven Browne, Jason Salecic, Mark Hutchings and others continued to work well and the forward-line was dangerous, without question Saturday's win over Claremont was set up by the defence.

One of the stars was Brent LeCras in his 200th senior match spread over the WAFL, VFL, SANFL, AFL and for Western Australia. He was outstanding keeping Beau Wilkes goalless after he kicked six the previous week.

"First of all for Lecca to play 200 games in senior competitions spread across three states is a fantastic effort and he really set himself for a big game on Beau Wilkes," Monaghan said.

"We identified him as a potential match-winner and goalkicker so Lecca took that on board and to his credit in Dan Hunt's absence, he really played that negating defender's role rather than trying to set us up as the loose man.

"He played much more of a Dan Hunt-style defensive game and I was really happy with that. Personally I thought he was in our best two or three."

Another terrific defender was Caleb Shadbolt who was also able to keep Ian Richardson goalless.

"It's always hard with Shaddy because Richo still finds a bit against him but he does force him up the ground. Shaddy has really good closing speed as well and that's probably Richo's strength too," Monaghan said.

"Ian Richardson is a quality player and we know that at some stage he will kick goals against us, but Shaddy has probably now had five or six games in a row where he's been able to nullify him from his normal output."

As well as LeCras and Shadbolt doing such good jobs, Dion Fleay, Dustin Burns and Luke Tedesco were rock solid as well and Monaghan is delighted with his whole defensive set up.

"Luke Tedesco spent a fair bit of time on (Gerrick) Weedon and we used Dion Fleay to swing between talls and shorts depending on how they set up. That's something that we've worked on all year and we have had a settled back six," he said.

"It's up to them usually to roll with whatever the opposition do rather than being reactive by being talls and smalls off the bench. We can really only do that when we have Dion Fleay and Joe Morrow who can play on any opposition just about."

Even though West Perth hammered South Fremantle by 73 points back in Round 8, the Bulldogs were in the middle of a horror injury period at that stage including losing key players in the warm up and during the game.

South Fremantle has been able to steady since then to be in third spot and still a chance to finish top-two, so Monaghan knows this Saturday's clash at Fremantle Oval will be far from easy.

"South Fremantle has done exceptionally well and is well coached with quality players. They've been battling a number of injuries for the whole year and we expect them to be a huge challenge," he said.

"They play especially well down at Fremantle and it is a bit of a different sized oval and it's something that you just need to change a little bit how you play because it's shorter and not as wide. We expect them to be a formidable task that's ahead of us and we think that we will have to be at our best to beat them"

West Perth has had a good run with injuries all season and even though Anton Saylor, Josh Pearce and Dan Hunt missed Saturday's win over Claremont, Monaghan expects all three to be back after the Round 19 bye at the latest.

"The early thing with Wendall is that he spent almost three days in hospital after his injury. Whilst there is nothing really sinister about it, it does require a bit of management. He will see the specialist again and we'll expect after that for him to go back to work and be able to train," Monaghan said.

"It's then more about a wound healing than anything else. Hunt and Pearce are on the better side of what we originally thought. Dan's got a small fracture in his hand but the doctor expects that to heal and for him to be available after the bye.

"Josh Pearce has really improved and we'd expect him available after the bye as well. He did his hamstring and when he did it, it looked like a tear but it was a grade two strain and they are saying a total of four weeks would be commonplace. He is pedantic with his rehab and he expects that timeframe to be achievable for him. "

FALCONS HOME IN GOALFEST

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

FALCONS HOME IN GOALFEST

By Darrell Kent

A brilliant first quarter established the platform for an exciting Falcon victory against South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Saturday. The lead set up at the end of the first term was pivotal in ensuring victory against a South Fremantle team that stormed home in the second half of the game to nearly snatch victory. It was the first time this year that the Falcons had been involved in this sort of contest and it will be a valuable experience in the build up to the finals.

West Perth started the game kicking to the Perth end and the first score was a rushed behind. Some precise passing and a fifty metre penalty enabled Mark Hutchings to kick the first for the Falcons. Josh Head put one through for the Bulldogs before Jay Van Berlo restored the seven point lead after some very good forward line pressure. A Bulldogs behind followed before a precise Andrew Strijk pass hit Joel Rice on the chest. His accurate kick took the lead out to twelve. A snap by the Bulldogs Paul Haselby reduced the margin again before the frenetic start to the game continued after Shane Tregear took advantage of a fumbled mark in the goal square to soccer his first. At the twenty minute mark Anthony Tsalikis extended the lead with an opportunistic goal after the ball cleared the pack. The busy Ashton Hams then reduced the margin to two straight kicks before West Perth controlled the play to kick the last three majors of the term. Josh Mellington got on the board after marking close to goal, “Slick” then kicked his second and the lead was out to thirty after Andrew Strijk kicked the first of his four. South Fremantle finished the term with three behinds and this resulted in the Falcons taking a well earned twenty seven point lead into the first change. Their use of the football was exceptional and this was highlighted by the 8.1 (49) to 3.4 (22) scoreline.

West Perth continued to use the ball with precision in the second quarter and a left foot snap by Andrew Strijk gave him his second. A behind to Shane Tregear, whose use of the footy was terrific, was followed by a goal to the Bulldogs Ryan Murphy. Josh Mellington kicked his second with a soccer from the square and then at the seventeen minute mark a Shane Tregear pass hit “Strijky” on the chest and his straight kick extended the lead once more. Behinds to both sides then became the order of the day before consecutive goals to South Fremantle reduced the margin to twenty eight. West Perth responded with a major to Anton Saylor and a fourth to Andrew Strijk. This gave the Falcons a forty point half time lead; 13.4 (82) to 6.6 (42).

When Steven Browne goaled from forty after receiving a fifty metre penalty at the three minute mark of the third quarter Falcons supporters could be excused for feeling confident about the result but this was not to be the case as the South Fremantle midfield took control and gave their forwards first use of the football. Callum Wilson came into his own and kicked eight of his nine goals from this point. The comeback started with the second of his nine and then the dangerous Paul Haselby kicked his third. At the ten minute mark big man Chris Keunen eased the pressure with a goal on the run from fifty but consecutive majors to Wilson had the Bulldogs back to within thirty after thirteen minutes. Five minutes later a pass from Steven Browne enabled Anthony Tsalikis to kick his third and the lead was back to thirty six. South Fremantle finished the quarter with a second to Corey Dell-Olio and another to Callum Wilson and at the final change were back in the contest trailing by only twenty five. Scores were 16.8 (104) to 12.7 (79).

It felt as though the Bulldogs had the momentum going into the last quarter and this proved to be the case. Callum Wilson reduced the margin and Corey Dell-Olio kicked his third to reduce the difference to just fourteen after five minutes. An unlikely Bulldogs victory was looming. Kepler Bradley stepped up for the Falcons with a classy finish thirty out on a sharp angle and when Mark Hutchings kicked his second and took the lead back out to twenty six minute it appeared as though the charge had been halted. A seventh and eight to Callum Wilson made a lie of this and reduced the margin to thirteen and when Ryan Murphy marked in the square at the eighteen minute mark the margin was just seven. The Bulldogs were finishing full of running. South Fremantle continued to dominate the play and had the next two shots on goal. Both were on the run and very kickable. Both were very narrow misses to the right hand side. This left the Falcons leading by five and appearing to be in trouble. At the twenty two minute mark Anton Saylor relieved the pressure when he took the ball off the back of the pack for his second and when Josh Mellington kicked his third Falcons supporters were able to take a breath for the first time in a while. The margin was then out to twenty three when Shane Tregear took a strong mark twenty out after a long kick in by Anthony Tsalikis. The long quarter was over shortly after Callum Wilson kicked his ninth and this gave the Falcons their seventeen point victory; 21.9 (135) to 17.10 (112).

It might seem strange to say but the game was closer than the seventeen point margin indicated. It was a quality game of football with the ball moving quickly from end to end through hard running and quality use of the football. The Falcons game plan of starving teams of scoring opportunities which has seen them have the tightest defence in the league is the much more preferred option. Congratulations to Kody Manning who acquitted himself well in his first league game and to Anton Saylor who played his fiftieth. Best players included Chris Keunen, Dustin Burns, Andrew Strijk, Joe Morrow, Shane Tregear, Mark Hutchings and best was the skipper Jason Salecic who always leads by example. The round finishes next week when the Falcons take on the Demons at the Arena. Be there before the players have a well deserved rest the next week.

Well done once again to the Ressies who won again and continue to consolidate a top two finish. Special mention must be made of the effort of the Reserves captain, Cameron Branch, who played his hundredth game. It takes a special character to persevere for this period of time in an endeavour to play league football. I have no doubt that all Falcons supporters hope that he achieves this well earned league game in the near future as he has been best on ground for the last two weeks.

LADDER LEADERS

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

UPDATED -Banquet Auction Catalogue

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

With July 30 only 2 days away the West Perth Banquet Auction is almost here.

To see the amazing range of products that can be bid on Click Here

LACK LUSTRE PERFORMANCE BY FALCONS

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

LACK LUSTRE PERFORMANCE BY FALCONS

By Darrell Kent

West Perth was outplayed by a determined Perth at the Arena on Saturday. The loss highlights the evenness of the WAFL competition and was a reminder of the battle that still lies ahead. A top of the ladder finish by the Falcons is now in jeopardy but West Perth should have still done enough to ensure a top two finish.

West Perth commenced the match kicking to the Perth end and it was a high standard start to the game. Both sides moved the ball on quickly with precise passing. Shane Zanetti celebrated his return to the league side by kicking the first goal after marking and playing on. The Demons Scott Siekierka replied shortly after when he snapped accurately. Consecutive goals to Perth second gamer Simon Donovan gave them a handy lead and when Joel Fiegert kicked his first at the seventeen minute mark the lead was out to eighteen. The Falcons steadied courtesy of majors to Jeff Gobbells and Anton Saylor to be back in the game. Joel Leeson then extended the lead for Perth but shortly after Anton Saylor and Jay Van Berlo combined to get the ball into the hands of Luke Tedesco who had run hard off half back. He finished from thirty. Jeff Gobbells rounded out the term with a behind and at the end of an entertaining first quarter Perth led by five; 5.1 (31) to 4.2 (26).

The second quarter belonged to the Demons as they raced to a twenty nine point half time lead. Matthew Moody kicked two for the quarter, Simon Donovan his third, Ross Young started to get into the game and kicked a goal and Joel Fiegert and Simon Donovan both added to their tallies. Scoring opportunities dried up for the Falcons with the only major coming at the nine minute mark when Jason Salecic received a hand ball from the busy Kepler Bradley to goal on the run. The chance of a major upset loomed as Perth led 10.5 (65) to 5.6 (36) at the main break.

The half time address by Bill Monaghan, by all accounts it was a beauty, certainly worked as the Falcons worked their way back into the game in the third term. Goals to Kepler Bradley who kicked one from the square, a long kick from fifty by Steven Browne, a goal on the run by Matt Gaudagnin and a towering kick by Shane Zanetti that was shepherded through by Jason Salecic for his second had the Falcons back to within five after eleven minutes. Matthew Moody kicked his third to once again extend the lead as the game became a bit of an arm wrestle. Anthony Tsalikis broke the deadlock with a straight kick from a sharp angle and West Perth hit the lead after a Shane Tregear mark and goal from forty. Perth finished the quarter with two behinds to take a one point lead into the final quarter. The game was set for an exciting finish. At the final change scores were Perth 11.9 (75) to West Perth 11.8 (74).

The fight to get back into the game in the third quarter seemed to take its toll in the last as Perth controlled the term. Two goals in four minutes extended their lead before Shane Zanetti’s third steadied the ship. The six point Demon lead was extended to a match winning twenty three after Perth controlled the next ten minutes to kick three majors. This included a fifth to Matthew Moody. As has been the case all year West Perth gritted their teeth and worked hard to get back into the game. The skipper stepped up once again to kick his second and when Mark Hutchings was on the end of a series of handballs to kick his first the lead had been reduced to just ten. But as had been the case all day Perth had the answers to kick the last three majors of the day to run out twenty nine point winners; 19.10 (124) to 14.11 (95).

The players will certainly benefit from the break offered by the bye next week as they prepare for the final four matches of the year and a finals campaign. Winning the minor premiership would be a bonus but preparing for the double chance will be the major focus of Bill Monaghan and his coaching staff. Four quarter contributors were hard to find for the Falcons but Jason Salecic, Chris Keunen, Jeff Gobbells and Steven Browne were recognised with awards. Steven Browne was best for the home team. Congratulations once again to the Reserves who had a stirring come from behind victory against a Perth side who was challenging for their position. Be at the Arena in two weeks when West Perth takes on another Premiership hopeful in South Fremantle.

Round 18 Post Interview

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Ben Bowness catches up with Seb Dearle on the couch after the Falcons were outplayed by a determined Perth.

movie goes here

West Perth Members Call to Arms

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Dear West Perth Members,

CALL TO ARMS

The West Perth Football Club is calling all members to support of the club on Saturday August 20 2011 at the Falcons last 2011 Home Game against rivals East Perth. If there is a game to attend in 2011... this one is it!

We encourage you to get behind us at the August derby and celebrate a day that will also celebrate our zoned districts international demographics with "2011 MIGRANT ROUND". With a large British population and growing South African, Kiwi, Somalian and Afghan populations we are attempting to engage with new footy fans to support the "Red and the Blue."

Bring your kids, grandkids, friends and neighbours. The day will offer some great football and benefits that everyone can enjoy. These include:

- Extra bar to cater for a large crowd- "The Falcon Arms."

- Kids Zone (includes Bouncy Castle, Bungee Run, Kids Tatoos, Petting Zoo and more)

- Showbags for the first 300 kids to arrive in the Kids Zone

- Half Time Footy Skills Clinic

There will be something for all and we look forward to you joining at our last home game for the 2011 fictured season.

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you and your families at Arena Joondalup.

Bill Monaghan & Jason Salecic

League Coach League Captain

ROUND 20 WEST PERTH VS SOUTH FREMANTLE

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

GLASS IS HALF FULL

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

While the West Perth league team suffered its second consecutive loss for the first time this year there is still a lot to look forward to as the finals approach. The league side still looks likely to finish in the top two and only need one more victory to guarantee this and the Reserves continued on their winning way with a hard fought victory against South Fremantle. The seconds are engaged in a titanic battle to hold onto second spot with Perth breathing down their neck and Claremont in front of them. During the course of the year they have responded to every challenge and have strung together over ten consecutive victories. As a result of this they have ensured that the pressure remains on the league side to produce their best as a number of players have shown that they are ready to step up to the next level. Reserves players who received awards this week and have maintained this pressure are Alex Elisseou, Nick Carney, Joel Rice, Jordan Lockyer and Paul Elisseou who was best after kicking four goals.

The League game commenced with the Bulldogs kicking to the Perth end with the aid of the breeze. It was an even first term but the Falcons were on the scoreboard after less than a minute. Mark Hutchings got the ball forward after the first bounce and then ran forward to receive a handball from Shane Tregear to kick accurately from thirty. A behind to the Bulldogs followed before Andrew Strijk took the ball off the back of the pack to snap a major and give the Falcons an eleven point lead. Callum Wilson kicked his only major for the game at the fourteen minute mark to reduce the margin but the status quo was restored when the busy Mark Hutchings handballed to Caleb Shadbolt who split the middle. The next ten minutes belonged to the Bulldogs as they controlled the play and majors to Nathan Phillips and Ashton Hams saw them go to a three point lead. West Perth finished the term with three behinds and at the end of the first quarter scores were all tied up with both sides scoring 3.3 (21).

The Bulldogs dangerous small forward, Cory Dell-Olio put them a goal in front after two minutes of the second term but second gamer Kody Manning tied scores up with his first major in league football with a goal on the run from forty. Shortly after Jeff Gobbels kicked the first of his three from fifty five. He marked strongly on fifty and kicked from outside the arc. A goal from the Bulldogs Morgan Cooper tied up the scores once again before consistent attacking from South Fremantle saw them go to a seven point lead. West Perth then had their best period of play for the game as they piled on three unanswered goals. Jeff Gobbells kicked his second in almost identical circumstances as his first, Shane Tregear kicked his first after marking forty five out and Tregear was again involved when he passed to Chris Keunen forty out. His straight kick gave the Falcons an eleven point half time lead and they went into the main change with the momentum. They led 8.5 (53) to 6.6 (42).

By the ten minute mark of the third term Ashton Hams had kicked three majors to take his game tally to four. This was the turning point of the game. When Joel Palumbo kicked his first at the fifteen minute mark the Bulldogs had raced to a twelve point lead, erasing their eleven point half time deficit. At this point in the game the Falcons were down to just one on the bench after Josh Mellington went off early in the game and Caleb Shadbolt and Matt Gaudagnin limped off within minutes of each other early in this quarter. The lack of rotations was to hamper the Falcons but their endeavour was not to be denied. Souths big man Damian Hayward then kicked his first and extended the lead. At the final change the Falcons were in big trouble trailing by twenty; 11.9 (75) to 8.7 (55). They only scored two behinds for the term.

West Perth applied the pressure in the final term but had some narrow misses hitting the post on a number of occasions. After ten minutes they had reduced the margin by just three kicking five behinds to two. Two minutes later Falcons fans were given hope after a third to Jeff Gobbels reduced the margin to eleven. The Bulldogs then steadied to attack consistently and at the twenty six minute mark had established a match winning twenty five point lead. Shane Tregear took a strong mark to kick his second shortly after but a major to Paul Haselby after the siren saw the Bulldogs home by twenty five; 14.15 (99) to 10.14 (74).

While the loss was disappointing there is no doubt that Senior coach Bill Monaghan has faith in his playing group and is confident that they can push onto have a successful finals campaign. Three important qualifying matches still lay ahead for the Falcons with the first being against strong finals contenders East Fremantle in Geraldton next Saturday. It would be a great win to have and seal a second semi final berth. Players to receive awards included Mark Hutchings, Chris Keunen, Jeff Gobbels and best was Dion Fleay who continued his outstanding season. The form of the Reserves under Paul Sanzone and the belief of the Senior Coach in his playing group gives this glass is half empty person the belief that it is really half full.

KIDS COMPETITION: Colour in and Win

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Complete the Colouring Competition and either drop into the West Perth Office before Friday 19th August or Drop your entry into the Falcons Kids Zone at the West Perth Football Club Match on Saturady August 20 to go into the running to win a 2012 Falcons Junior Membership, Footy supporters pack and 2012 April School Holiday Clinic Entry (Value $120.00+)

DOWNLOAD HERE

WEST PERTH, A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

A Football Club is the sum of all of its parts. These parts include the players, coaching staff, former players, members, supporters, office staff, sponsors, volunteers, the Junior District and Board. All of these groups make a contribution to what we know as the West Perth Football Club and it is very true that you are only as strong as the sum of your parts.

It was at the Banquet Auction, the biggest fundraising event held by West Perth for the year, that the quality of these parts was evident. In what was a fantastically well organised night that was a credit to the Office staff and sponsors there was an obvious group of people who added to the success of the occasion. There were a large number of former players at the function and these in conjunction with the big group of current players and coaching staff added to the event by the commitment shown to the Club beyond what occurs on the ground.

The function of the Banquet Auction is to raise funds for the football department and this year we have certainly seen the benefits of this. The players and coaching staff who shared the night with those present have shown that their commitment extends beyond the considerable amount of time spent training and playing. On-field success is what any Football Club strives for and West Perth has had its fair share but the culture that has developed that has players and coaching staff supporting functions such as this makes everyone involved realise that the Club is heading in the right direction in lots of important ways.

The culture that is the centre piece of any successful organisation develops over time and the presence of a number of former players is a testament to this. It was terrific to see them have a table at the Auction and continue their support of the Football Club that they worked so hard to represent. The bond that players develop as a result of representing the West Perth Football Club is indeed a special one and when it extends to continued support after the playing days are over it is certainly one of the things that you love about the Falcons.

West Perth is fortunate to be led by a coach who is happy to chat about his role, a captain who leads by example on the field and interacts with members, a CEO and Board who spend many hours to advance the Club and former players and players who strive for on-field and off-field success. Throw in a dedicated band of members and supporters and it’s not hard to see why it is a “Grand Old Flag.”

Round 20 Post Interview - Frank Stockley

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Peter catches up with Frank Stockley on the couch after Round 20 about what is happening in and around the club.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS - ROUND 22

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Round 22 on the 20th of August 2011 is Migrant Round which sees West Perth host its final home game of the year against arch rivals East Perth. We look forward to welcoming a variety of new people to the game and teaching them about the sport of AFL.

The West Perth Football Club is seeking any volunteers that are able to give up their time for this game to help out with running the Kids Zone or assisting at the gate. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Please contact Jessy at the Club on 08 9300 3611 or by email at reception@falconsfc.com.au if you are able to assist.

ROUND 21 - EAST FREMANTLE VS WEST PERTH

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

EAST FREMANTLE VS WEST PERTH

ROUND 21

SATURDAY 13^TH AUGUST 2011

WONTHELLA SPORTS GROUND, GERALDTON

LEAGUE – 2:15pm

This week our League side are travelling to the country for the Round 22 clash against East Fremantle so head up to Geraldton to cheer the boys on!

Wonthella Sports Ground is the home of the Towns Football Club and is located on the corner of Eighth Street and Flores Road, GERALDTON WA 6530.

Senior presentations will take place in the Towns Function Centre at 6pm.

All are welcome to attend.

Colts and Reserves games will be played at normal times at East Fremantle Oval.

COLTS – 9:15am

Colts presentations will take place in the function room at 12:10pm.

All are welcome to attend.

RESERVES – 11:45am

MONAGHAN MAINTAINS FAITH IN FALCONS ON WAY TO FINALS

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY CHRIS PIKE

EVENNESS right across its group has been a major reason why West Perth currently sits on top of the WAFL ladder with three games of its 2011 season to go and now despite some injuries creeping in, coach Bill Monaghan has faith in his club's fitness work and depth heading towards finals.

The Falcons success to date this season to currently be atop the ladder with a 13-4 record with games against East Fremantle, East Perth and Swan Districts to go has largely been down to being even with depth in all areas of the field.

There are also a host of players desperate to push up for a regular league berth before the finals including the likes of Frank Stockley, Shaun Bewick, Joe Morrow, Joel Rice, Aaron Back, Marc Crisp, Kody Manning and Jay Tindall.

Monaghan knows that while telling players that perhaps deserve a league game but can't quite break in is never easy, having that depth is crucial to the strength of any side.

"Both our seniors and the reserves are going really well and we've been able to blood a lot of young kids over the last two years. It's now got to a stage where we have a fairly healthy list and it's not easy to pick a side, and there's always unlucky blokes missing out," Monaghan said.

"Whilst that is a great situation to be in, it also causes me a lot of headaches as a coach. Telling guys who probably deserve a game of league footy that they aren’t playing isn’t one of the most enjoyable things of coaching.

"The number, whether it's 22 or 28, we think we have got a healthy list of people to choose from that if it's not this year, at least in the years to come will be very good players for West Perth."

West Perth's second halves all season long has been where it has put a big gap between its opposition as well.

While the first halves have been successful as well with the Falcons outscoring their opposition by a total of 37 points in first quarters and 22 in second terms, the performances after half-time have been outstanding.

In third quarters, West Perth has been 15.14 better than its opponents and outscored its opposition by a total of 137 points in last terms. Monaghan knows that it has been a strength of his side, and feels there is several reasons for it.

"We think that we ran a good program over the pre-season and we changed things up a bit from what they were the last couple of years. We probably did less long running and worked on our intensity-style running," he said.

"Confidence, your form, belief in each other and a game plan is all just as important as fitness sometimes, though, and we often talk about our mental strength as much as our physical strength. The numbers in terms of our second halves are great, but it's also hard to be good across every quarter."

Now West Perth's strong depth could have to be called upon after Josh Mellington (Achilles), Caleb Shadbolt (hamstring) and Matt Guadagnin (leg) suffered injuries in last Saturday's 25-point loss to South Fremantle at Arena Joondalup.

However, Monaghan knows that a good run of injury compared to previous years has certainly helped West Perth get to the position it has and overall the Falcons' squad is in strong shape with Josh Pearce just returning, and Dan Hunt and Ray Bartholomew likely back this week.

"Injuries have a huge bearing on WAFL clubs because depth is always something that clubs strive to have. This year we've been really lucky with long-term type injuries. A lot of the people who have been injured the last couple of years have been experienced like Josh Pearce, Dustin Burns, Luke Tedesco, Hunt and Fleay," Monaghan said.

"They are the types who have been missing and as soon as they've got back to playing solid footy we've been happy with the way we are going. Last year we missed the finals with one more win than the year before and only half a win from two years ago when we finished second.

"Whilst our aim is to always play finals, we have made some improvements from 2009 to last year and now again this year. I thought that last year our mid-range and young players really stood up and whilst we were a game short of playing finals, or percentage, it was a good learning curve. That has held us in good stead this year."

Another move that Monaghan has made in 2011 that has worked a treat has been settling Jeff Gobbels as a hard leading half-forward and Brent LeCras at centre half-back.

LeCras' form deserves to have him rated as the competition's best centre half-back this season and Gobbels one of the best and hardest working forwards. He has kicked 28 goals for the season as well as winning plenty of ball up the ground.

"Gobes has been outstanding. Up to this year he had played 40 senior games and kicked 15 or 16 goals, so this year for him to already be in the 20s with goals has been a significant improvement. He does play a fair bit away from goals as well so kicking goals isn’t always what we judge him on," Monaghan said.

"He presents really hard and he's a perfect example of someone who has been in the system a while, got himself really fit, dropped a couple of kilos and he is really crucial to our set up. Most clubs need that half-forward or centre half-forward who can present to the defenders and then use the ball well coming into the forward-50.

"Lecca's been really good down back and he's always been a player with the ability to play in a variety of positions. This year with our forward structure, although we don’t have one key forward, everyone chipping in has allowed us the advantage of playing Lecca back. His ability to read the play and mark the ball has been really good."

Another way that West Perth's evenness and quality across the field would be highlighted is sure to be in the Breckler Medal count. Right now, Ray Bartholomew, Mark Hutchings, LeCras, Gobbels, Jason Salecic, Steven Browne, Dion Fleay and Andrew Strijk would be right in the running.

"We have a voting system, and I'm not sure what other clubs do but I'm not sure it would be much different, where we rate all our players so the fact that everyone has the ability to score votes on any given day should make it really interesting," Monaghan said.

"I would think there would be four or five guys at least right in the picture, but if you ask them it's probably not what is on their mind at the moment. Consistency across the board we don’t have a lot of star players hence why a lot of people tipped us to finish outside the four again this year. It's a huge advantage for us that we've got the ability to throw it around a bit and hopefully if someone has an off day, we have someone else to stand up."

NOT FAR OFF THE MARK

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

West Perth were very competitive against a strong East Fremantle side in Geraldton on Saturday. The loss can be largely attributed to the Falcons failing to take advantage of the breeze in the first quarter. From this point in time they were always on the back foot put responded gamely to still put themselves in with a winning chance at three quarter time. It was a special day for debutants Cameron Branch and Jordan Lockyer. Both players made a contribution and did not look out of place in the League side.

West Perth won the toss and kicked to the southern end of Wonthella Oval with the aid of a steady breeze. They controlled the play for large parts of the quarter but were not able to turn this into scoreboard pressure. The Falcons opened their scoring with two behinds and did not kick the first goal until the ten minute mark of the quarter. This came as the result of a long kick in that enabled Anthony Tsalikis to handball to Anton Saylor who finished from thirty. Another behind followed before the Sharks Thomas Howlett kicked one against the run of the play. An Andrew Strijk snap went behind at the sixteen minute mark to give the Falcons a four point lead and when, seven minutes later, hometown player Leith Teakle kicked the first of his four East Fremantle had hit the front. Anthony Tsalikis then took the ball off the pack to kick his first but the four point lead at the end of the first term was always going to have the Falcons playing catch up. Scores were 2.4 (16) to 2.0 (12).

East Fremantle showed how to use the breeze to advantage and by the eighteen minute mark had kicked six unanswered goals to race to a thirty five point lead. The goals were kicked from all angles and distances. This was the turning point of the match but to the Falcons credit they steadied with two goals to finish the first half. This put them back into the hunt, although the task was always going to be a difficult one. The Falcons goals went to Anton Saylor who snapped his second and to Jason Salecic who goaled from the square after a strong mark and handball from Andrew Strijk. Scores at the main break were East Fremantle 8.4 (52) to West Perth 4.6 (30).

The Falcons took the lead from the Sharks in the third term and ran hard and kicked the ball long. It took only three minutes for Mark Hutchings to pass to Dustin Burns who had run forward. He kicked accurately from forty five to kick his second goal of the year. A second to Anthony Tsalikis who marked on fifty and kicked from fifty five and a first to debutant Cameron Branch saw the margin reduced to just four at the thirteen minute mark. Leith Teakle stopped the run with his second but “Slick” nailed his third in almost identical fashion to his second. At the twenty two minute mark big man Chris Keunen took a strong pack mark and gave the Falcons the lead with a kick from fifty five. A fourth to Anthony Tsalikis and a first to Brent Lecras who used his trademark sidestep saw the lead out to fourteen and had West Perth well and truly back in it but unfortunately for the Falcons Leith Teakle kicked his third. The goal was confirmed only after the umpire had disallowed it because he thought he heard the siren. But there was still time on the clock and the goal saw the Falcons lead reduced to just nine at the final change. This was always going to be a hard margin to defend. Scores were West Perth 11.8 (74) to 10.5 (65).

West Perth played some of their best football for the game in the first ten minutes of the last quarter but were unable to kick any goals. They used the ball very well to get the ball into scoring areas but kicked three behinds. The first goal for East Fremantle came at the ten minute mark and it was the result of a dubious free kick twenty metres out. The same incident had been called play on all day. Within two more minutes the Sharks had kicked two more goals to lead by six. West Perth really worked hard from here but only managed behinds and it took East Fremantle ten minutes to kick their next goal at the twenty three minute mark; this gave them an eleven point lead. Another goal and two behinds followed in the final minutes of the game and at the end East Fremantle had achieved a nineteen point victory; 15.8 (98) to 11.13 (79). It was great to see the West Perth coaching staff not put players behind the ball during the final term and work at winning the game.

While the loss has almost ensured that the Falcons will not finish on top a second semi final berth looms. One more victory will ensure this. It was disappointing not to come up with a win but the team did work hard and paid the price for not using the breeze to advantage in the first term. Best players included Jason Salecic, Anthony Tsalikis, Aaron Black and best was Luke Tedesco. The final home game takes place at the Arena next week against East Perth. Be there to help the Reserves and League tie up a second semi final game.

JOSH PEARCE LINES UP FOR 150

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Popular Falcons midfielder Josh Pearce plays his 150th game for the club this week against traditional enemy East Perth, and as such is now eligible for Life Membership of the West Perth Football Club.

Pearce, originally recruited from the Sorrento/Duncraig Dolphins Junior Football Club made his debut in jumper number 42 against the Perth Demons on the 13^th April 2002. After two early season losses, new West Perth Coach Darren Harris selected Pearce and fellow debutant Matt Guadagnin and he was not disappointed as the Falcons scored their first win for the season outpointing Perth by 18 points. Current team-mate Brent Le Cras kicked 4 goals that day. As it turned out, Josh was a good luck charm as the Falcons won the first 4 games he played! Josh went on to play 15 games in his debut season, and 12 in the following year – a Falcons premiership year.

Josh was a product of the Falcons talent development system, playing in the usual WAFL development squads and graduating to the Colts program. He was just 19 when he played his first senior game. All up, he has been at the club since he was 13 years old.

In 2005, he won the prestigious Carbone - De Vita award and in 2009 he won the Best Clubman. He also finished third to Hayden Ballantyne and Brad Smith in the West Australian Footballer of the Year but when he attended the Sandover medal that year only polled 1 vote! Asked to provide a snapshot of some of the more humorous incidents in his career, Pearce sites the three years he lived with Dustin Burns as full of funny times, most of which are unable to be written in this article!

He has been a member of the senior leadership group and a club vice captain. Off-field, he has been a model citizen of the football club, treating all staff and volunteers with courtesy and respect and always going out of his way to help others. As a footballer, he was the consummate team player, putting his body on the line at all times, even if it meant succumbing to injury. It would be fair to say that injury, in particular a nasty neck injury, has derailed his last couple of seasons but few players are more deserving of Life Membership at the club.

Let’s hope that the League Team can pay tribute to Josh Pearce this week with a performance that typifies Josh’s character – one full of courage, determination and commitment.

Round 21 Post Interview - Frank Stockley

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Kane catches up with Frank Stockley after the Falcons travel to Geralton to discuss the next few games and the finals.

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ACCESS ALL AREAS

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Follow Club Sport TV as we keep our fingers on the pulse of the mighty West Perth Falcons. Each week for the remainder of the 2011 WAFL season we will give you a VIP pass into the footy club allowing you to Access All Areas. Be sure to jump online and check them out so you don't miss out on all the goings on behind the scenes at Arena Joondalup.

On this week's episode of Access All Areas, Club Sport TV takes you on the road with the Falcons in Geraldton. Host Shayne Hope takes you behind the scenes with 150-gamer Josh Pearce and Anthony Tsalikis talks about his other footballing passion.

http://www.youtube.com/westperthfc

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSH PEARCE

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

Josh Pearce played his 150^th game for West Perth at the Arena on Saturday and earned life membership. It is a terrific achievement by a good bloke who has worked hard to reach this milestone. His contribution to the Falcons has been on and off the field and he is held in high regard by his team mates. Unfortunately it was to be the only highlight for the day as the League side suffered its fourth consecutive loss and the Reserves were over run in the second half. The surprise defeat of South Fremantle by Swan Districts has ensured that West Perth will finish second so the emphasis by the coaching staff has to be to restore the playing belief in the squad that saw them be so successful earlier in the season.

West Perth did not lead at any stage of the game. East Perth had the first major on the board in less than a minute and were never headed. The Falcons battled hard early and only trailed by nine minutes at the twenty five minute mark but three goals to the Royals to finish the term saw them lead by twenty seven at the first change. Anton Saylor and Frank Stockley kicked the only two Falcons goals for the term. At the first change the scores were 2.5 (17) to 7.2 (44).

After eight minutes of the second quarter East Perth had raced to a thirty nine point lead but to the Falcons credit they rallied to reduce the margin to fourteen at the twenty five minute mark but once again East Perth finished best to go into the main break with the same lead that they had established at quarter time. They led; 12.4 (76) to 7.7 (49). Goal kickers for West Perth were Anthony Tsalikis, two to the skipper Jason Salecic and another two to Frank Stockley.

Only three goals were kicked in the third quarter with West Perth being outscored two goals to one. The lone major for the Falcons went to Shane Tregear who received a handball from a boundary throw in and he finished from forty five. This came at the five minute mark and West Perth attacked consistently but wasted opportunities kicking five behinds and two out of bounds on the full. They should have been much closer than the thirty one point three quarter time margin. Scores were East Perth 14.7 (91) to West Perth 8.12 (60).

West Perth steamed out of the blocks in the final quarter and by the ten minute mark had reduced the margin to just ten. It was at this point when a deliberate out of bounds was awarded against Dustin Burns and the resultant play saw East Perth steady with a major. It was just one of a number of baffling umpiring decisions that detracted from the match. The goals had been kicked by Andrew Strijk who kicked the first two and a third to Jason Salecic. The momentum change saw East Perth kick away again and lead by thirty three at the twenty nine minute mark. West Perth finished the game with a major to be defeated by twenty seven, the same margin as at the end of the first and second quarters. The final score was 18.9 (117) to 12.18 (90).

Best players for West Perth were Dan Hunt, Anthony Tsalikis, Jordan Lockyer, Jason Salecic and best was Frank Stockley. West Perth need to regain some credibility and finish off with a victory against Swans at Steel Blue Oval and build some confidence and momentum leading into the finals. All this aside it doesn’t take way from the fact that, according to the eternal optimist “Peachy”, West Perth only has to win two more games for the year because of our good early season form. Dustin Burns plays his 150^th against Swan Districts. The classy backman is popular amongst his team mates and supporters so be there to support him as he joins the elite life membership playing group.

ACCESS ALL AREAS - EPISODE 4

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

This week, Club Sport TV takes a look at last week's Migrant Round against East Perth, Shayne Hope talks with League Coach Bill Monaghan, 150 game milestone man Dustin Burns and Aaron Black takes on KAMBOS Quick Hands.

http://www.youtube.com/westperthfc

2012 KID'S ZONE MEMBERSHIP

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Please be advised that all 2012 Kid's Zone Memberships won't be posted out until February 2012.

Because of this, we advise that applicants delay sending their membership forms in until December 2011.

Thank you for your co-operation on this matter.

BURNER FIRES UP FOR 150

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

2010 Breckler Medallist, Dustin Burns, will achieve Life Membership with the Falcons when he lines up for his 150^th game this weekend against Swan Districts.

This milestone comes just one week after close friend, teammate and former roommate Josh Pearce played his 150^th game against East Perth.

Dustin was recruited from the Wodonga Raiders in 2003, coming to WA with fellow Ovens and Murray League players Brad Murray and Brent Rynehart. He played under Darren Harris in his first year and made his mark wearing no 31 and showing the trademark dash and flair from the backline which we have been so accustomed to seeing over the years.

The “ever popular” Burns has been a model of consistency throughout his career and was Runner-Up in the Breckler Medal in 2006, finished 3^rd in 2008 and took out the club’s highest honour in 2010. In fact 2010 was a standout year for Burner, who played all 20 games and also won the Best Clubman Award.

Club CEO Gerry O’Dea, says that “Dustin has been the perfect recruit. He settled in well and embraced the club immediately upon his arrival and it didn’t take long for us to realise that he himself embodies the type of values that we as a club strive for – honest, reliable, dependable and genuine”.

Burner would love to finish this year as a Life Member and a Premiership Player, so let’s hope that the boys can defeat Swan Districts this weekend and make the charge towards a Grand Final.

A message from the West Perth Football Club

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

FALCONS SEW UP SECOND SEMI FINAL BERTH

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

West Perth guaranteed themselves a second semi final appearance when they defeated Swan Districts by thirty eight points at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday. They were never headed and increased their lead at every change. It was a workman like performance and they have the bye next week to prepare for the top of the table clash against Claremont. Andrew Strijk and Jordan Lockyer were both late withdrawals so the week off will give West Perth the chance to have their best twenty two available for selection. It was also fitting recognition for 150 gamer Dustin Burns and one of the team mates who chaired him off, Josh Pearce, who achieved the milestone last week.

It took six minutes for the first score of the game and it was a major to the Falcons. Cameron Branch laid a good tackle, was rewarded and kicked long to Anthony Tsalikis who finished from close in when the ball came off the back of the pack. It was the first of four for the game for “Slick”. A behind followed before Brent Le Cras marked and majored from fifty and Jeff Gobbels then kicked the first of his three to give the Falcons a nineteen point lead. Swans weren’t on the board at this stage but this changed with a goal to Ryan Davis and another behind. The lead was back to twelve at the nineteen minute mark. West Perth finished the term with three behinds and led 3.4 (22) to 1.1 (7) at the end of the term. They had by far the better of the contest.

It only took the Falcons nine minutes to extend the lead to twenty nine. The two goals came from Shane Tregear and Frank Stockley. Four minutes later Josh Roberts intercepted a West Perth hand ball to put Swans on the board for the term but the West Perth reply came shortly after when Shaun Bewick took the ball off the back of the pack and ran into an open goal. Justin Simpson then reduced the margin to twenty one before Cameron Branch worked the ball forward to Anthony Tsalikis who kicked his second. An industrious West Perth finished the half with two behinds to take a twenty nine point lead into the main break. Scores were 7.8 (50) to 3.3 (21). The Falcons seemed to be in control of the match.

Goals were hard to come by in the third quarter but West Perth outscored Swans two majors to one. The lead was out to thirty five after two minutes when a clean take and accurate pass by Shane Tregear enabled “Slick” to kick his third. The next goal didn’t come until the twenty two minute mark when Jeff Gobbels took a strong grab thirty out, kicked his second, and extended the lead to forty four. The Black Ducks finished the term with a goal and a behind to trail by thirty seven at the final change. West Perth were in control and led 9.12 (66) to 4.5 (29).

Behinds were the order of the day in the final quarter until Anthony Tsalikis marked twenty out and kicked his fourth. Tim Geappen snapped one out of the pack at the twelve minute mark to reduce the margin to thirty four. It is a credit to the West Perth defenders that this was the only goal to the Swans key forwards in Geappen and Hansen. They showed that they are coming back to the form that made them so hard to score against earlier in the season. At the fourteen minute mark Jeff Gobbels kicked his third and two minutes later Brent Le Cras his second. The lead was back out to forty six. Another goal to Swans followed before the skipper got on the board after receiving the footy from Frank Stockley. Jason Salecic led by example all day and set the standard for his team mates. A Swans goal right on the siren saw the margin trimmed to thirty eight; final scores were 13.14(92) to 7.12 (54).

The win cemented second spot and gives the Falcons momentum going into the finals. They have the bye next week but can now direct their planning and thinking to the second semi final clash against Claremont at Claremont. The Reserves suffered a disappointing loss and will now play in the first semi final even after winning fourteen games for the season. The West Perth midfield, let by Jason Salecic, got plenty of the football and gave plenty of opportunities to the forwards

but the work of the back six, led by key defenders Dan Hunt and Dion Fleay, was crucial in setting up the victory. There is much to look forward to in two weeks as a season of hard work has now come down to the wire.

WAFL LEAGUE 2ND SEMI FINAL - CLAREMONT VS WEST PERTH

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

SUNDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER

CLAREMONT OVAL

LEAGUE - 2:15pm - CLAREMONT vs WEST PERTH

West Perth members and supporters will be allowed to sit in the Grandstand at the northern end of the ground or on the scoreboard side of the ground.

West Perth members and supporters WILL NOT be allowed in the Claremont members area. Security will ask you to move if you sit there.

There will be a can bar and extra seating for West Perth members and supporters in the North West Corner of the ground next to the St George Bank Shelter.

ADMISSION PRICES -

Adult - $18.00

Concession - $15.00

Children Under 15 - FREE

WAFL, WCE & FFC Members - $15.00

Please ensure that you keep your West Perth Football Club 2011 Membership Card to present to gate staff for the discounted price at all finals.

PRESENTATIONS -

League presentations will be held after the game at the Stirling Adriatic Centre from 6pm. All members and supporters are welcome!

The Stirling Adriatic Centre is located at 78 Jones Street, STIRLING WA 6021.

PRESIDENT'S LUNCHEON -

Claremont will be holding a luncheon before the League game with tickets costing $75 per person. This includes parking, gate admission, Football Budget, 2 course buffet meal and liquid refreshments from 12:00pm until 2:00pm, armchair seating in the viewing lounge plus afternoon tea at half time of the League game.

West Perth will be allocated 6 tables for our staff, sponsors, members and supporters. If you wish to attend this luncheon on behalf of the West Perth Football Club, please contact Jessy on 08 9300 3611 or by email at reception@falconsfc.com.au to confirm your booking. Reservations are essential and must be made no later than 2:00pm on Tuesday 6th September 2011. STRICTLY NO LATE RSVP'S WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Payment must be made to the Claremont Football Club by Friday the 9th of September 2011 by VISA or MASTERCARD. Please contact Penny at Claremont to arrange payment on 08 9384 9200 or by email at penny@claremonttigers.com

For any enquiries about the luncheon, please contact Penny at Claremont on 08 9384 9200 or by email at penny@claremonttigers.com.

SATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER

EAST FREMANTLE

RESERVES - 11.40am- East Fremantle vs WEST PERTH

ADMISSION PRICES -

Adult - FREE

Concession - FREE

Children Under 15 - FREE

WAFL, WCE & FFC Members -FREE

PLAYER GYM & AUDITORIUM CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

After two years of hard work, construction has finally started work on the most significant building structure in our short tenure at Arena Joondalup.

With the club securing funding from the AFL and the Western Australian State Government in June action plans were quickly put in to working order by club Chief Executive Officer, Gerry O’Dea.

As West Perth Club President, Brett Raponi articulated at the club’s last home game Presidents luncheon, the funding approvals would appear to have been the easy part! Whilst this is not quite true the club did have to present a solid proposal to the AFL, WAFC and the State Government which included the club's direction and vision for the future.

Brett Raponi went on to say that “he was extremely pleased that the AFL and in particular the WAFC have enough believe in the clubs viability at Joondalup and management of club and district affairs to support such a capital expense.”

The club would also like to acknowledge and thank past President and Life Member Phil Hanna for his significant contribution in the planning and approval process and now the construction phase. Gerry O’Dea said that “Phil has been a long time supporter and contributor to the famous West Perth Football Club. His support and expertise has been a real asset to this project and the club and we thank him.”

The gymnasium and player auditorium will add significantly to our player’s facilities and will give Coach Bill Monaghan a new weapon for which to take on this year’s pre season training.

Expect to see an even fitter and stronger West Perth group of young men in 2012 and beyond.

FALCONS FRESH AND RARING TO GO TO TAKE ON TIGERS

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY CHRIS PIKE

WEST Perth coach Bill Monaghan is confident that his young brigade as much as his quality senior playing group are ready for a big September campaign starting this Sunday in the second semi-final against Claremont at Claremont Oval.

While the senior group at West Perth consisting of the likes of Jason Salecic, Dustin Burns, Anthony Tsalikis, Dan Hunt, Josh Pearce, Brent LeCras, Ray Bartholomew and Dion Fleay understandably receive much of the focus at the Falcons, Monaghan is delighted with the young brigade.

While not all of Shayne Zanetti, Frank Stockley, Joe Morrow, Jordan Lockyer, Jay Tindall, Kody Manning, Aaron Black and Shaun Bewick will play, Monaghan has no doubt they are the future of the club along with the early 20s brigade of Steven Browne, Shane Tregear and Mark Hutchings.

The coach feels that the group of emerging players are every bit as important to how they go in the finals as the senior stars.

"We are really happy with the strength of our list and we'd think that there are a number of guys who will be really good players for West Perth over a number of years. We are in a really fortunate situation but what is a concern is when you bring in three or four of them in one hit because you have injuries," Monaghan said.

"If you can bring them in by dribs and drabs and they can learn from the experienced players then that's great for their development. A lot is made of our senior players and we are lucky to have a good core of 100-plus game players but we also have a big list of kids who are 21 and under.

"People forget sometimes that even Hutchings has just turned 20, Zanetti is still 20, Stockley is only 21, Aaron Black is 18, Josh Mellington when he's playing is 18, Kody Manning is 19 and then Lockyer is only 18.

"Even Tregear and Browne, our other two recruits, are only 23 and 22, and that has been part of our strategy to get blokes into our system who will be long-term players whether they be recruits or our own kids. I think a lot of people focus on our experienced players, which is great, but we are still trying to bring a lot of our kids through as well."

Of those senior players, though, having played so long together they without doubt are desperate to achieve something together and Monaghan has no doubt his squad is supremely motivated, and now he expects nothing but for them to give their all for two, or three, finals.

"What you realise at 25, 26 or even 30 if you are LeCras and Burns is that your opportunities don’t come around too often. Sometimes when you are 18 or 19 you roll up to a footy club, train hard, go out and play, and just enjoy being around your mates and think you'll play for another 10 years and that success will come at some stage," he said.

"We have a really motivated group of players and I think we have enough talent to test the other sides and it's just a matter of whether we can get it all to click on a couple of more days for the year.

"We just need to keep remaining positive and attack every contest, and every quarter in whatever games we have left. We need to do that with everything we've got and all I'll ask the players is to leave nothing in the tank. Sometimes if you aren’t good enough, you are not good enough and we'll find that out but I'm sure they will give everything."

No matter how the finals series pans out for West Perth, given it has won three more games than 2010, finished in second position having been on top for half the season and now will either host a preliminary final or be preparing for a grand final after Sunday, the 2011 campaign has been a success.

However, Monaghan doesn’t want to think about that just yet while there is still a finals campaign to hopefully achieve something special in ahead of his team.

"I guess it depends on how you describe success. It's an improvement of where we were last year and definitely an improvement from my first year. We've been steadily building and what we need to make sure now is that we don’t think that what we've done in the home and away season is enough to say that we've improved or that it's a success," he said.

"Ultimately you are only judged on where you finish at the end of the year and finals are a great opportunity for individuals and teams to show their mettle. That's what we are thinking of and then obviously we'll sit back at some stage and reflect on what we've done well, and what we can improve, but we've got a bit to get through before that."

Having broken a four-game losing run with a Round 23 win over Swan Districts and then a bye last week, Monaghan feels the preparation to take on Claremont on Sunday at Claremont Oval is pretty good and he feels his team will have no excuse for not performing strongly.

"In the end what looked like being an ordinary situation having a bye in the last round has turned out to be really good for us. It has allowed us to recharge our batteries and get a few blokes over a couple of little niggling injuries," he said.

"The players have been really positive with it so the fact is that we shouldn’t have any excuse why we don’t come out running. Then it's just a matter of whether or not our football ability is good enough to challenge Claremont. We think it is so it's a really exciting time for us."

As for players currently out injured, Matt Guadagnin won't play this Sunday but could play the Falcons' next game whether that's the preliminary or grand final. Caleb Shadbolt will be struggling, but Jordan Lockyer and Andrew Strijk will also be available to take on Claremont.

"Matt Guadagnin we thought was a real chance to play this week, but he won't play. In a perfect world if we could go straight through to a grand final he is 110 per cent to be ready for then. We think he is a certain to play also if we happen to play preliminary final weekend," Monaghan said.

"Shadbolt is really struggling and he had a significant hamstring tear so he's touch and go and at best he is some chance to play prelim final weekend, but unfortunately for us and him he is probably going to be available grand final week.

"Should we get that far that would present a real dilemma. Strijk and Lockyer missed our last game both through illness and they are both available this week. Obviously Andrew will play and we haven’t yet finalised whether Jordan will squeeze his way back in or not.

"He had been very good but Kody Manning was extremely good against Swans. That has thrown up a little curve ball to us and it's more so that we've had a few blokes who have been carrying some niggling injuries. There were three or four blokes who had some time off and others who had cortisone injections so we think that collectively that the 22 we put on the park will be 100 per cent right."

One unlucky story come Sunday could be Lockyer after he fell ill and was forced to miss the Round 23 game against Swan Districts. Manning came in to take his place and was outstanding in defence with 17 possessions and a host of contested marks. Monaghan was suitably impressed.

"Kody played a couple of games earlier and he has been really good in our reserves all year. Probably where he plays he has been a bit of a victim because our back six has been pretty stable and it's difficult to break into," Monaghan said.

"He had a couple of games when we started getting injuries and he was solid without being great, and then against Swans he really stepped up and showed us and everyone else the ability he's got. I'd expect him to hold his spot, he was probably in our best four or five players on the day.

"I know that there's been times that people have been dropped for someone returning, but to Jordan's detriment it's not as if we are bringing back an experienced player. I don’t think both of them will get a game even though it might work out that way when we look at Claremont's team because they have been going a lot taller forward recently with Handley, Lee, Crawford, Wilkes and Jones."

2011 PRELIMINARY FINAL - WEST PERTH VS SUBIACO

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

ARENA JOONDALUP

LEAGUE - 2:15pm - WEST PERTH VS SUBIACO

ADMISSION PRICES -

Adult - $18.00

Concession - $15.00

Children Under 15 - FREE

WAFL, WCE & FFC Members - $15.00

Please ensure that you keep your West Perth Football Club 2011 Membership Card to present to gate staff for the discounted price at all finals.

PRESENTATIONS -

League presentations will be held after the game in the Premiers Suite at Arena Joondalup from 6pm. All members and supporters are welcome!

FORWARD IN FAITH FESTIVAL -

All members and sponsors need to be aware that a three day religious festival “Forward in Faith” has been scheduled to run at Arena Joondalup on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this weekend. It finishes on Sunday the 18^th of September 2011 at 1:00pm.

This event is outside of the control of the West Perth Football Club but we apologise for any inconvenience and advise all members and sponsors to allow plenty of time to get to the game and find parking. Venues West have advised that overflow parking will be available on the Athletics Oval at the western end of the facility. Patrons should follow the Venues West parking attendants to this oval.

The main game between West Perth and Subiaco commences at 2:15pm, however gates will be open from 11:00am onwards.

There will be no Reserves or Colts fixtures on the day.

PRESIDENT'S LUNCHEON -

The West Perth Football Club will be holding a luncheon before the League game with tickets costing $95 per person. This includes parking, gate admission, Football Budget, buffet meal and liquid refreshments from 12:00pm until 2:00pm, reserved seating plus afternoon tea at half time of the League game.

If you wish to attend the President's luncheon, please contact Jessy on 08 9300 3611 or by email at reception@falconsfc.com.au to confirm your booking. Reservations are essential and must be made no later than 2:00pm on Tuesday 13th September 2011. STRICTLY NO LATE RSVP'S WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Payment must be made to the West Perth Football Club by Friday the 16th of September 2011 by VISA, MASTERCARD, CHEQUE OR CASH.

For any enquiries about the luncheon, please contact Jessy at the Club on 08 9300 3611 or by email at reception@falconsfc.com.au.

Please click on the link below for more information about the President's Luncheon.

2011 Preliminary Final Luncheon

OUTCLASSED

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

West Perth was given an idea of the magnitude of the task to win the 2011 Premiership at Claremont Oval on Sunday. Claremont was clearly the best side on the day and increased the lead at each change to run out eighty five point victors in the second semi final. The Falcons were never in the hunt on a day that their skills did not match their endeavour.

Claremont won the toss and kicked to the Railway end and they dominated the first quarter. They had raced to a twenty five point lead by the thirteen minute mark with spearhead Chad Jones kicking three. The first Falcon score came a minute later and was a behind to Josh Pearce. The hard run and accurate use of the football by Claremont saw them take the lead out to thirty nine before West Perth scored their first goal. It resulted after Shane Tregear received a free after laying a tackle. He finished from forty on the boundary. Another behind to Claremont followed and the writing was on the wall at the end of the first term with West Perth trailing by thirty four; 6.5 (41) to 1.1 (7).

Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished in the second quarter as Claremont extended the lead to fifty two after nine minutes. They were in complete control. Two minutes later Frank Stockley took advantage of a free kick down the ground to kick the Falcons second from forty. But once again Claremont dictated play and at the twenty seven minute mark had raced to a sixty five point lead. This was reduced by six after a Brent Le Cras handball set up Marc Crisp who ran in to finish from thirty. The game was over at half time with Claremont leading 12.6 (78) to 3.1 (19).

The tempo increased in the third term and West Perth kicked majors courtesy of Cameron Branch and Andrew Strijk. This occurred in the first three minutes as the Falcons endeavoured to build up some momentum. The run was halted after three consecutive free kicks saw Claremont kick a major. West Perth responded by taking the ball out of the middle and getting the ball into the hands of Jeff Gobbels who marked forty out. This was to be West Perth’s last goal for the term as Claremont once again controlled play to extend their lead to seventy four at the final change. They led 17.11 (113) to 6.3 (39).

The West Perth endeavour continued in the final quarter but it did not prevent them being outscored six goals to four. The Falcons goal kickers were Anthony Tsalikis who marked strongly to kick two, Kody Manning who kicked a clever goal from the boundary and Steven Browne. The final score was 23.13 (151) to 10.6 (66); a margin of eighty five points.

The challenge for the Falcons is to regroup to face a rampant Subiaco. There is no doubt that they will be improved by the run after a week off but they will need to recapture their early season form to defeat the Lions. It would be great to have another shot at the Tigers because West Perth has shown that they have the capacity to shut them down and Claremont have proven to be vulnerable to teams who can do this. Be there at the Arena on Sunday to show that it can still be a Grand Old Flag. Commiserations to the reserves who were very gallant in their seven point loss to East Fremantle in the First Semi. It was a high quality game and they just failed to get over the Sharks.

FORWARD IN FAITH FESTIVAL

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

The main game between West Perth and Subiaco commences at 2:15pm, however gates will be open from 11:00am onwards.

There will be no Reserves or Colts fixtures on the day.

LEGEND'S LETTER / CODE OF CONDUCT

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Please find attached a copy of a letter we are calling the ‘Legends Letter.’

It has been signed by a number of former greats and current players of the club and outlines the need for all West Perth members and supporters to adhere to our Code of Conduct on match days.

As a result of our last home game against East Perth, we have been fined $1,000 and have another suspended fine of $5,000 hanging over our heads to ensure we actively address this problem.

It’s unfortunate that the actions of a small few have tarnished the club as we head into a crucial preliminary final against Subiaco.

The letter asks that we all work together to improve the game day environment at Arena Joondalup, and ensure that everyone has the right to enjoy their day at the football, win, lose or draw.

If you have any feedback or comments, please send it through to me at ceo@falconsfc.com.au

Kind regards,

Gerry O’ Dea

WPFC CEO

Legend's Letter

2011 Member Code of Conduct

2011 BRECKLER MEDAL COUNT

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

This year's Breckler Medal Count will be held at the Joondalup Resort on Monday the 3rd of October 2011 from 6:30pm.

To book your ticket, please contact Jessy at the Club on 08 9300 3611 or by email at promotions@falconsfc.com.au

Payment must be made to secure your booking.

There are strictly 200 seats available so get in quick to secure your seat. TABLES OF 10 ONLY.

Please see the invitation attached for all the information.

Invitation

PROMISING SEASON COMES TO AN END

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

West Perth’s 2011 season came to an end at the Arena on Sunday. The low scores reflected the wet and blustery conditions that persisted throughout the match and as can be imagined the game was a real slog. Both teams battled hard in a game that had a grand final berth at stake but Subiaco did best to win by fifteen points.

Subiaco won the toss and kicked to the northern end with the aid of a strong breeze. The West Perth defence held up really well only allowing the Lions to score one goal. This came at the seven minute mark from rookie George Hampson who kicked three for the game. When Jeff Gobbels received a free kick thirty out and finished accurately scores were all tied up after eleven minutes. The rest of the quarter saw only behinds scored and at the first change Subiaco led 1.4 (10) to 1.2 (8). The Falcons would have been pleased with their first term.

The tight contest continued in the second quarter. Matt Guadagnin gave the Falcons the lead for the first time in the game when he took the ball off the pack and majored from forty. West Perth had started the term well and led by six after seven minutes. The lead was short lived as two goals in a minute gave the Lions back the ascendancy. One of these was a second to George Hampson. It took fifteen minutes for the next goal to be scored and it was after an Anton Saylor mark forty out. At the end of a tough first half West Perth had their noses in front leading 3.6 (24) to 3.4 (22).

It is not very often in league football these days that a four goal quarter can be the turning point of the game but this was the case on Sunday. Subiaco attacked consistently for the whole quarter. Their sequence of scoring was halted at the twenty four minute mark with a rushed behind to the Falcons but by this time the Lions led by eighteen. A third goal to George Hampson two minutes later took the lead out to four goals straight and this was always going to be hard to peg back. West Perth was given some hope though when they took the ball straight out of the middle and Andrew Strijk kicked a long ball that bounced through. This reduced the margin to eighteen going into the final quarter. Scores were 7.7 (49) to 4.7 (31).

As expected West Perth began the final term as if their season depended on it and at the five minute mark Jeff Gobbells second goal had reduced the margin to ten and had them in with a chance. There were a number of ball ups and boundary throw ins as both teams fought to gain the advantage. Unfortunately for Falcons fans the only other goal for the term went to Subiaco at the twelve minute mark. This gave them a sixteen point lead and despite a number of Falcons attacking moves the margin was still fifteen at the final siren. Subiaco had triumphed 8.8 (56) to 5.11 (41).

It was a season that produced many highs but did not deliver the finish that was hoped for. Josh Pearce played his last game for the Falcons and he has been a fine player and a good bloke for the Football Club and I am sure that all Falcons supporters wish him well. Josh was amongst the best players and others to receive awards included Steven Browne, Dion Fleay, Joe Morrow, Luke Tedesco and Mark Hutchings who finished the season as he started it with a best player performance. Let’s wait and see what the off season brings but keep true to the red and blue.

FALCONS LOOKING TO QUICKLY MOVE FORWARD

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BY CHRIS PIKE

WEST Perth might have lost Sunday's preliminary final to Subiaco but coach Bill Monaghan was at least proud that his group gave their all after a disappointing second semi-final as the Falcons turn their focus quickly to 2012.

West Perth was able to put in a competitive effort in the preliminary final at Arena Joondalup before losing to Subiaco by 15 points following an 85-point second semi-final loss to Claremont.

Monaghan was obviously disappointed to still end the 2011 season that way, but the JJ Leonard Medallist for WAFL coach of the year was able to pull some positives out of it for the Falcons.

While in the end Sunday's preliminary final loss to Subiaco still meant that West Perth bowed out of the finals, Monaghan was at least proud that his players gave their all against the in-form Lions in terrible conditions.

"We had a fantastic start to the year, our form tapered away and we were terrible against Claremont in the second semi-final. I was really proud of the way that the players fought this week, though, and they lifted but obviously in the end it wasn’t enough to get us over the line," Monaghan said.

"I don’t think that they died wondering, it was just a bad patch in the third quarter when we got belted around the stoppages when they got a couple of goals that hurt us. We peppered away in the last quarter without any great fluency or structure, but we kept coming and I don’t think the players threw the towel in. You have to be happy with that at least."

In fact, Monaghan did feel that the plans that West Perth took into the game against Subiaco, and in those conditions, worked quite well but in the end the Lions' quality just proved a bit too good in the end.

"Most of the things that we had planned going into the game went reasonably well. We've been watching them of late and they have been controlling the ball by foot. We made a real pact to stop them marking the ball, and we kept them to 37 marks on the day which is a really good effort considering we took 96," he said.

"I thought our ball use, whilst at times it was shaky, in the conditions we used it pretty well and the boys really stepped up in that regard. I thought our attack on the football was reasonable, but at the end of the day their strong bodies over the ball got them over the line with guys like Cockie, Bristow and Horsley.

"They were just a bit cleaner with the ball in close even though we had the better of it in open spaces. They probably just got us on the inside a bit, but I don’t think it was from a lack of trying. They were just a bit cleaner than us."

While West Perth has a strong group of experienced players, Monaghan has been pleased that he's been able to blood youngsters like Aaron Black, Kody Manning, Jordan Lockyer, Shayne Zanetti and Frank Stockley quite a bit throughout the season.

"That's a great dilemma with a lot of sides and we are no different. We have a lot of senior players and whilst that is good, there is a bit of a void behind them. Over this whole year, though, but more particularly the last six or seven weeks, we've been able to get games into kids and we think that will hold us in good stead down the track," Monaghan said.

"We can't hide behind the fact also that we've gone out in straight sets and it was a huge improvement on what we gave last week, but as a coach you see that a side without a spine or substance about them could have easily thrown in the towel this week and not had a crack. The fight in this group is good, but it just didn’t quite go to plan this week. They never threw the towel in though."

Another young player that Monaghan took a punt on to bring into the preliminary final was Joe Morrow, and he did a superb job shutting down dangerous Subiaco forward Danny Hughes.

"Joe Morrow is a very good player and we haven’t seen the best of him over the last two years. He's been out with a stress fracture related foot injury last year, and then this year he has had a range of problems as well," he said.

"I think this week we saw a glimpse of what potentially Joe can give us and I think if he had stayed sound the last couple of years, he could have found himself on an AFL list. He's probably 6'3, he runs well, reads the ball well and marks it. He just hasn’t been able to get on the park.

"We took a huge gamble with him because he has hardly played in the second half of the year, but to give him the job on an exceptionally good runner and influential player in Danny Hughes was a big task and he did an exceptional job with it."

While the majority of West Perth's senior players are expected to play on in 2012, 153-game star Josh Pearce did retire after Sunday's game and Monaghan couldn't speak more highly of the life member.

"Josh has put a lot into the West Perth Football Club and we thank him for his contribution. He has been a fantastic player, but more importantly fantastic person around the club," Monaghan said.

"I just said to the other guys who might be contemplating retiring or moving on, to just sit back and reflect for a while and in the course of the next week or two I will sit down to have individual meetings with all the players. We won't make any hasty decisions. I would expect two or three people not to be here next year, but there won't be a huge number who won't come back."

2011 FALCONS GOLF CLASSIC

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Please find attached the brochure and team registration form for the annual 2011 FALCONS GOLF CLASSIC.

This year we have decided to move back to our original venue - The Joondalup Resort and Country Club, one of the finest golf courses in Australia.

For the low bargain price of $160 per person or $640 per team, you will receive lunch, 18 holes of golf with buggy, on-course refreshments and awards function with drinks and finger food at day’s end. This is an important day in the Falcons calendar, and is always fun to pit your team against others. Players, sponsors, members, supporters, media and past players all come together for a great day’s entertainment with excellent prizes and competitions.

Who can forget the betting hole on the Quarry Par 3, one of the most picturesque golf holes in Australia!

I would urge all of you to make a special effort this year to put a team together and support the West Perth Football Club. You don’t have to be a regular player – it’s a great day to thrash around and enjoy some Joondalup Resort hospitality. If you can’t play yourself, please pass the information on to your friends or work networks and help us generate some interest in the day.

Should you have any questions, please contact Gerry O'Dea at the Club on 08 9300 3611 or by email at ceo@falconsfc.com.au.

Don’t forget that dress standards apply at the Resort. Golf clubs can also be hired from the Resort.

Brochure

Registration

FLEAY GRABS THIRD BRECKLER MEDAL

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1100

Another remarkably consistent season has seen leading West Perth defender Dion Fleay add a third Breckler Medal to his already impressive war chest. Fleay, who also won the medal in 2006 and 2007 has now truly stamped himself as a Falcons great.

Fleay polled 134 votes to win from Carlton recruit Steven Browne on 122 and skipper Jason Salecic third on 116. Also finishing in the top 5 were ruckman Chris Keunen on 98 and half-forward Jeff Gobbels on 94.

Fleay went to the front early on in the count, and was never headed. Other prominent early vote getters included Mark Hutchings, Brent LeCras and Dan Hunt. Fleay’s win caps off a stellar season where he also represented WA in State football and was named in the WAFL Team of the Year. He also became a father for the first time when his wife Janelle delivered baby Jaxon, who was born on June 13.

The Ennis Medal for best and fairest in the Reserves went to strong defender Kody Manning, who made his League debut late in the season. Manning, who hails from Ocean Ridge JFC defeated Paul Elisseou and Luke Hendriks in a close count.

The Dominish Medal in the Colts was won by another Ocean Ridge JFC product – Jack Thrum, who won a cliff-hanger by one vote from James Batterham.

Other awards included:

Ray Scott Memorial goal-kicking award – Anthony Tsalikis
Townshend Financial Sacrificial Acts – Jason Salecic
Best Clubman – Joel Rice
Wayne Dayman Courage Award – Luke Tedesco
Coaches Award – Matt Guadagnin
Weather Wizard Rookie of the Year – Aaron Black
Ross McMillan Volunteer of the Year – Kathleen Tompsitt

VACANCY: HEAD COACH, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club is currently seeking a suitably qualified person for the position of Head Coach, Strength and Conditioning.

In this position you will take a lead role in the delivery of the strength and conditioning strategy for the West Perth Football Club. This will include developing and articulating a vision for the Falcon’s strength and conditioning program, provision and monitoring of a training plan that includes team and individual programs and ensuring the integration of these programs across all grades.

To be considered for this position, you should possess the following knowledge and experience:

1. Tertiary qualifications in Human Movement and/or qualification in Strength and Conditioning (ESSENTIAL).

2. At least three years pratical experience in planning and implementing elite football training programs, including player development and rehabilitation strategies.

3. Demonstrated understanding of medical, nutrition, rehabilitation, sports psychology and skill acquisition fundamentals and experience in application of these principles.

4. Outstanding organisation, planning and communication skills.

5. Ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of people.

For a copy of the Job Description or to discuss further, please contact Brad Lukosius, Football Operations Manager on 0403 181 031.

Applications outlining experience and knowledge can be sent to footballmanager@falconsfc.com.au by the close of business on Wednesday the 12^th October 2012.

GYM AND AUDITORIUM TAKING SHAPE

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1100

As we drift through the middle of spring the football club has not stopped in fact its gathering pace.

With Pre season training set to kick off November 14^th our new gymnasium and player auditorium is going ahead at a rapid pace.

Poor weather that had initially affected the early stages but now Phil Hanna has his team of construction workers going at full steam.

The wall panels and wall insulation are now in place. The structure is taking to take real shape inside and out.

The club would like to thank Curt Lipscombe from CPR Electrical for his firm’s contribution to this project.

Curt is a mighty Garlic Muncher who also has a soft spot for the Collingwood Football Club.

2011 Volunteer and Sponsor Appreciation Night Invitation

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

BARDEN BECOMES A FALCON

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football is pleased to announce the signing of Darcy Barden to the club for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Barden, a 192cm 19 year old, played for Vic Metro in the 2010 under-18 championships where he impressed as a key forward averaging 13 disposals, 6 marks and kicking 11 goals. He was touted as a possible draft pick and was considered unlucky not to be picked up by an AFL club.

In 2011 Darcy played for Lower Plenty FC with his two brothers and not only did he win a flag and was adjudged best on ground in the grand final, but he also won the League’s best and fairest award.

Football Operations Manager Brad Lukosius is delighted with the signing and says that “Darcy is a great kid with a good work ethic and a real determination to take the next step with his footy. We as a club are more than happy to give him that opportunity and look forward to his contribution to the team.

2011 FALCONS GOLF CLASSIC

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1100

On an overcast day where the weather threatened us with rain, 26 teams took to the greens at the Joondalup Country Club & Resort on Tuesday the 25th of October 2011 for the annual Falcons Golf Classic. Lucky for us though the rain held off and we had a fantastic day on the course. It was great to see former and current players Glenn Britten, Brett Cousins, Laurie Richards, Ray Bartholomew, Luke Hendricks, Steven Browne, Marc Crisp, Tim Guatta & Andrew Strijk out on the course this year along with sponsors and staff of the Club.

The winners this year with a score of 50 were the boys from the Nolli Masters team - David Farrell, Kieron Strahan, Robert Bunn and Rick Roberts. Team AMCAP - Nick Papanaoum, Joe Agnello, Darryl Gibaud & Gerry Clifton took out 2nd place with current players Marc Crisp, Tim Guatta & Andrew Strijk along with Marc's Dad Brad taking out 3rd place. The NAGA award for last place went to Team CPR 2 - Curt Lipscombe, Scott Oxlade, Will Appleford and Glenn Fraser.

Special thanks must go to CPR Electrical Services, Major Motors, Santana Electrical & NT Truss Group for their geneous support and sponsorship of the event. In particular, special thanks to Brent Howard from Major Motors for organising the donation of prizes for our winners.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

1ST PLACE - NOLLI MASTERS - SCORE: 50

David Farrell

Kieron Strahan

Robert Bunn

Rick Roberts

2ND PLACE - AMCAP - SCORE: 51.75

Nick Papanaoum

Joe Agnello

Darryl Gibaud

Gerry Clifton

3RD PLACE - CHIPPA'S CHUMPS - SCORE: 52.125

Marc Crisp

Andrew Strijk

Tim Guatta

Brad Crisp

NAGA / LAST PLACE - CPR 2 - SCORE: 66

Curt Lipscombe

Scott Oxlade

Will Appleford

Glenn Fraser

NEAREST TO THE PIN - LAKE HOLE 8

Marc Crisp

NEAREST TO THE PIN - QUARRY HOLE 7

Paul Bloxham

LONGEST DRIVE - LAKE HOLE 7

Paul Matthews

LONGEST DRIVE - QUARRY HOLE 8

Craig Bennett

STRAIGHT DRIVE - LAKE HOLE 1

Marilyn Anderson

STRAIGHT DRIVE - QUARRY HOLE 6

Glenn Britten

Congratulations also to Trevor Johnson, Jamie White, Peter Fay & Wayne Ovenden who each won $100 cash on the betting hole after pulling off some great shots on the Quarry 3. Not a bad return for a $10 bet!

The Golf Classic provides the Club with a great opportunity each year to raise vital funds and ensure that West Perth is able to prosper both on and off the field. We would like to thank everyone who participated in our 2011 Falcons Golf Classic and look forward to seeing everyone back for another entertaining and enjoyable day in 2012!!

To check out the photos from the event, click on the photo gallery on the home page or click on the following link - http://www.westperthfc.com.au/gallery/2011-falcons-golf-classic/

VOLUNTEER AND SPONSOR APPRECIAITON NIGHT

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1100

On Wednesday the 2nd of November the West Perth Football Club held their Volunteer and Sponsor Appreciation Night. All volunteers and sponsors were invited to attend and celebrate a good season. It was a great opportunity for volunteers and sponsors to come together, relax and reminisce on the season just past. President Brett Raponi addressed the guests, thanking everyone for their support and generosity in 2011. Brett made a special thank you to the partners and families of volunteers and sponsors for their support and commitment to the Club.

Our volunteers and sponsors are the life and blood of the club and we would like to once again sincerely thank you all for your efforts throughout the 2011 season. We look forward to seeing everyone back at the Club in 2012!

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH APPOINTED AS GYM TAKES SHAPE

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Jarrod Wade as our new Strength and Conditioning Head Coach. Jarrod comes to us from the Geelong FC where he has been a full time member of the strength and conditioning team since 2009. He has also been Chris Scott’s right-hand man in the box, taking charge of the opposition match-up board in 2010/2011.

Football Operations Manager, Brad Lukosius says “Jarrod’s experience with an AFL powerhouse like Geelong can only improve and make us better when it comes to the preparation and management of our player’s and we are delighted that he has taken the opportunity to move to the Falcons”.

Jarrod’s appointment coincides with the nearing completion of the new gym and auditorium development, which is on track for the players to use when they get back for January training. The recent completion of the flooring to the auditorium has provided a real sense of just how much bigger the new facility will be, with the available floor space increasing by over twice the size of the original gym.

Jarrod’s appointment and the new gym development signal a new era for the club as it continues to strive towards best practice and creating a centre of excellence at Arena Joondalup.

FALCONS XMAS SPECIALS

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1100

MEMBERSHIP EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1100

REMINDER: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1100

West Perth Football Club's Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday the 14th of December 2011 in the Premiers Suite at Arena Joondalup. Attendees must be current financial members of the football club.

Prior to the AGM a tour of the new gym/auditorium will be conducted by the Chief Executive Officer Gerry O'Dea and Senior Coach Bill Monaghan commencing at 7pm.

Four new Life Members will be ratified on the night. Be there to congratulate players Josh Pearce and Dustin Burns as well as Pieter Haverhoek and Dr Greg Smith.

PETTIGREW RETURNS

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club is pleased to announce the return of former player Michael Pettigrew back to the Falcons. The signing of Pettigrew, a 100 game AFL player with Port Adelaide Football Club, is a major boost to the Falcons playing stocks and the club is delighted that he has decided to return to his club of origin.

Football Operations Manager, Brad Lukosius is pleased that Michael has agreed to terms and says that “Michael’s experience and professionalism will be a valuable acquisition to our team and we look forward to him having an impact at WAFL level”. “Michael’s return is also a testament to the ability of the West Perth Football Club to attract former players to return, even after 8 years away, as is the case with Michael”.

DECLARATION OF ELECTION - WPFC DIRECTORS

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1100

At the AGM on Wednesday 14th December 2011 Club Returning Officer and CEO Gerry O’ Dea will advise members that at the closing of nominations there had been two names put forward for election as Directors.

Peter Kambouris (Director)

Wayne Gray (Director)

As there were only two nominations for two vacancies a ballot was not needed. Pursuant to Rule 35 of the Constitution of the Club, the Returning Officer will formally declare that Messrs Kambouris and Gray shall be elected as Directors, for the specified term of two years, namely 2012 and 2013.

President Brett Raponi and Directors Scott Ballem, Richard Homsany, Steve Morgan and Jim Caffieri both have one more year to run of their term.

Treasurer Ray Holden has resigned and been replaced by former board member and CPA Basil Musca.

At the AGM, players Josh Pearce and Dustin Burns will both receive Life Membership of the club for playing 150 games, whilst long standing volunteers Pieter Haverhoek and Dr Greg Smith have also been awarded Life membership of the club.

MATT FOWLER JOINS THE FALCONS

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Matt Fowler and welcomes him to the Falcon family. Matt is a strong, lead-up forward who has come to the club via Southport Football Club in the QAFL where he played in 2011. Matt made his VFL debut for Gold Coast in 2010 and went on to play 8 games that year. He also kicked 38 goals from 17 matches for Gold Coast in the 2009 TAC Cup.

Chooka, as he is known to his mates, has arrived in Perth and commenced pre-season training and is looking forward to having an impact in the WAFL.

FALCONS IN FOXTEL CUP

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Falcons will kick off our inaugural Foxtel Cup against Canberra powerhouse, the Ainslie Football Club on Saturday 21st April 2012 at the Blacktown International Sports Park in Sydney.

Ainslie won the ACT AFL premiership in 2010 by defeating the Sydney Swans Reserves team 19.11 (125) to 10.13 (73). Ainslie have long proud and successful history dating back to 1927. With 23 premiership cups in the trophy cabinet they are sure to be a challenge for the WAFL’s oldest and proudest football club in West Perth.

West Perth president Brett Raponi said “this is a fantastic opportunity for our coaches and players to show case themselves on a national stage. The Foxtel Cup will provide unprecedented national exposure for the West Perth Football Club and we look forward to representing the Falcon faithful and in fact the state of WA to the best of our ability.”

For all Falcon fans, you won’t have to miss a minute of the action with game being televised live on the new Fox Footy channel from 9am WST.

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1100

Every year the West Perth FC has young players making the transition to Perth to further their football careers. Some of these young men come from our country zone and some from interstate.

In most cases they can find it difficult to juggle work and study etc with their football commitments whilst at the same time getting used to a new environment. To help with this transition and reduce some of the difficulties, the club is looking for friendly and caring people who may be interested in becoming a host family for these young players.

The host family arrangement is of a temporary nature and the club and/or player would assist with living costs for the duration. If you think you could be a host family or to register your interest please contact Brad Lukosius on 9300 3611 or footballmanager@falconsfc.com.au

WEST COAST EAGLE FLIES INTO FALCONS NEST

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Former West Coast Eagle player Jordan Jones has agreed to a two year contract with the West Perth Football Club.

Jones, originally from the Geelong Falcons, was recruited by the West Coast Eagles and has spent the past three years on their list. Jones' performance in the 2008 Under 18 National Championships for Vic Country as a centre half back saw him drafted at pick 52 of that year.

Jones finished third in Peel Thunder’s Fairest and Best award in season 2011. He has played some of his best football against the Falcons in our last two losses to Peel in 2010 and 2011. Jones was also awarded Peels “Most Consistent” trophy for his 2011 season. The 21 year old played a total of 47 games for Peel Thunder and 2 games for West Coast.

Jones trained recently with the Western Bulldogs upon their invitation in the hope of being re drafted to the AFL. Whilst this did not happen the door is certainly not shut with as many as 37 mature age players being drafted this year for 2012.

West Perth see an exciting future for Jordan who can play as a running back, key position or a mobile midfielder. West Perth Football Manager Brad Lukosius said “Jordan was a key recruiting target for the Club because he would add versatility to the midfield and / or defence and has been a consistently strong performer in the WAFL for the past few seasons.”

We welcome Jordan to the Falcons and wish him well for 2012.

MEMBERS RESERVED SEATING

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club is pleased to announce that in 2012 we will be offering our Members Reserved Seating in the Upper Level of the Whinnen Dempsey Stand.

We are more than happy to trial this after having a number of requests from our members. Reserved Seating will be offered to 2012 Members for $50 per seat. Your seat will be marked with your name for the entire 2012 Season.

We will be taking bookings for seats starting in mid February. So start organising with your friends and have the names ready of the people you want to sit with. There will be a designated area in the Whinnen Dempsey stand for you to select your seat from. It will be first in best dressed in regards to seat selection.

More information will be available in February.

POLA LAST LINK WITH GREAT WEST PERTH TEAM

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

West Perth's 1941 Premiership Captain and Life Member, Jack "Spike" Pola, has died aged 97.

Pola, who played 152 games for West Perth and was the last surviving member of the 1941 team, passed away last Friday.

He was recruited from the strong Mt Hawthorn Metropolitan Juniors side and played a single game in West Perth's premiership year of 1935.

He played 17 games in his second season with the club.

A nuggetty rover, Pola was vice-captain in 1940 and led the side to a hard-fought 21-point victory over minor premiers East Fremantle in the grand final the following year.

He was forced to sit out of football from 1942-1944 when the league became an underage competition because of World War II, but returned as captain in 1945 and played through until the middle of 1947, when he retired.

West Perth President Brett Raponi said Pola had maintained an interest in the club and had presented league players with their jumpers at a function before last season.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of one our club's great captains," Raponi said.

"I was only talking to Wally Price on the weekend and he said that Spike played with 110 per cent commitment week in and week out."

Pola, whose wife Alice died in 2003, is survived by a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren

2012 BANQUET AUCTION

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

SEEKING DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS!

2012 BANQUET AUCTION DONATIONS

The West Perth Football Club will be holding its annual Banquet Auction on Saturday 4th August 2012 at the Stirling Adriatic Centre. This occasion represents the largest single component of our club’s annual fundraising ventures and as such, is extremely important to the club in terms of our success both on and off the field.

We are currently seeking donations for the main auction, silent auction, lucky dip bags and raffle prizes. Any donation great or small would be greatly appreciated.

There are many benefits associated with donating to this event including:

* Promotional and advertising exposure of your company to all guests at the Banquet Auction
* Your company name listed in the official Banquet Auction Catalogue
* Your company details listed on the official West Perth Football Club website www.westperthfc.com.au, including a link to your company’s website
* Your company details listed in the 2012 Year Book & Annual Report

If you are able to donate to our Banquet Auction, please fill in the attached donation form to notify us of your donation pledge. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at promotions@falconsfc.com.au or by phone on 08 9300 3611 or 0488 008 824.

2012 Banquet Auction Donation Form

On behalf of the West Perth Football Club, I would like to thank you in anticipation of your support and hope that you will be able to assist us in making the 2012 Banquet Auction our biggest and best yet!

2012 BANQUET AUCTION COMMITTEE

We are currently seeking volunteers to be a part of our 2012 Banquet Auction Committee to assist the Club in mail outs, organising donations, collection of donations and general administrative tasks associated with the preparation for our biggest fundraiser of the year.

If you are interested in helping the Club, please contact me via email at promotions@falconsfc.com.au or by phone on 08 9300 3611 or 0488 008 824.

JESSY EDMUNDS

PROMOTIONS OFFICER

FOOTBALL DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Training has been underway for 4 weeks now since the Christmas break with the players sweltering under the extreme heat we have been having. They are really enjoying the challenge and are focussed on ensuring they are in peak condition leading into the pre-season games.

The squad will play intra-club games on Friday 3^rd, 10^th and 17^th commencing 6pm at Arena Joondalup, followed by the pre-season games against Perth on 25^th February, East Fremantle on 3^rd March and Peel on 10^th March. Times for pre-season games should be available by 13^th February.

Player Ins – Darcy Barden (Victoria), Shane Bonney (Railways), Michael Pettigrew (Port Adelaide), Jordan Jones (Peel Thunder), Matt Fowler (Southport)

Player Outs – Josh Pearce (Retired), Shaun Bewick (South Fremantle), Lewis Harvey (South Fremantle), Jeff Gobbels (Travel), Caleb Shadbolt (Travel), Shane Tregear

In other news, our new Strength and Conditioning Coach, Jarrod Wade, has taken up a full-time opportunity at the Essendon Football Club and will be replaced by Chad McLaren. Chad has been the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Norwood Football Club in the SANFL for the past 4 seasons and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. We welcome Chad and his partner Monica to WA and look forward to his contribution to the club.

2012 SENIOR SQUAD CAMP

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

It was all laughter, learning and lasagne last weekend as the senior players and coaching staff went on camp to Manjedal Scout Centre in Byford.

In perfect weather the player’s communication and leadership skills were put to the test as they worked together through a number of team building, problem solving and physical activities. Out in the bush they were, amongst other things, required to complete the commando course, abseil down a 20m drop and build a raft that would survive a lake crossing (although the raft building skills of Razor’s team were questionable).

Whilst the fear of spiders became evident (note to Brownie and Millsy) and Dizzy Fleay ruined his good shoes there were also a number of highlights. Captain Jason Salecic got down and dirty on the commando course, new recruit Darcy Barden amused everyone with his quick wit and Michael Pettigrew proved he really is West Perth’s answer to Bear Grylls.

2012 BALL LEGEND - STEPHEN TREWHELLA

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Peth Football Club would like to congratulate its 2012 Ball Legend – Stephen Trewhella.

Trewhella has an outstanding record at the Falcons as a hard, tough, no-nonsense player who gave his all for the team. He was able to squeeze every inch of ability out of his body through hard work, determination and courage, and set an outstanding example for his team-mates. He was a natural leader too, captaining the club for three years, including the 2003 Premiership.

Steve played a total of 174 games kicking 24 goals, and won the prestigious Breckler Medal on 3 occasions – 1996, 1997 and 2000. In all, he played in three Falcons premierships, represented WA in State football and is a current Life Member of the club. At the conclusion of his playing career he still contributed to the club by becoming a Board member and setting up new membership categories.

The West Perth Football Club congratulates Steve on this well deserved honour.

2012 WAFL RACE DAY

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The WAFL Race Day is an annual event where all 9 WAFL clubs have a great day at the races.

It celebrates the start of a new footy season, and is an excellent day to mix and mingle with other fans and club officials and see some exciting racing!

Each guest receives on-course entry, two-course lunch in Flying Colours Restaurant, five hour drinks package and race book.

Why not put together a table or bring a few friends and join in this relaxing day?

Support your favourite WAFL Club and see who wins the Falcons race!

All enquiries to West Perth Football Club Chief Executive Officer, Gerry O'Dea on 08 9300 3611 or by email to ceo@falconsfc.com.au

2012 WAFL RACE DAY

FALCONS WELCOME MASCOULIS

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club have selected West Coast Eagle rookie Michael Mascoulis in the annual WAFL reverse draft.

Michael surprisingly became available after two clubs decided against using their allocated selections and we had no hesitation in selecting Michael ater receiving positive reports from West Perth greats Bell, Longmuir, Lynch and LeCras on his progress during the preseason.

Gary Stocks, West Coast Eagles Communications Manager has said for www.westcoasteagles.com.au:

"After the annual AFL player allocation, Mascoulis, a pacy and talented youngster who was secured through the 2011 rookie draft, found himself aligned to the Falcons. Mascoulis, who slipped down the draft order because a nagging back-related hamstring injury dogged him throughout 2011, has settled in well to Perth after coming over from the Northern Knights. His speed and deft left-foot skills should suit the big Western Australian grounds".

We welcome Michael to WA and look forward to his contribution to the Club.

WE WANT YOU!

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

We are looking for switched on and motivated individuals, who love the game and the West Perth Football Club, to fill a variety of game day volunteer roles.

Positions are available in the areas of Sports Trainers, Interchange Stewards, Team Managers, Timekeepers and Water Carriers.

No experience is necessary as full training and support is provided. What you will need is:

* An open mind and a sense of humour
* Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
* An ability to work as part of a team

In return, we will provide you with an opportunity to be a part of the Falcon Team, working close to the action and helping us achieve on-field success.

Your commitment can be as little or as much as you like. To register your interest or to discuss further please contact Brad Lukosius, Football Operations Manager on 08 9300 3611 or footballmanager@falconsfc.com.au

2012 PRE SEASON FIXTURES

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club will kick off it's WAFL pre season games against Perth on Saturday the 25th of February 2012 followed by matches against East Fremantle and Peel Thunder in Rounds 2 & 3. The fixtures are as follows:

ROUND 1 - SATURDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2012

Perth vs West Perth

Brownes Stadium

Colts - 9:00am

Reserves - 11:40am

League - 2:10pm

GOLD COIN DONATION UPON ENTRY FOR CHARITY

ROUND 2 - SATURDAY 3RD MARCH 2012

East Fremantle vs West Perth

East Fremantle Oval

Colts - 9:00am

Reserves - 11:40am

League - 2:10pm

ROUND 3 - SATURDAY 10TH MARCH 2012

Peel Thunder vs West Perth

Bendigo Bank Stadium

Colts - 9:00am

Reserves - 11:40am

League - 2:10pm

Make sure you get along to the games and support the boys in our preparation for the 2012 WAFL season! Entry to all pre season games is free!

MEMBERS RESERVED SEATING 2012

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

2012 RESERVED SEATING

The West Perth Football Club is pleased to announce that in 2012 we will be offering our members Reserved Seating in the Whinnen Dempsey Stand. We are more than happy to trial this after having a number of requests from our members. Reserved Seating will be offered to 2012 Members for $50 per seat. Your seat will be marked with your name for the entire 2012 Season.

We are now accepting payments for Reserved Seating but seat selection will not be available until the 12^th of March 2012. From the 12^th of March onwards, you may come into the Club from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and select your seat. It will be first in best dressed, so discuss Reserved Seating with your friends and family & make sure you get in early!

Please fill in the attached form and return to the Club by:

Reserved Seating Registration Form

POST TO: West Perth Football Club, PO Box 11, JOONDALUP WA 6919

FAX TO: 08 9300 3612

EMAIL TO: reception@falconsfc.com.au

IN PERSON: 1st Floor, Arena Joondalup, Kennedya Drive, JOONDALUP WA 6027

OFFICE HOURS: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

For all enquiries, please contact Brittany at the Club on 08 9300 3611or by email to reception@falconsfc.com.au

MEMBERS UPDATE

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club is delighted with the positive response from club members regarding the new reserved seating initiative at Arena Joondalup this year. In response to requests from patrons, the club is allowing members to reserve a specific seat in the Whinnen/Dempsey Grandstand for the duration of the 2012 season. WPFC CEO Gerry O’Dea said “for a small charge, members can be secure in the knowledge that they will have their special seat for the season reserved. We are trying hard to be responsive to member’s suggestions, and this is one that has been popular.”

O’Dea was also delighted to announce that Falcons financial members will receive cheaper drinks in the members bar in the Premier Suite this season. “We have negotiated a separate member’s price list this season with cheaper drinks. You must be a current financial member and have your membership card on display” O’Dea said. “No card, no discount.”

Members will also see a number of improvements at the ground this season thanks to a $200k State Government grant for capital expenditure. “We were delighted to secure this funding and have so far purchased new goalposts, a new time-clock, new signage and VIP boxes as well as repairs to fencing, seating and lighting. Topped off with our new gym/auditorium facility and the club is ticking along beautifully!”

O’Dea was also pleased with the initial membership renewals, but warned Falcons supporters not to be complacent. “Membership is the life-blood of the club, and we encourage everyone to renew their 2012 memberships as soon as possible, and make sure they let other Falcons supporters know to get on board. Our current playing group is in great condition, so get down to Arena and see the boys in action as we strive for the Premiership.”

For membership information, contact the club on 9300-3611 or on the website: www.westperthfc.com.au

DOES YOUR HEART BEAT TRUE?

WEST PERTH 'LES FONG 16S' DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

After weeks of training the West Perth ‘Les Fong’ 16s Development Squad are drawing closer to their first hit of the 2012 Program.

Under the watchful eye of new Head Coach Brad Trpchev the 16s have been diligently working at meeting the West Perth standards of hard work, team work and professionalism.

Assistant Coaches to Brad will see Club legend & Life Member David Palm return in the new role as midfield coach working with League ruckman Chris Keunan. Veteran coach Charlie Holmes joins the group as the backline coach and experienced development Coach, Paul Beaver will take on the forwards.

The Coaching Team have worked and will continue to work to get the very best out of the 16s group and streamline their development to Colts, Senior and possibly AFL football in the future.

In 2012 the 16s play 7 official games but will begin with a trial game on the 3^rd March against the East Fremantle F.C. The majority of games will be played at 5.15pm, after the West Perth League game has finished.

Please make sure you stick around to watch the next crop of Falcons footballers play an exciting brand of team football as they represent the West Perth Football Club in the Les Fong 16s Sqaud.

For Fixtures click here

2012 TREVOR JENKINS & LEGENDS LUNCH

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! GET IN QUICK! The West Perth Football Club proudly presents the Trevor Jenkins & Legends Lunch to be held on Friday the 30th of March 2012 at the WA Italian Club from 12pm to 3pm.

Join us for an unforgettable day of fun, laughter and scrumptious food with 4 of the Club's greatest players and esteemed media personality, Trevor Jenkins. Trevor will be interviewing legends Les Fong, Bill Dempsey, Mel Whinnen and John Duckworth as part of a panel discussion. Join us as we celebrate their contribution to the Club & reminisce over their careers with the mighty Falcons!

Don't miss out! This is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these legends and enjoy a fantastic afternoon with your mates!

FRIDAY 30TH MARCH 2012

WA ITALIAN CLUB

TIME: 12PM TO 3PM

$120 PER PERSON

Ticket includes 2 course meal, Hartley Estate wines, beer and soft drinks.

2012 Trevor Jenkins & Legends Lunch Flyer

2012 Trevor Jenkins & Legends Lunch Booking Form

Places are limited so make sure you get in quick and RSVP by contacting Jessy at the Club on 08 9300 3611 or by emailing your RSVP to promotions@falconfc.com.au by Tuesday the 27th of March 2012.

Jessy Edmunds

PROMOTIONS OFFICER

LETTER TO MEMBERS - AFL RESERVES TEAM

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

With the recent speculation on the West Coast Eagles Football Club (WCE) and Fremantle Football Club (FFC) wishing to join the WAFL competition with a “reserves team”, I thought it is appropriate that I write to you all with the facts and the position of the West Perth Football Club (WPFC).

You are the very reason this Club exists and as such are entitled to be updated other than through the media which at times can drive specific agendas.

Both WCE and FFC have made it clear that they want to enter the WAFL competition. They have a host of reasons why they think they need this. It is not for West Perth Football Club (WPFC) to debate the merits of what WCE and FFC believe in. It is however, the responsibility of WPFC to ensure that the WAFL competition remains current, viable and retains its integrity for many years to come.

The WAFC are taking an interesting approach. I believe they are trying to be bipartisan yet they are pressuring the WAFL Clubs to pursue an outcome that would see WCE and FFC enter the WAFL in some form. Most likely this would be against the WAFL team who has the scheduled bye on a particular weekend.

We understand that it is probably to the benefit of WA Football if WCE and FFC are successful. I also believe that it needs to be specifically to the benefit of all the WAFL Clubs. As a result, the WAFL Club President’s believe it would be a good business decision to call for a proposal from the two AFL Clubs. Part of the proposal will have to contain a financial component. All WAFL Clubs are unanimous that a “license fee” would have to be paid and it would more than likely be in the vicinity of $150,000 per annum.

Let me make this clear. Should the two AFL Clubs even agree to a figure for the proposal this does not mean that the proposal will be accepted.

At this point in time there has been no proposal put to the WAFL Clubs by the WAFC, WCE or FFC to join our competition in 2013 or thereafter.

When and if the proposal is submitted, your Chief Executive Officer and Board will conduct a detailed evaluation and make a valued judgment based on a number of factors. As our valued member you should have complete faith in your Chief Executive Officer and Board that the correct outcome will be delivered. The decision will not be made on the pretext of money alone.

Some other factors to consider would include:

* WAFL retaining relevance to its Club members, the fans and the general football public
* WAFL competition retaining its status and integrity as this state’s premier sporting competition
* Impact of media exposure for the WAFL Clubs
* Player welfare
* Impost of time on loyal Club volunteers
* Impact on Club resources
* Impact on umpiring resources
* A complete cost analysis which would include the possible effects on membership and sponsorship

WPFC, like all WAFL Clubs, need to be convinced that any change to our competition will only enhance the WAFL. It is important to understand that any additional Clubs can only be added to the WAFL by way of a vote from the nine WAFL Clubs as per the constitution. Clearly the ball is in the court of the nine WAFL Clubs.

At this point in time your Board and Chief Executive Officer are not convinced that a change in this great competition is to the benefit of WPFC or the WAFL as a whole. We will remain open minded however and will review any new proposal with the respect it deserves.

Please feel comfortable that WPFC will remain transparent at all times. As more information becomes apparent we will pass it on to you.

In the meantime, please renew your memberships as we look excitingly towards the coming season.

Yours sincerely

Brett Raponi

PRESIDENT

Letter to Members - AFL Reserves Team

2012 FOXTEL CUP - SYDNEY TRAVEL PACKAGES

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Motive Travel are offering West Perth members this fantastic package to fly to Sydney & watch our boys in their first Foxtel Cup match against Ainslie on the 21st of April 2012.

* Air Travel Perth to Sydney Friday 20th April 2012 - Depart Perth 8:05am Arrive Sydney 2:20pm

* Air Travel Sydney to Perth Sunday 22nd April 2012 - Depart Sydney 3:10pm Arrive Perth 6:05pm

* 2 Nights Twin Share accommodation at the Holiday Inn Old Sydney Hotel with breakfast daily

* Airport-Hotel-Airport Transfers

* GST and taxes

Costings are based on a group of 10 people or more and are subject to availability.

$1,190.00 PER PERSON - TWIN SHARE

Please contact Katrina Sanzone at katrina.sanzone@motivetravel.com.au if you are interested in this great offer!

GAME UPDATE - PRE SEASON ROUND 3

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

As a result of the decision by the West Perth Football Club to cancel this Saturday's pre-season game against Peel Thunder, the decision has now been made to change the times of the games.

The times are as follows:

Colts: 9:00am

Reserves: 1:15pm

League: 3:20pm

As a result of our ongoing discussions with Peel and the WAFL, some concessions have now been made to alleviate our player welfare concerns.

There is no doubt that playing the game in the heat of the day was a concern, however, the Club is confident that this later time will be a better option and allow the game to go ahead.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

BEKO WINS 2012 CORPORATE CLASSIC

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

BEKO Australia & New Zealand Pty Ltd was drawn as the winner of the 2012 West Perth Corporate Classic at the Arena Joondalup on Friday the 9^th March 2012.

The highly anticipated result was drawn during the annual Season Opener event which incorporates the Corporate Classic Sundowner, Player Auction and Jumper Presentation.

The win will see BEKO receive a Falcons sponsorship package for 2012 worth in excess of $30,000 and the recognition as our Major Sponsor for the season. The package includes:

* Company logo on the back of the Falcons Senior Squad jumpers
* Prime lollipop signage at the Arena Joondalup
* VIP Sponsors box for 6x people at all West Perth home games
* 6x Invitations to each home game President’s Luncheon
* 6x Tickets to the WAFL Semi and Preliminary Finals
* Company advertisements in all West Perth publications
* Company logo on all Club letterhead and the official West Perth Football Club website – www.westperthfc.com.au

40x Corporate classic entrants attended a cocktail party earlier in the evening where the two Associate Sponsor prizes were drawn. These were won by Ernie Myers of Pinegold Enterprises Pty Ltd and Neil Harrison of MM Electrical Merchandising. Both of these winners will receive perimeter signage, VIP Membership, WAFL finals tickets and promotional exposure via West Perth publications.

Chief Executive Officer Gerry O’Dea was delighted with the support the Club received for the 2012 Corporate Classic Draw.

“The Corporate Classic is a wonderful way for our Club to develop an affinity with the broader business community and for businesses to obtain maximum exposure,” O’Dea said.

“50 businesses from around the metropolitan area entered the event this year because it is such an affordable and rewarding way for businesses to show their support for our Club. This is one of our major fundraising initiatives annually, so we are delighted with the support received for this year’s draw. It is a fantastic achievement for the Club to raise nearly $6,000 more than 2011.”

None of the entrants from this year’s draw walk away empty handed, with all receiving 2x complimentary Red Home Game Entry memberships for the coming season and premium entrants receiving an invitation for 2x guests to attend one of the 2012 President’s Luncheons.

Thanks again to all of our Corporate Classic entrants for your generous support. Without our valued sponsors, we would not continue to succeed. Congratulations to BEKO’s on winning this fantastic prize!

2012 PLAYER AUCTION & JUMPER PRESENTATION

We were honoured on the night to have the company of 1942 Premiership players Wally Price, Len Harman, Ted Brunton and Ralph Latham alongside Don Marinko Jnr and Ray Marinko representing their father, Don Marinko Snr who was a 1932 Premiership player. 2012 marks the 70^th and 80^th anniversaries of these historic Premierships and it was a wonderful opportunity to have our past legends at our annual Season Opener to present the playing group with their jumpers for the 2012 season.

Special thanks must go to everyone who bid on the player’s during the Player Auction & Jumper Presentation. We raised $47,500 excluding GST with half of the money going directly back into our Football Department whilst the other half will be allocated as dividends for the successful bidders of the League & Reserves Best on Ground throughout the season. It was an amazing effort to increase our income from 2011 and a very entertaining experience for all involved witnessing the outrageous bidding especially from Kevrek & Ceilcon! We all stood in awe as the amounts kept getting bigger and bigger!! Good luck to all the successful bidders and we hope your players win back your money for you throughout the season.

Congratulations also to Tim Shaw who won Jason Salecic's 2011 player guernsey signed by the 2012 Senior Squad for RSVPing to the Club and attending the Season Opener!

Let’s hope we see another strong season from the boys in the red and blue as we advance towards our 19^th Premiership!

JESSY EDMUNDS

PROMOTIONS OFFICER

ROUND 1 - SUBIACO VS WEST PERTH

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Footy is BACK! Join the Falcons when they take on arch rivals Subiaco at Medibank Stadium for the Round 1 clash this Saturday the 17th March 2012. With no AFL games on this weekend, it's the perfect opportunity to get down and watch some WAFL action!

Congratulations to Bill Dempsey who turns 70 years young this Saturday! Let's hope the boys can get a win against Subi to celebrate Bill's birthday. Share your favourite stories and memories of Bill on Facebook as we pay tribute to a true legend of our Club.

Reserves and League presentations will be held at the Stirling Adriatic Centre - 78 Jones Street, STIRLING WA 6021 - from 6pm after the League game. Cash bar will be available. Please be aware that access to the venue is through the REAR DOOR ONLY as there is another function in the front room.

SUBIACO VS WEST PERTH

17TH MARCH 2012

MEDIBANK STADIUM

COLTS - 9:00am

RESERVES - 11:40am

LEAGUE - 2:10pm

16'S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD - 5:00pm

ADMISSION PRICES:

Adults - $15

Concession - $12

KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 16 FREE!

Colts' parents and members of both Subiaco Football Club and West Perth Football Club will be granted free entry until half time of the Colts game (approximately 10:00am) upon presentation of their membership card.

Don't worry if you can't make it to the game as ABC TV will be broadcasting the game from 2:00pm as well as ABC 720 Radio and 990AM Information Radio.

Subiaco Football Club will be organising some half time activities and FREE icy pole giveaways. Why not enjoy having a kick on the oval in the breaks too!?!

For directions to Medibank Stadium, please click on the following link:

http://subiacofc.com.au/medibank-stadium-v15-153/directions-to-medibank-stadium-v15-154.html

Be there to support our boys as we start our campaign for the 2012 Premiership!

FALCONS CHAMPIONS A TRIPLE TREAT

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club is proud to congratulate 3 of its most recent champions on their selection in the WAFL Top 25 in 25. Paul Mifka, Kim Rigoll and Jason Salecic are all worthy selections.

The Top 25 WAFL Players Over the Past 25 Years were announced at the official WAFL season launch on Tuesday 13th March 2012, and presented with framed certificates recognising the honour.

The Football Budget initiative, supported by the WAFL, was launched at the end of last football season and a well-credentialed panel spent the summer months finalising the inductees to ensure the best players since 1987 are recognised.

The Top 25 are (in alphabetical order): Marty Atkins, Shane Beros, Stephen Bilcich, Brad Bootsma, Jaxon Crabb, Ian Dargie, Willie Dick, Travis Edmonds, Craig Edwards, Mark Hann, Anthony Jones, Steve Malaxos, Toby McGrath, Paul Mifka, Kris Miller, Darrell Panizza, Aidan Parker, Allistair Pickett, Kim Rigoll, Jason Salecic, Brad Smith, Craig Treleven, Ryan Turnbull, Marc Webb and Rod Wheatley.

The Top 25 was born out of the desire to find the 25 players who have left an indelible mark on the WAFL competition between 1987 and 2011.

The following criteria were established to lift the cream to the top of the list.

* Players must have played in 100 WAFL matches from the start of the 1987 WAFL season to the end of 2011 and can have played at AFL level.
* Weight is to be given to individual awards – Bernie Naylor Medal, Sandover Medal, Simpson Medal, captaincy, State representation and club Fairest and Best counts.
* Players do not have to be picked for a position. We are not selecting a line-up.
* Players to be assessed for “their outstanding contribution to club and competition and high level of achievement”.
* Already being a member of the WA Football Hall of Fame does not preclude inclusion.

1) PAUL MIFKA

West Perth 1984-1999, 283 games, 136 goals

West Coast 1987, 1 game, 0 goals

WA 4 games, 0 goals (2 State of Origin as a WAFL player)

Games in qualification period: 223 WAFL games, 4 State games

Medals / Awards in qualification period: West Perth Fairest & Best 1993

Premierships in qualification period: 1995, 1999

2) KIM RIGOLL

West Perth 1996-2000, 2003-2004, 144 games, 85 goals

WA 3 games, 2 goals

Games in qualification period: 144 WAFL games, 3 State games

Medals / Awards in qualification period: West Perth Fairest & Best 1998, 1999 & 2003

Premierships in qualification period: 1999, 2003

3) JASON SALECIC

West Perth 2002-2011, 180 games, 121 goals

WA 7 games, 2 goals

Games in qualification period: 180 WAFL games, 7 State games

Medals / Awards in qualification period: West Perth Fairest & Best 2009

Premierships in qualification period: 2003

LIONS OUTLAST FALCONS IN THE HEAT

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

BY DARRELL KENT

Subiaco led for the vast majority of the game and eventually ran out twenty four point winners against the Falcons at Medibank Stadium on Saturday. The hot conditions and congested style of play resulted in a game that was not pretty to watch but the endeavour of both sides was unquestioned. The Lions showed a bit more polish to take advantage of their opportunities and grab the four points.

Subiaco won the toss and kicked to the Perth end of the ground with the advantage of the breeze. From a West Perth perspective there was very little to report as they were held scoreless. The positive was that it was a really good defensive effort from the Falcons as they held the Lions to just 2.2. It was a really congested term with both sides often having all of their players in the one half of the ground.

The Falcons finally got on the score board after seven minutes of the second term. This was a behind from backman Dustin Burns. Four minutes later Luke Tedesco ran onto a long kick forward and put one through from the square. This reduced the margin to ten but from here Subiaco controlled the game and led by twenty seven at the eighteen minute mark. Two of these goals came from key forward Callum Sinclair. He looks to be a good pick up for the Lions. The West Perth midfield then found a bit of space and set up a number of scoring opportunities. Mark Hutchings and Steven Browne took advantage of these chances to post majors and at half time the margin had been reduced to twelve - 5.5 (35) to 3.5 (23).

West Perth had their most productive period of the game in the first fifteen minutes of the third term. They controlled the play to race to a seven point lead. The first goal came from the skipper, Jason Salecic, who took the ball from a bounce down in the pocket and threaded it through from a sharp angle. Scores were tied after Jordan Jones passed to Jay Van Berlo who marked and received fifty metres. He finished from the square. West Perth then hit the front for the first time in the match when Darcy Barden kicked the ball forward to Shayne Zanetti who took the ball off the back of the pack to score. Subiaco replied with two from danger forwards Des Headland and Callum Sinclair and another from George Hampson. To their credit West Perth rallied once again but were inaccurate kicking three behinds. They were far from out of the contest trailing by only seven at three quarter time. Scores were 8.5 (53) to 6.10 (46).

Subiaco kicked the first two goals of the final quarter and this really made West Perth’s task difficult. But once again their endeavour was not to be denied and by the nineteen minute mark had moved to within six. This was courtesy of second goals to Shayne Zanetti and Steven Browne. For the next eight minutes the players battled the heat, cramps and exhaustion before there was another score. This went to the Lions who kicked three to end the match. Final scores were Subiaco 13.7 (85) to West Perth 8.13 (61).

It was a disappointing start for the Falcons but it is only the first match of a long season. The team will undoubtedly build momentum as the game plan falls into place and the season progresses. Best players for West Perth were Jay Van Berlo, Laine Rasmussen in a fine debut, Dan Hunt, Jason Salecic and best was Mark Hutchings. It was a day of tight finishes with the Colts winning by two points and the Reserves losing by one point. Congratulations to James King, Shane Nelson, Matthew Fowler and Kris Shannon who received awards for their efforts in the Reserves. The first home game next week is against Swan Districts and the opening of the new gymnasium will be a highlight. Be at the Arena to get behind the Falcons!

2012 WAFL STATE TEAM COMPETITION

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Ultimate bragging rights and a sensational prize package are up for grabs for the most football-wise WAFL fan as part of a new competition to select the 2012 WAFL State Team.

The competition, which is supported by The West Australian, requires entrants to register and then select a team of 25 WAFL players by visiting www.wafl.com.au/stateteam

Entrants can change their team as often as they like before lockout is enforced at 4pm WST on the 13th May 2012. The first training session for the initial squad of 40 will be held on the 16th May 2012.

The final team of 25 will be announced on Monday 21st May and the entrant who has selected the greatest number of players named in the final team will be notified that they are the winner.

The winner will receive the following prize package:

2x Return economy airfares (including transfers) to Adelaide with the WAFL State Team
2x Tickets to the WA v SA State Game and official pre-game function at Gliderol Stadium on 26th May 2012
2x Nights’ accommodation
$500 spending money
2x Tickets to the WA State Team presentation night
Behind the scenes access at a WAFL State Team training session

The winner must be available to travel with the WAFL State Team to Adelaide on Friday 25th May 2012 and return on Sunday 27th May 2012.

The WAFL State Squad will be coached by Subiaco’s Chris Waterman, with Marc Webb (Claremont), David Hynes (East Perth) and Paul Peos (Subiaco) appointed as assistants. Brad Wira is the Chairman of Selectors.

For full competition Terms and Conditions please visit: http://www.wafl.com.au/sites/waflstateteam.com.au/files/2012StateTeamTCs.pdf

ROUND 2 - WEST PERTH VS SWAN DISTRICTS

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Let's ruffle some feathers and see who flies away as the victor this Saturday for the first home game at Arena Joondalup between West Perth and Swan Districts!

BRING IT ON!

WEST PERTH VS SWAN DISTRICTS

24TH MARCH 2012

ARENA JOONDALUP

COLTS - 9:00am

RESERVES - 11:40am

LEAGUE - 2:10pm

16'S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD - 5:00pm

Radio Fremantle 107.9FM will be broadcasting the League game from 2pm.

Reserves and League presentations will be held in the Premiers Suite at Arena Joondalup from 6pm after the League game. Cash bar will be available.

Didn’t think the 2012 West Perth season could get any more exciting? West Perth and TCL have joined forces again in 2012 to make it the best season yet! All you have to do is come down to the Arena Joondalup for any of the West Perth home games and you have the chance to win a 32 inch LCD High Definition TCL television.

Stand in the crowd before the game this Saturday at 2:00pm and 22 TCL footballs will be kicked into the crowd. If you take the mark for the footy with the Kambo’s logo on it, you go home with a brand new TV!!! YOU HAVE TO BE THERE TO WIN IT!!!

ADMISSION PRICES:

Adults - $15

Concession - $12

KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 16 FREE!

CHECK OUT THE ACTIVITIES FOR THE DAY! Reggie Register from The Good Guys Joondalup will be giving away Falcons posters at half time, a bouncy castle will be set up on the Eastern side of the ground and the WA Stage School cheerleaders will be there to support the boys!

Colts' parents and members of both West Perth Football Club and Swan Districts Football Club will be granted free entry until half time of the Colts game (approximately 10:00am) upon presentation of their membership card.

FALCONS LOOK TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club will this year commence a Volunteer of the Month award to recognise the hard work and commitment of its Club staff.

The monthly award, which will run until the end of September will be a $100 cash prize, and will culminate in the Clubs prestigious Volunteer of the Year award which is awarded at the Breckler Medal each year. The monthly award will also include a $25 Bella Fonte Italian Restaurant voucher and is designed to thank volunteers who show outstanding dedication in a month.

Falcons Chief Executive Officer Gerry O’Dea said it had been a testing pre-season, with many hot days and the team being off the oval for a few weeks. “Our staff do a wonderful job in the circumstances, and we thought this was a fitting way to say a heartfelt thank you.”

SWANS OUT RUN FALCONS

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY DARRELL KENT

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

West Perth’s slow start to the season continued at the Arena on Saturday when they were beaten by Swan Districts. For the second week in a row the Falcons were in a match winning position at three quarter time but failed to run out the final quarter and they went down by thirty six points.

A football follower new to the WAFL would have been really impressed with the high quality game that took place on Saturday. The first half, in particular, was a fast flowing game with plenty of skills on display.

Swans literally exploded out of the blocks and led by three goals after five minutes. The first Falcon major went to Darcy Barden who kicked his first goal for the Club after marking strongly forty five out and kicking accurately. Another four goals were kicked in the next eight minutes, two to each side. The Falcons goals went to Shayne Zanetti and Anton Saylor and after fifteen minutes eight straight goals had been kicked with Swans leading five to three. Shortly after Swans danger forward Tim Geappen kicked his third and this started another run of goals for Swans and at the thirty two minute mark they led by thirty two. A clever interception and goal by second gamer Laine Rasmussen narrowed the margin to twenty six at quarter time. Swans led 8.3 (51) to 4.1 (25).

The high standard continued in the second term but this time it was the Falcons turn to dominate. They outscored Swans six goals to one. Ray Bartholomew put one through for the Falcons, on the run from forty, within a minute. Swans kicked their only goal for the term a minute later to take the lead out to twenty six once again. From here the Falcons dominated the term applying pressure to the Swans midfield and causing numerous errors. Unfortunately West Perth was not able to maintain this pressure for long enough periods of the match. Five unanswered goals saw them take a three point lead into half time. Two of these goals came from Alex Elisseou, the second courtesy of a strong tackle that was rewarded with a free kick. Jason Salecic kicked one, Darcy Barden a second and the tireless Mark Hutchings gave the Falcons the lead with a major from a sharp angle. Scores were 10.3 (63) to 9.6 (60) at the main break.

West Perth looked like taking control of the game in the third quarter but were unable to do so. A miraculous goal from fifty metres on the boundary by Michael Walters set Swans in motion. The rest of the term was hard fought with Swans outscoring the Falcons four goals to two and they took an eleven point lead into three quarter time. West Perth momentarily snatched the lead back when Shayne Zanetti kicked his second at the eleven minute mark and Michael Pettigrew snapped his first goal for the Falcons but it wasn’t enough to stop the Swans momentum that saw them lead 13.10 (88) to 12.5 (77).

As was the case the previous week West Perth were right in the match going into the final term. They had played patches of very good football and would need more of the same to get over the line but this was not to be as Swans kicked the first six goals to lead by forty nine at the twenty nine minute mark. This was a really disappointing finish to the match. Goals to first gamer and Eagles listed player Michael Mascoulis and a second to Mark Hutchings after the thirty minute mark closed out a disappointing final term. Final scores were Swan Districts 19.13(127) to West Perth 14.7(91).

The heat is now really on West Perth to break the losing sequence for this year when they face arch rival East Perth at Leederville next week. A match against the reigning premier Claremont follows the week after so it is a must win game. Well done to the Colts for scoring their second win. The Reserves were soundly beaten but well done to award winners Frank Stockley, Jack Thrum and Kris Shannon who was best for the second week in a row. There was a familiar ring to the three best players in the league with Jason Salecic, Laine Rasmussen and Mark Hutchings once again being best for the Falcons.

PB HANNA COMPLEX OFFICIALLY OPENS

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Whilst the on field victory against Swan Districts was not forthcoming, the Club still had reason to smile on Saturday with the official opening of the PB Hanna Complex. Guests included Phil and Denise Hanna, Number 1 Ticket Holder Dennis Cometti, WAFC Chairman Frank Cooper, WAFC Chief Executive Officer Gary Walton, Member for Joondalup MLA Tony O’Gorman, Member for Kingsley MLA Andrea Mitchell, City of Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard, City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts, former player and media personality Basil Zempilas, Vice Captain's Luke Tedesco and Mark Hutchings as well as League Coach Bill Monaghan.

Minister for Energy; Training and Workforce Development; and Indigenous Affairs, the Honourable Peter Colliers MLC officially opened the Club's new gymnasium and player auditorium to a packed house.

The Minister made a stirring speech about his undying passionate and lifelong support for West Perth dating back to his days in Kalgoorlie.

West Perth President, Brett Raponi thanked the State Government, the AFL and the WAFC for their belief in the Club and consequently their financial support. Also noted for their the contributions were West Perth Football Club Chief Executive Officer Gerry O’Dea, architect Simon Bodycoat and a host of sponsors including Tim Shaw from MM Electrical Merchandising, Joe Commande from BGC Concrete and Curt Lipscombe from CPR Electrical Services.

The President went on to say “the facility was much needed and will service 120 West Perth footballers, 200 West Perth rookie & development squad players, 9 junior clubs with 4,500 participants. In addition the facility will host various training, coaching and district seminars as well as a host of football and community programs.”

“This building has been three years in the making and we (the Board of West Perth Football Club) are mighty proud that we have been able to deliver this significant project in full on time and on budget.”

“Without Phil Hanna’s vast building experience and passion for the Falcons this project simply would not have been constructed as efficiently as it has.”

The Board has seen fit to honour Phil for his many years of support as a former Director and President.

The Club is delighted to hand over the gymnasium and auditorium to the Football Department.

WEST PERTH BLUE AND PLATINUM MEMBER SHIRTS

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Dear Members,

Unfortunately due to delays with our supplier, Gwarda Sports, the Blue and Platinum Member Polo Shirts have still not arrived. We feel your frustration and disappointment as the shirts were ordered in November last year and were scheduled to arrive in February. We are following up the order every day but it is out of our control and we have to just patiently wait for their arrival. As soon as the shirts arrive you will be contacted. We are sincerely sorry for the delay and for any inconvenience it has caused you. Please be patient with our office staff in the interim. We are as disappointed as you are, and will strive to resolve this as soon as possible.

Gerry O’Dea

CEO

WPFC MEMBERS RESERVED SEATING 2012

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The West Perth Football Club is delighted with the positive response from members regarding the new reserved seating initiative at Arena Joondalup this year. In response to requests from patrons, the club is allowing members to reserve a specific seat in the Whinnen/Dempsey Grandstand for the duration of the 2012 season. WPFC CEO Gerry O’Dea said “for a small charge, members can be secure in the knowledge that they will have their special seat for the season reserved. We are trying hard to be responsive to member’s suggestions, and this is one that has been popular.” Pictured below is West Perth Member Kerry Guatta selecting her seat for the 2012 Season. We would like to thank all members for their support in this new initiative and look forward to seeing more members enjoying the benefits of their Reserved Seat.

ROUND 3 - EAST PERTH VS WEST PERTH

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Join the Falcons when they take on traditional rivals East Perth at Medibank Stadium for the Round 3 clash this Saturday the 31st March 2012.

EAST PERTH VS WEST PERTH

31ST MARCH 2012

MEDIBANK STADIUM

COLTS - 9:00am

RESERVES - 11:40am

LEAGUE - 2:10pm

16'S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD - 5:00pm

ADMISSION PRICES:

Adults - $15

Concession - $12

KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 16 FREE!

Colts' parents and members of both East Perth Football Club and West Perth Football Club will be granted free entry until half time of the Colts game (approximately 10:00am) upon presentation of their membership card.

Don't worry if you can't make it to the game as ABC TV will be broadcasting the game from 2:00pm.

FALCONS STORM HOME

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

In a marked contrast to the first two games of the year West Perth overcame a twenty three point deficit at three quarter time to storm home in the last quarter and record an eight point victory. It was a vital win that was necessary to kick start the season and it was made even sweeter by the fact that it was against arch rivals, East Perth.

The Falcons won the toss and kicked to the Perth end. Both sides started the match with behinds before ex-Falcon Josh Smith kicked the first of the match. Matt Fowler, in his first league game for West Perth, kicked a major with his first kick. He didn’t have a lot of possessions but his four goals for the game were a vital contribution towards the Falcons victory. East Perth kicked two in a row to take their lead to thirteen before a terrific intercept by Joel Rice enabled him to kick his first. Two more to the Royals extended their lead to twenty at the twenty two minute mark. These goals went to Brett Eades and Hayden Crozier and it was the second for both of them. They were dangerous small forwards all day. Shortly after a clever handball by Alex Elisseou set up Anthony Tsalikis for his first before Josh Smith once again extended the lead with his second. The lead was reduced to the quarter time margin of fourteen when an Aaron Black kick forward was converted by Anton Saylor. Scores were East Perth 6.3 (39) to West Perth 4.1 (25).

The game tightened up in the second quarter with both teams kicking two goals each. There were protracted periods of play without scoring when the ball was tied up in the midfield. The first major went to Ray Bartholomew who finished after a great left foot pass by Mark Hutchings and a handball from Anthony Tsalikis. Behinds were the order of the day until the Royals Brett Eades kicked his third before a long kick forward by Anton Saylor saw Matt Fowler take a great grab at the back of the pack and kick his second. East Perth scored the final goal of the half to lead by twelve at the main break 8.4 (52) to 6.4 (40).

East Perth dominated large periods of the third term but fortunately for the Falcons they did not take all of their opportunities. They quickly extended their lead to twenty before a clever kick by Jason Salecic saw Anton Saylor kick his second. The Royals once again kicked successive majors to extend their lead before Joel Rice soccered his second from the square. The margin was twenty points going into time on. East Perth controlled the final minutes of the term kicking three behinds and two out of bounds on the full. The margin at the final change was twenty three points 11.9 (75) to 8.4 (52).

At the beginning of the final term the job looked to be well and truly ahead of the Falcons as in the first two matches of the year they had been easily outscored in this period. So it was with a fair degree of trepidation that Falcons supporters watched the first bounce of the last quarter. West Perth quickly showed that they were up to the challenge with a third to Anton Saylor and Matt Fowler. The East Perth lead was reduced to ten after five minutes. More behinds to West Perth followed before Michael Mascoulis snapped one with his left. Once again he didn’t have a lot of the footy but there was a lot to like about this left foot snap under pressure. A strong mark and fourth goal to Matt Fowler at the twenty minute mark gave West Perth the lead for the first time since they kicked the opening score of the game. Shortly after a top tackle by Anthony Tsalikis saw him rewarded with a free. He extended the lead to nine with his straight kick. Slick's forward line tackling pressure was a highlight of the day. A behind to East Perth finished the game and the final siren saw West Perth record an eight point victory 13.8 (86) to 11.12 (78). It was a wonderful last quarter by West Perth as they controlled the play and took advantage of their opportunities.

It goes without saying that the victory was vital to help the Falcons gain momentum for the matches ahead. Best players for West Perth were first gamer Matt Fowler, Dion Fleay, Chris Keunen, Anton Saylor, Ray Bartholomew and the skipper Jason Salecic continued his great start to the year by being best on ground. The Colts lost by only four points to be beaten for the first time and the Reserves were also defeated. Well done to Marc Crisp, Shane Nelson, Kris Shannon and Mitch Brown who were best for the Ressies. A whole new set of challenges lie ahead next week when the Falcons take on Claremont at Claremont Oval. The game takes place on Easter Monday so be there for another crucial match.

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

DIRTY DAY FOR THE FALCONS

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

There wasn’t a lot for Falcons supporters to get excited about at Claremont Oval on Monday. The Tigers were comfortable leaders all day and were never challenged by the Falcons. But just when you thought a bad day couldn’t get any worse the skipper, Jason Salecic, went off with a serious lower leg injury in the final quarter. The challenge is really ahead for all involved at West Perth to get the season back on track.

There is little to say about the first quarter because for the second time in four games West Perth were held scoreless. They had their chances, particularly early, but were unable to take advantage of them. Claremont controlled the midfield and clearances to lead by thirty five at the first change 5.5 (35) to no score.

The lead was reduced by Darcy Barden at the four minute mark when he kicked accurately from forty. Claremont then controlled the play once again to extend their lead to forty two after thirteen minutes. Ryan Neates was one of the Claremont midfielders to cause problems; he kicked two of his four goals in this term. Matt Gaudagnin, in his first game of the year, chimed in with a major as did Luke Tedesco but it wasn’t enough to prevent Claremont extending their lead to forty two at the main change. They led 9.7 (61) to 3.1 (19).

Claremont had the best of the third quarter with Ian Richardson leading the way with three majors. Chris Keunen, who tried hard around the ground all day, kicked one on the run from fifty after a precise pass by Jason Salecic and Joel Rice kicked the only other major for the Falcons. Going into the last term Claremont safely had the game in their keeping leading by fifty six 13.10 (88) to 5.2 (32).

Matt Fowler kicked one for the Falcons early but it was shortly after this that Jason Salecic received his leg injury. West Perth battled the game out after he headed off to hospital but his loss will be felt long term. Other West Perth goal kickers for the quarter included Kody Manning and Michael Pettigrew who kicked two. The final siren saw West Perth in arrears by forty five points 15.13 (103) to 9.4 (58).

It is hard to know what to make of the disappointing start to the year but there is no doubt that those feeling it the most are the players and coaching staff. A lot of planning and hard work has gone into the season to date so members and supporters need to get behind the team as they endeavour to get the season back on track. Best players for the Falcons were a little difficult to find but those worthy of a mention included Chris Keunen, Mark Hutchings, Matt Gaudagnin, Jay van Berlo and Dan Hunt. The importance of a victory game against the Demons next Sunday at the Arena cannot be understated so Falcons supporters need to be there to lend their support.

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

FALCONS GUTS IT OUT

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

West Perth prevailed against Perth at the Arena on Sunday. It was a tight match all day with the lead to either side never being greater than seventeen points. At different times it looked as though the Demons were going to be victorious but to the Falcons credit they got over the top of Perth after trailing for a large part of the day.

Perth started the game with a rushed behind but the first two goals of the game went to the Falcons. Darcy Barden took a strong mark and handballed to Jason Salecic who kicked accurately. Shortly after Joel Rice kicked a major, on the run, from forty. The eleven point lead was eroded by a soccered goal to the Demons Paul Bevan. Perth dominated the scoreboard for the next ten minutes until they hit the lead courtesy of a Michael Florio goal from deep in the pocket. Michael Mascoulis then bounced one through to regain the lead for the Falcons and Darcy Barden then kicked his first from forty five. He was on the end of a Mark Hutchings pass and it was one of ten marks that he took for the game. Darcy is only going to improve as he continues to find his feet at WAFL level. The lead was out to eight as the quarter entered time on. Sam Butler kicked one for Perth before a terrific pass by Anthony Tsalikis saw Andrew Strijk finish from forty five. Perth finished the quarter with a goal and their fifth behind to trail by one at the first change. The scores were 5.0 (30) to 4.5 (29).

The game tightened up in the second quarter and goals were at a premium. Perth regained the lead courtesy of a Ben Noakes major, a behind to the Demons followed and scores were all tied up after Shayne Zanetti marked and passed to Michael Pettigrew who kicked accurately. This was to be West Perth’s only goal for the term. Perth attacked consistently but the Falcons defence held firm and restricted them to an eleven point lead at half time. The Demons led 7.7 (49) to 6.2 (38).

There were danger signs when dangerous Perth forward Simon Donovan kicked one early to take the lead to a match high seventeen. From here it was another really hard fought term with goals hard to come by. This goal was to be Perth’s only one for the quarter. Behinds were the order of the day until a clever Andrew Strijk kick forward enabled “Slick” to run in and score a major. West Perth continued to press hard and got to within two after Joel Rice got the ball forward to Shayne Zanetti who finished from the square. The last few minutes saw behinds scored and going into the last quarter West Perth had reduced the Perth lead to three; 8.7 (55) to 8.10 (58).

West Perth regained the lead for the first time since quarter time when Shayne Zanetti marked forty out, on a sharp angle, and kicked accurately. Two behinds to the Falcons followed before Shayne Zanetti kicked his third to take the lead to eleven but as had been the case all day Perth hit back to square the game mid way through the term. The Perth goals came from danger forwards Simon Donovan and Michael Florio. Going into time on two behinds to the Demons saw them take the lead and it would be fair to say that supporters of both teams were on the edge of their seats. A point to the Falcons reduced the margin to the bare minimum. West Perth continued to attack as the clock ticked down and was finally rewarded when Darcy Barden snapped a beauty after a scrimmage on the goal line. Kody Manning then wrapped up the game with a classy finish from forty. The Falcons had time for one more behind and when the final siren went they had run out two goal victors; 12.13 (85) to 10.13 (73).

The Falcons are to be commended for the way that they fought out the game to achieve a vital victory and get the season back on track. There was an even spread of contributors but the award winners were Dion Fleay, Anthony Tsalikis, Darcy Barden, Matt Gaudagnin, Ray Bartholomew and best was Mark Hutchings. The Reserves once again battled manfully but were beaten by the Demons. Best players were Josh Donaldson, Sam Palm and Marc Crisp. Well done to the Colts who won their third game of the year. The Foxtel match in Sydney against Ainslie will be the centre of attention next week before the Falcons host Peel on the 28^th. This will be another tough match so be there to help get the boys over the line.

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

CHARITY SHIELD GAME

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

For the Round 7 fixture on Saturday 28^th April 2012, the West Perth Football Club will play its third annual Charity Shield match against Peel Thunder at Arena Joondalup. This concept commenced in 2010 with an idea for both West Perth and Peel Thunder to hold alternative yearly clashes that assist a local charity.

In 2010, West Perth Football Club assisted beyondblue and in 2011, Peel Thunder Football Club assisted Lifeline. The Falcons took the game honours in 2010 while the Thunder took the trophy home in 2011. West Perth is keen to atone this year and see the shield return to Arena Joondalup.

This year, West Perth Football Club has selected Foodbank WA as their nominated charity.

Foodbank is a non-denominational, charitable organisation which sources donated and surplus food from the food and grocery industry to distribute to welfare and community agencies that provide food assistance to people in need. The Foodbank WA network extends from the state head office in Perth into regional centres in Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Peel.

Foodbank’s Mission Statement is: “An Australia without Hunger”.

Falcons Chief Executive Officer Gerry O’ Dea said, “A major focus for this year will be the donation of food outside the ground in allocated Foodbank bins. Aside from a club donation from the gate takings on the day, Foodbank is also desperately in need of food donations, and the spectators on this day will have the opportunity to make a donation at one of the bins provided".

“This is a worthwhile opportunity for the football community to assist those who are less fortunate than us” O’Dea said. Foodbank Chief Executive Officer Greg Hebble agreed and thanked the West Perth Football Club for initiating this terrific concept.

What better way to start the day than for every Falcons or Thunder member, spectator, player, volunteer, staff member, family member even umpires to bring a can of food to the ground to make a contribution. Please pass this message along to your networks as we strive to make a difference to people who may be doing it tough at the moment.

If you are unable to make it to the game, the West Perth Football Club will be accepting food donations at their office located at Level 1 / Arena Joondalup, Kennedya Drive, JOONDALUP WA 6027 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

We thank you for your support of this initiative.

For more information, please contact Chief Executive Officer Gerry O’ Dea on 0407 213 722 or at the Club on 08 9300 3611.

FALCONS MAKE FOXTEL CUP DEBUT

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

This Saturday the West Perth Falcons travel to the home of GWS in Blacktown, Sydney to play Canberra powerhouse Ainslie in the Foxtel Cup.

Blacktown is approximately 40km from Sydney central and takes approx 45 minutes to travel out to by car.

The travel party will include a squad of approximately 28 players (still to be finalised), Football Manager, Senior Coach and assistants, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Head Trainer, Club Physiotherapist, Club Doctor, statisticians and the President.

The party will set off on Friday at 10:00am arriving in Sydney at 4:30pm. A coach will take the party out to Baulkham Hills where the team will stay at the Crowne Plaza.

Once arrived there will be a short walk and stretch before a team dinner.

Senior Coach Bill Monaghan has taken the chance to rest of few senior players including Salecic, Pettigrew, Browne, Keunen and Guadagnin. All will be refreshed and ready to go against Peel Thunder at Arena the following Saturday. Others to come into the side will be Nelson, Rasmussen, Black and Donaldson.

Making his debut will be Matthew Johnson. Johnson played his junior football with Whitfords Junior Football Club and has been in good goal kicking form in the Colts. He has been rewarded with a game and the chance to push up for senior selection in weeks to come. He is a nephew of former player, coach and club sponsor George Michalczyk.

Andrew Strijk and Michael Mascoulis have been released by the West Coast Eagles and will play.

The game is counted as a senior game and will be allocated to the senior games tally of each player playing.

The team will arrive at the ground Saturday at 9:30am and begin preparing for bounce down at 11:00am.

Once the game is complete the team will have a lunch and prepare for the return flight to Perth which departs Sydney at 5:30pm arriving back in Perth at 8:40pm Saturday night.

The Club is taking the game seriously with President Brett Raponi saying “the competition is a good concept and a fantastic opportunity for the players, coaches and administrators to experience a day in the life of an AFL team. It gives West Perth national exposure and provides our players with a further opportunity to pit their skills in front of AFL talent scouts.”

Should the Falcons win this game they will then play Werribee at the MCG on Saturday 10^th June in a prelude to Richmond against the Dockers.

Don’t forget to switch on Fox Footy at 9:00am on Saturday to get your weekend hit of the mighty Falcons! Good luck boys!

FALCONS TAKE THE POINTS IN FOXTEL CUP

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

BY BEN GUTHRIE

WEST Perth has upstaged Ainslie by 42 points in their Foxtel Cup encounter at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday.

The Falcons kicked four goals to one in the first quarter and then four goals to one in the second quarter to open up a sizeable and eventually unassailable gap.

West Perth won 13.12 (90) to Ainslie’s 7.6 (48).

Fremantle listed midfielder Jay Van Berlo cruised through the midfield with ease and in a standout performance finishing with 30 possessions and two goals.

Fellow midfielder Raymond Bartholomew was an able assistant in the engine room with 20 touches, while West Coast’s Andrew Strijk managed two goals.

The Falcons were better organised with their structures and spacing than Ainslie in the first half, turning defence into attack on multiple occasions.

Goals to Michael Mascoulis, Matthew Johnson and Anthony Saylor were all direct results of crisp ball movement.

In contrast a laboured build up brought about Nick Paine’s first goal for the Saints in the first term.

Ainslie’s pressure lifted a cog or two in the second quarter, although that coincided with Van Berlo and Strijk making their mark on the game.

Van Berlo kicked two goals in the second term, and fellow midfielder Shane Nelson (20 disposals) - considered by some as unlucky not to get drafted last year - added another from a tight angle.

While the Saints’ work rate improved, they found it difficult to pass through the rock solid West Perth defence. Brent LeCras added a touch of poise and generated great energy in defence for his 21 disposals.

As the game opened up, the Saints found some more direct routes to goal, including a coast-to-coast goal that ended up in the hands of Jake Whatman in the third term.

But at the other end forward Darcy Barden, began to assert himself on the game, slamming through two majors in the third term.

Paine took a big pack mark and kicked a resultant goal in the last quarter to be Ainslie’s best player, but an errant kick from the Saints defence gifted Matthew Johnson his second goal of the game.

Barden kicked his third in the dying stages to cap off the comfortable win.
Ultimately it was West Perth’s drive through the midfield, in particular Van Berlo, which Ainslie failed to counter.

Ainslie 1.0 2.1 4.3 7.6 (48)

West Perth 4.3 8.6 11.8 13.12 (90)

GOALS
Ainslie: Paine 2, Whatman 2, Carter, Horner, Lawless
West Perth: Barden 3, Strijk 2, Van Berlo 2, Johnson 2, Mascoulis, Nelson, Saylor, Shannon

BEST
Ainslie: Paine, Whatman, Crook, Bennett, Walker
West Perth: Van Berlo, LeCras, Barden, Bartholomew, Nelson, Strijk

MEMBER SEATING

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

All West Perth Football Club members are reminded to wear their membership cards and lanyards in the Whinnen / Dempsey Grandstand to identify themselves as Falcons faithful.

We have had some complaints this season about opposition members / players encroaching in the upper deck of the Grandstand, and we will become more vigilant in this area, but to assist our security team, we would remind all West Perth Football Club members to wear their lanyards when seated in this area.

STRIJKY CHALKS UP 100 GAMES

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Should he be released by the West Coast Eagles to play this weekend, Andrew Strijk will play his 100^th game for the Falcons against Peel Thunder at Arena Joondalup this weekend.

‘Strijky’ came through the clubs talent development program, playing his junior football at the Carine Junior Football Club. He made his senior debut on the 5^th of June 2006 in jumper number 36, fittingly in a derby against East Perth. He was one of the few talented players to have played League football whilst still eligible to play Colts – testimony to his undoubted ability. Unfortunately, his first game was a loss to the Royals by 23 points.

His first win was not far away however as he tasted victory in his second game against Peel Thunder, courtesy of a 5 goal haul to Anthony Tsalikis. Strijky also helped himself to 3 goals on this occasion and grabbed 3 votes in the Football Budget Rising Star award. He was recognised by the club with the 2006 Rookie of the Year award.

2009 was a good year as Andrew was elevated to the Falcons leadership group, played his 50^th game and also represented WA against SA. In 2010 he also played State footy against the Vics. He was selected by the West Coast Eagles with pick 27 in the 2012 Rookie Draft, and was upgraded to the main list at seasons end. He made his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs, and performed admirably, kicking two goals.

In his 100 games for the Falcons, he is best known for his superb kicking skills, his uncanny marking ability and his great consistency and attack on the footy. The West Perth Football Club is delighted to acknowledge his 100^th game and wishes him all the best for the remainder of the season.

FALCONS GET OVER THE LINE

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

It was a tight match for the whole game at the Arena on Saturday. Peel led for most of the first half and West Perth for all of the second and as a result were in front at the final siren. The Falcons ran out fifteen point victors in a game that was played in the first wet conditions of the season. Both sides battled hard with the result still being in doubt at the twenty five minute mark of the last quarter.

Peel commenced the game with a behind but it was Kody Manning who kicked the first goal of the match. He was on the end of a pass from Dustin Burns and kicked accurately from forty. Kody started up forward and showed promise in that role. A behind to Peel was followed by a Matt Orzel major; this restored the lead to the Thunder. Jay van Berlo roved the ball from a boundary throw in to give West Perth back the lead but this was to be the Falcons last goal for the quarter. Peel attacked strongly to kick the last two goals and take a nine point lead into the first change. They led 3.5 (23) to 2.2 (14).

A lot of behinds were kicked on the day and this was the case at the start of the second term. The first goal went to Peel’s Bradley Holmes. He kicked five for the day and was a danger forward. A great chase and tackle by Falcon big man Chris Keunen resulted in a turnover and a mark to Darcy Barden inside fifty. He proceeded to kick the first of his four for the day and reduced the margin to nine. Darcy had a terrific day and relished the wet conditions that came later in the match. Joel Rice received a free kick and handed off to Brent LeCras who scored from fifty and after Darcy Barden took a strong pack mark, played on and kicked his second the Falcons had regained the lead. The run of goals for West Perth continued when Anton Saylor skilfully shepherded through a Ray Bartholomew kick. The lead was out to twelve at the twenty three minute mark but as had been the case all day Peel steadied and controlled the last minutes of the quarter to grab a two point lead just before the main break. Scores were 6.9 (45) to 6.7 (43).

The rain came during the half time break band as a result the game tightened up even more. Darcy Barden kicked his third at the two minute mark to give West Perth the lead, one that they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. The lead was out to eleven when Chris Keunen and Ray Bartholomew combined to get the ball into the hands of Steven Browne who goaled on the run from forty. A goal and behind to Peel followed before Darcy Barden kicked the ball forward and Shayne Zanetti marked on the behind line. He slotted it from a sharp angle. West Perth were unable to extend their lead once again due to Peel not giving in. A second goal to Peel’s Kristin Thornton and a series of behinds to both teams saw the Falcons in front by five at the final change. They led 9.12 (66) to 8.13 (61).

It was all on the line in the final term and Jay van Berlo kicked his second at the two minute mark to take the lead back out to eleven. Peel answered almost immediately before Darcy Barden, outnumbered three to one, battled hard to receive a free kick. He received fifty and kicked his fourth from close in. He was once again involved when he performed a terrific one hand pick up and hit Luke Tedesco on the chest forty out. “Teddy’s” straight kick gave West Perth a match high seventeen point lead. Both sides battled hard but behinds were the only score for the next ten minutes. During this time the Falcons extended their lead to eighteen. Bradley Holmes then chimed in with his fourth and fifth goals for Peel and at the twenty five minute mark the game was back in the balance with the Falcons leading by just eight. It was fitting that the sealer came shortly after from hundred gamer, Andrew Strijk. Kody Manning and Kepler Bradley combined to get the ball into the hands of “Strijky” who gave West Perth a fourteen point lead. A Chris Keunen behind finished the game and gave West Perth their 13.17 (95) to 11.14 (80) victory.

As has been the case in West Perth’s two previous victories for the season they really delivered in the last quarter when the game was on the line. Congratulations to Andrew Strijk on his hundredth game for the Club and to Jay van Berlo on his fiftieth. It was an even team performance on the day but the following players received awards. Dustin Burns, Michael Pettigrew, Kody Manning, Chris Keunen, Darcy Barden and best was Mark Hutchings who continued his stellar start to the season. Congratulations to Paul Sanzone and his Reserves team who scored their first win for the season. They worked hard and are on the improve. Best players were Joe Morrow, Sam Palm, Kris Shannon and Matt Fowler who kicked seven. The Colts continued their good form when they drew with Peel. Another important match against the Bulldogs at Fremantle next week. Be there to get the boys over the line.

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

MOTHER'S DAY RAFFLE

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The Falcons next home game against East Fremantle is on Saturday the 12th May 2012 at Arena Joondalup and as it falls on the same weekend as Mother's Day, our volunteers would like to put together a raffle for all the Mum's associated with the Club.

Tickets for the raffle will be available at presentations after the game in the Premiers Suite. The winner will be drawn at the end of presentations.

If you have anything that you can donate for this raffle, please contact the Club on 08 9300 3611 or by email to promotions@falconsfc.com.au. We thank you for your continued support of the Club.

BULLDOGS TOO GOOD FOR FALCONS

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

South Fremantle were too strong for the Falcons at their home ground on Saturday. It was a very good game of football with both sides moving the ball quickly and precisely but it was the Bulldogs who made the most of their scoring opportunities and as a result they ran out twenty six point victors.

The game started at a hectic pace with both sides moving the ball quickly and precisely. West Perth set the trend early in the game but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. A Kepler Bradley behind started the scoring but Souths kicked the first major courtesy of Jarrad Winter. A series of very good passes saw the ball end up in the hands of Aaron Black and he finished from forty. His accurate kick gave West Perth the lead for the last time of the day. The Bulldogs kicked the next two; one of those went to Ben Saunders. He finished with six for the match. Inaccuracy plagued the Falcons in the first term and the only other major went to Matt Fowler who took a strong mark forty out and kicked the first of his three for the afternoon. Souths kicked one more for the term and their accurate kicking saw them take a seven point lead into the first change. They led 4.0 (24) to 2.5 (17). It was a great first quarter of football with West Perth legend, Brian France, saying it was the best that he had seen for a long time.

South Fremantle began the second quarter best and after eight minutes had gone to an eighteen point lead. Four minutes later Jason Salecic and Luke Tedesco combined to get the ball forward to Kody Manning who took a strong grab in the square. A behind to the Falcons followed before Shane Nelson showed his class with a strong mark and accurate kick from thirty. The margin was now only five but the Bulldogs responded with three goals to extend their lead to twenty three. Their accurate kicking for goal was a feature of their play. A terrific individual effort by Shane Nelson just before the siren saw him kick his second and reduce the margin to seventeen at the main change. Scores were 9.1 (55) to 5.8 (38).

The Bulldogs dominated the first twenty minutes of the third quarter and set up their victory. By the twenty minute mark they had established a thirty nine point lead. A second to Matt Fowler and a first to Steven Browne gave the Falcons half a chance going into the last quarter as the margin had been reduced to twenty five. Souths led 12.6 (78) to 7.11 (53).

The Falcons last quarters have been strong this year and to score a victory this would need to be the case again. Their task was made even more difficult when Souths scored the first goal of the term to lead by thirty after three minutes. West Perth then surged thanks to the tireless midfield work of Mark Hutchings to reduce the margin to just five at the twenty one minute mark. They were full of running and looked a real chance to get up. The goals went to Anton Saylor who pounced on the crumbs to run into an open goal, Andrew Strijk who marked strongly in the square, Aaron Black who scored from the square after a mark and fifty metres and Matt Fowler who kicked his third after a strong grab fifty out. But from here it was all the Bulldogs and they finished best to kick the last three of the game. At the final siren they had run out twenty six point victors; 16.12 (108) to 11.16 (82).

It was a costly loss to West Perth as they sit one game and considerable percentage out of the four with one game of the first round remaining. Presentations didn’t take place after the game but Mark Hutchings continued his outstanding form picking up thirty two possessions, Aaron Black worked hard at the base of the packs, Dustin Burns ran hard off the back line, Shane Nelson continues to show that he is up to league football, Chris Keunen had twenty six hit outs and Matt Fowler kicked three majors from limited opportunities. The Reserves continued their resurgence with a strong come from behind victory and some players are pushing hard for league selection. A tough game against East Fremantle looms this week. Be there to get the Falcons over the line.

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

ROUND 9 - WEST PERTH VS EAST FREMANTLE COLTS FIXTURE

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Please be advised that the Round 9 West Perth vs East Fremantle Colts game on Saturday 12^th May 2012 will be held at East Fremantle Oval commencing at 9:00am.

This game will be played, along with three other Colts fixtures, as part of the WAFL Colts Super Round giving players the opportunity to perform in front of local and national recruiters.

Entry is free for all members and supporters. Colts presentations will be held in the East Fremantle social rooms at approximately 12:00pm.

The Reserves and League games will remain at Arena Joondalup commencing at 11:40am and 2:10pm respectively.

SUPPORTER'S BUS TO KALANNIE

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The West Perth Football club is pleased to announce that we will be organising a supporters bus to Kalannie for the Round 14 CSES game against East Fremantle on Saturday the 23^rd of June 2012.

Please register your interest for a seat on the bus by contacting Brittany at the Club on 08 9300 3611 or by email to reception@falconsfc.com.au. RSVP's are due by Friday the 8th of June 2012.

Tickets are $50 per person. The bus leaves Arena Joondalup at 9:00am and departs Kalannie after the game at 6:00pm to return to Perth.

We will need a minimum of 30x RSVP's for the bus to go ahead so please get in early to book your seat. The coach has air conditioning, comfortable seats, television and toilet on board. Strictly no alcohol is permitted on the coach.

INNER SANCTUM - SPONSOR A PLAYER & PLATINUM MEMBERS

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The West Perth Football Club would like to invite all Platinum members and Sponsor A Player members to attend an exclusive Inner Sanctum on Monday the 14th of May 2012.

It is a rare and unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of the Club, hear what the Captain & Coach have to say, ask some questions and enjoy some fellowship.

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Jessy at the Club by 5pm on Friday the 11^th of May 2012 to promotions@falconsfc.com.au or on 08 9300 3611.

First in, best dressed. Don’t miss out!!!

Thank you again for your support and we hope to see you at the Inner Sanctum.

JONES DETERMINED TO MAKE HIS MARK

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

BY FRIZZ FERGUSON

West Perth newcomer, Jordan Jones, had a tough start to 2012 with two team losses and then an ankle injury in the Falcons’ first win of the season, but the former West Coast Eagle and Peel Thunder utility is ready to turn things around after an impressive performance in the Reserves against South Fremantle last week.

The 21-year-old came to West Perth this season with a wealth of experience behind him. Recruited from the Geelong Falcons to the West Coast Eagles in 2008, he played two AFL games in 2010 and was a shining star with Peel Thunder for the past three years. But after he was delisted for the Eagles last year, Jones decided to make his home in Perth and settle in as a Falcon.

Jones started the season finding his feet, but in his break out game for West Perth in Round 3 with 16 disposals against rivals East Perth, he was stopped short with an ankle injury.

“In the derby I went to kick the footy and kicked the ground as I got tackled and tore ligaments at the front of my foot,” he said.

But after four weeks away from the game, Jones made his return to the field last Saturday with his 23 disposals and three marks assisting the Reserves side in their 12 point win over the Bulldogs. Jones said he was physically tired after the game, but feels ready to represent the top side again.

“Sore everywhere else, but my foot pulled up pretty good and I think I’ll just got from there, try to get through the week and push for a spot next week,” he said.

Jones is determined to make his mark for the team and wants to build on the success of the club and said these were factors for his move to West Perth as well as the influence of former Eagles teammate and home grown Falcon, Andrew Strijk, who introduced him to the local players.

“It’s been really good [at West Perth]. I’ve got to know all the boys; I knew quite a few of them before I moved here so that was probably the biggest thing to come to a good footy club and they were a very successful team.”

Jones added the player performance and professionalism of West Perth is of a high calibre and he is happy he made the switch.

“My whole lifestyle has changed in general coming from West Coast, to Peel, to West Perth. The standard’s a lot higher and [there is] a lot more professionalism, but most WAFL clubs are pretty similar around the mark, but we’re trying to be the most professional club we can be,” he said.

Speaking like a true Red and Blue, Jones also said West Perth coach, Bill Monaghan, is a coach that is friendly, but demands respect.

“He’s very passionate. He’s a very good coach, has a good sense of humour and he’s approachable which is a good thing, but when things need to be done you better do it for him.”

HEARTBREAK FOR FALCONS

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

BY DARRELL KENT

West Perth just fell short of a much needed victory at the Arena on Saturday. East Fremantle just prevailed in a hard fought match. At different times the Falcons seemed to have done enough to record their fourth victory but it was not to be as the Sharks kicked a major in time on in the last quarter to get over the line.

West Perth started the match slowly and as a result East Fremantle dominated the first quarter. The Sharks kicked four for the quarter and all of the goals went to Brock O’Brien and Max Duffy. Both of these players proved to be a real handful for the entire game. The only Falcon goal for the term went to Aaron Black at the twenty minute mark. He was on the end of a Mark Hutchings pass and majored from forty five. The Sharks led 4.2 (26) to 1.2 (8).

West Perth came out all guns blazing in the second quarter and were on the board within two minutes when Anthony Tsalikis kicked his first. Max Duffy chimed in with another for East Fremantle before the skipper, Jason Salecic, got on the board with a sensational left foot snap from deep in the pocket. Brock O’Brien then kicked his fourth to take the lead back out to seventeen at the fourteen minute mark. From this point in time West Perth dominated and kicked the last three majors of the quarter. The first went to Jason Salecic who kicked his second after a clever handball from “Slick”, Jordan Jones and Darcy Barden assisted Anthony Tsalikis to kick his second and Chris Keunen handballed to Ray Bartholomew who ran in and finished from forty. Scores were all tied up at the thirty minute mark but a behind to the Sharks just before the siren gave them a one point lead. They led 6.5 (41) to 6.4 (40).

The Falcons continued to play good football in the third term and grabbed the lead when Darcy Barden kicked his first after taking the ball off hands. The lead was out to ten when Anthony Tsalikis passed to Brent LeCras who had run hard from the backline to mark forty out. But the next ten minutes belonged to East Fremantle and they attacked hard to lead by four at the twenty two minute mark but once again West Perth finished the term in style by kicking three goals. Darcy Barden kicked his second after a fifty metre penalty, Steven Browne snapped one from deep in the pocket and Aaron Black passed to Anthony Tsalikis who kicked his third. The Falcons took a handy fourteen point lead into the final term; 11.6 (72) to 8.10 (58).

As expected East Fremantle came out hard in the final term and had reduced the margin to five by the seven minute mark. Matt Fowler then took a strong mark on the lead to extend the margin again and when Aaron Black kicked his second at the thirteen minute mark the lead was back out to sixteen. There was still a long time to go but the Falcons had put themselves in the box seat. This time it was the Sharks turn to surge in the last part of the quarter and they applied tremendous pressure to a gallant West Perth defence to finish with three goals and win by two points. A couple of errors by the Falcons during this time were to prove very costly. Final scores were East Fremantle 12.15 (87) to 13.7 (85).

The Falcons now face a real challenge to play finals football this year. West Perth played patches of very good football but a four quarter effort still eludes them. Best for the Falcons were Aaron Black, Anthony Tsalikis, Jordan Jones, Dan Hunt, Shane Nelson and best was Laine Rasmussen. The Reserves were beaten by the Sharks with the best players being Kris Shannon, Mitchell McPhee, Sam Palm and Zac Cavanagh. Well done to the Colts who recorded a narrow victory to put themselves right in the hunt for a top four place. Off to the Arena again next week against Subiaco to see where the 2012 journey is going to take us.

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

INTERCHANGE STEWARD REQUIRED

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The West Perth Football Club is looking for an Interchange Steward for our remaining Reserves home games.

No experience is required and full support will be provided.

The commitment is for just 6 home games on a Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

If you can help out, or know someone who might be interested, please contact our Football Manager Brad Lukosius on 08 9300 3611 or by email to footballmanager@falconsfc.com.au.

FALCONS TRIO CRACK WA STATE SQUAD

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

The West Perth Football Club congratulates Mark Hutchings, Dion Fleay and Dan Hunt on being selected to represent their state in the upcoming game against South Australia in Adelaide on Saturday the 26^th of May 2012.

All have been in great form this season and deserve to get the nod.

Hutchings was particularly unlucky last year to make the squad but had to pull out with an untimely injury before the game. Fleay, who played last year in the narrow one point win over the VFL is sure to start across half back and will be an important cog in the WA defence. Hunty has also had an assured start to the season and offers WA great dependability in the last line of defence.

The squad will commence training soon and will be narrowed down just prior to the game. Best wishes to all three players on making the final team.

FALCONS & SHARKS GO HEAD TO HEAD FOR WA HOMELESS

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +1000

West Perth and East Fremantle WAFL Chief Executive Officer’s Gerry O’ Dea and Adam Kelly have decided to pull out their sleeping bags and go head to head in a fundraising challenge that pits their two club's together in the hope of raising some much needed funds for St Vinnies.

Both CEO’s are enrolled in the annual St Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which will take place this year on Thursday 21^st June at the WACA ground. WA CEO’s are requested to sleep rough overnight to experience the feeling of homelessness whilst raising awareness and funds for the homeless in WA.

Last year O’Dea took on and defeated Perth CEO Brian Leys and says that Kelly will be a simpler challenge. “Last year Brian and I had a very close tussle, but the donations from Falcons fans just got me over the line and he had to sleep in a Falcons beanie” O’Dea said. “I can’t imagine Adam will give me much competition.”

The CEO who raises the least amount of funds will have to wash the other CEO's car at the Falcons / Sharks game in Kalannie which takes place just two days after the Sleepout. Last year O’Dea and Leys raised $8,400 between them and Kelly hopes to see this amount raised to $10,000 this year. “The Falcons have not beaten us this year, and I can’t see that changing – on or off the field” Kelly said.

Falcons and Sharks members and supporters are encouraged to donate to help their club win the challenge and can assist by going to the website: www.ceosleepout.org.au

Simply click on the CEO tab and go to WA to vote for O’Dea or Kelly. WAFC Director of Pathways and Competitions, Grant Dorrington congratulated both clubs on this initiative and said "It’s refreshing to see the WAFL clubs supporting the community in a variety of ways by contributing to assist people who are doing it tough.”

For all enquiries:

Gerry O’ Dea – West Perth Football Club – 0407 213 722

Adam Kelly – East Fremantle Football Club – 0488 202 662