East Perth to withdraw partner agreement with West Coast

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) has been informed by the East Perth Football Club of its intention to terminate its partner agreement with the West Coast Eagles.

East Perth FC provided notice of the termination following extensive internal discussion and consultation, with the East Perth FC Board voting unanimously to return to a traditional WAFL club structure.

Having met with both the West Coast Eagles and East Perth FC this week, WAFC CEO Gavin Taylor said significant work will be required to determine the right model going forward.

“Football is a continually evolving sport and so too are the needs of our WAFL Clubs and AFL Clubs,” Taylor said.

“We respect the decision of East Perth Football Club wanting to return to a traditional WAFL Club structure and are committed to having our AFL teams participating in the WAFL competition.”

Taylor emphasised that the partnering model has provided significant benefits for WA football since it was introduced in 2013.

“The model has served WA football well for the past five years, with both AFL clubs making grand finals and an additional $4.5 million invested by our AFL Clubs into the WAFL over that period,” Mr Taylor said.

“Feedback from both Fremantle Football Club and Peel Thunder Football Club is that the partnership model is serving both parties well and they would be keen to participate in any high level reviews of the competition.

“The WAFC is undertaking significant work to ensure our WAFL competition remains a highly competitive and successful competition through our reform strategies and looks forward to engaging with all WAFL Clubs and our AFL Clubs through this important review process.”

Both East Perth Football Club CEO Dean Turner and West Coast Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett emphasised that the strong relationship developed by the two clubs will ensure all parties work in partnership to ensure a smooth transition from the agreement.

The WAFC will now turn its focus to the process for reviewing the future options for the WAFL competition and the role of AFL clubs within it. This will include:

• How the WAFC assists EPFC through the transition process, the rebuilding of their list and coaching structures.
• How the WAFC supports WCE through either establishing a new partnership with a WAFL Club or operating a standalone team in the competition.
• How the WAFC maintains and protects the integrity of the WAFL competition and its history while focussing on the competition’s long term sustainability.
• The timing for any changes
• Developing a long term view of the WAFL competition structure.

The WAFL is an important competition for the WA football participation pathway, talent development, local communities and the long time loyal fans of WAFL Clubs. With the WAFL State team beating every other State in the last five years, whilst also producing some of the Nation’s best talent from the Colts and League competition reinforces the strength and quality of the WAFL.