WA Football Appoints Brad Wira as CEO

WA Football today announced the appointment of Brad Wira as its next Chief Executive Officer, bringing to the role a rare and compelling blend of elite playing experience, grassroots football leadership, commercial acumen and deep stakeholder relationships across the game.

Wira played 96 games at AFL level with the Fremantle Football Club and Western Bulldogs FC between 1995 and 2001, represented Western Australia in State of Origin football, and went on to play 122 WAFL games for Claremont FC, also representing the WA WAFL side on two more occasions. His playing career was followed by an equally distinguished contribution off the field – coaching WA’s State 18s sides in back-to-back AFL National Under-18s Championship campaigns in 2010 and 2011, assisting at Claremont League and the WAFL State Team level, and spending over a decade as an integral part of the coaching structure at Hale School, celebrating five Alcock Cups.

In his professional career, Brad has spent over two decades as a Principal and Private Wealth Adviser at Shadforth Financial Group, where he has built a specialist niche advising professional athletes, coaches and sporting organisations, including serving as the adviser to the AFLPA & AFLCA Financial Education Programs and the AFL Industry Superannuation Fund. Brad has a Bachelor of Business – Major in Management and also holds a Company Directors qualification from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Brad has for the last 4 years been recognised among Barron’s Top 150 Financial Advisers in the country. The last two, as the highest ranked Western Australian based adviser.

Wira’s involvement in the governance and development of WA football is extensive. He currently serves on the WAF Board, its WA Talent Pathway Review committee, and is a Life Member of Claremont FC. His media background – spanning Channel 7, MMM, ABC Radio and 91.5FM – further enhances his ability to represent WA Football confidently in the public sphere.

“Brad represents the best of WA football,” WA Football chair, Ian Callahan, said.

“He brings credibility at every level of the game – from Auskick to the AFL – combined with the commercial and leadership skills to take this organisation forward. We are delighted to welcome him into the role.”

Wira said he was honoured to take on the role.

“WA Football has an extraordinary legacy and an exciting future. I’ve spent my life in and around this game, and I am deeply committed to growing it at every level – from the grassroots clubs that are the heartbeat of our communities, through to our elite pathways and WAFL competition. I look forward to working with the board, staff, clubs and all stakeholders to build on the strong foundations already in place,” Wira said.

Wira will begin his role on Monday, May 4, taking over from Michael Roberts who had a successful five-year tenure as WA Football CEO.

He will step down from his role on the Board will be replaced by a casual appointment in line with WAF Constitution.