WAFL Life Member 2026 – Kevin Merifield

Kevin Merifield has earned WAFL Life Membership after an extraordinary contribution to the Subiaco Football Club and the WAFL over several decades.

Merifield played 213 League games for Subiaco between 1957 and 1968, kicking 149 goals across a distinguished 12-season career.

He played primarily at centre half back but also spent time as a full forward for a couple of seasons.

His number of League matches places him amongst the longest-serving players at the Lions, sitting 10th all-time at the club.

Merifield was captain of Subiaco in 1963 and 1965, reflecting the respect he commanded amongst teammates and coaches.

In addition to his playing role with the League side in 1965, Merifield coached the club’s Reserves side.

During his career, Merifield also represented Western Australia on four occasions.

Merifield also served as a Western Australian State selector and later as Chairman of State Selectors during his tenure as Subiaco President. During this period, he also served as a Director of the WAFL.

Merifield’s longevity, leadership, consistency and commitment to the maroon and gold were hallmarks of his outstanding contribution to Subiaco.

He served the game and the Lions as a player, captain, state representative, administrator, president, patron, volunteer, mentor, advocate, and custodian of club culture and heritage.

Merifield was President of Subiaco between 1980 and 1982 during an important period in the club’s history.

He was also widely recognised as one of the club’s revered “Diehards”, a prestigious honour acknowledging individuals who made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the Lions.

Of particular significance, Merifield played a central role in the “Save Subi” movement during one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history, helping advocate for and support the preservation and future of the Subiaco Football Club at a time when it faced enormous uncertainty.

His contribution during this period is still widely recognised within the club and reflects the depth of his commitment, loyalty, and passion for Subiaco and WA football.

Merifield was named a Subiaco Life Member in 1968, and in 2006 was recognised as a Subiaco Football Club Ball Legend.

Alongside those honours, he served as a patron of the club for 15 years from 2011 to 2025, before stepping down from the role in 2026.

These honours reflect not only Kevin’s achievements as a player and leader, but also the enormous respect he has earned through decades of service, commitment, and advocacy for the Subiaco Football Club and WA football.

Very few individuals have contributed to a WAFL club across so many decades in so many ways.