Falcons Veterans Eye Premierships Nine Years Apart

WINNING one WAFL premiership is special but the prospect of claiming football’s ultimate prize nine years apart is driving three West Perth greats over the next month.

The Falcons wrapped up the minor premiership in all three grades, with the league win over Subiaco last week, setting the club up for their best tilt at a flag since in 2013.

Almost a decade ago, West Perth tasted premiership success at the expense of archrivals East Perth, beating the Royals by 49 points at Subiaco Oval.

Aaron Black, Shane Nelson and Mark Hutchings were all part of the West Perth team on that day, with Hutchings awarded the Simpson Medal for best afield.

Fast forward to 2022 and the midfield trio remain key players for a team which is just two wins away from claiming the club’s 20th flag.

Black, the Falcons co-captain, believes earning the week’s break at the start of the finals is invaluable.

It means a great deal to finish on top this year,” Black said.

“It’s an extremely tight year so to gain a slight advantage by having a week off to freshen up and prime us for a final is a bonus.

“Claiming the minor premiership is great but it only means something if we can hold up the cup at the end of the season.”

West Perth finished the home and away season on 52 points.

A return of 13 wins, four losses and a draw clinched top spot, half a game clear of East Fremantle and Claremont.

“I think we’ve had a lot of good buy in from the playing group, accepting a variety of roles which have been thrown their way,” Black said.

“We’ve also put together a high-quality list that runs deep into our reserves side, which also finished on top.”

The Falcons ended the season on top at all three levels, earning them the Rodriquez Shield in 2022.

West Perth supporters are daring to dream of a fairytale return to Leederville Oval on Grand Final day.

“It was obviously the club’s home for a very long time, so I’m sure there’ll be many supporters who are excited for this to happen, which is great for the competition and us,” Black said.

West Perth hosts the second semi-final on Saturday September 17 against the winner of the qualifying final between East Fremantle and Claremont.