WAFC Life Member 2026 – Stephen Malaxos

Few individuals in the history of Western Australian football can lay claim to a career as accomplished and enduring as Steve Malaxos.

Across a 20-season career, he was a three-time WAFL premiership player, a Sandover Medallist and an inaugural West Coast Eagle before taking on roles as an AFL Assistant Coach, a WAFL coach, a developer of young talent and a respected voice in football media.

Malaxos rose to prominence at Claremont where he made his debut in 1979 and played in the 1981 premiership team before emerging as an elite midfielder.

He won back-to-back E.B. Cook Medals in 1983 and 1984, claimed the Sandover Medal in 1984 and in that same year was named the All-Australian Captain and awarded the West Australian Sports Star of the Year.

After spending 1985 with Hawthorn, he was chosen as a foundation player when the West Coast Eagles entered the VFL in 1987 and won the inaugural Club Champion award.

Selection in the All-Australian team in 1986 and 1988 confirmed Malaxos as one of the best players in the country.

By 1990, Malaxos was captain of the club, a reflection of his commitment, professionalism and respect he gained during the club’s formative years.

Malaxos and his competitive drive continued when he moved to East Fremantle, playing 138 games and captaining the club to premierships in 1992 and 1994.

He was also awarded the Lynn Medal as the fairest and best player at the Sharks in 1991,1994 and 1995.

Apart from a wonderful club record, Malaxos played 10 games for WA between 1982 and 1992, also representing Australia on nine occasions.

In total, Malaxos played 395 senior matches.

After retiring as a player, he served as an Assistant Coach in the AFL with the Sydney Swans and the Fremantle Dockers.

Malaxos also coached East Fremantle’s League team between 2011 and 2015 and was an Assistant Coach at Swan Districts.

His contribution has extended to coaching Scotch College in the PSA, and he has spent the past five years working within the West Coast Eagles Development team.

In 2005, Malaxos was recognised for his outstanding service to the game with induction into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame.

A valued contributor to the WA Football Media, Malaxos currently works with the West Coast Eagles in Community Development.

He has excelled at every level he has been involved in, as a player, coach and passionate WA Football advocate.

Malaxos is a worthy recipient of WAFC Life Membership.