Outgoing East Perth Chief Executive Dean Turner has mixed emotions walking away from the club after twelve years in the role.
Turner made the successful transition from player to administrator, guiding East Perth through various on and off field challenges.
“The past 12 years have made me extremely proud and I will hold those memories for the rest of my life,” Turner said.
“I owe a lot to club President Bronte Howson who made my job at East Perth the most rewarding throughout my 48 year long career.
“When I first came to the club, we were doing it tough so now that I’m finishing, I believe the club is in a much better place.
“I truly value my associations made with the players that I have been involved with.
“I hope I have assisted them to create their own success story.”
Dick, as he’s affectionately known, is bowing out with a heavy heart but satisfaction.
“Very mixed emotions for sure,” he said.
“Positive in the sense that the club now enjoys financial sustainability for the future and is competitive on the field.
“Also to bring to life the club’s future succession plan with James Sansalone taking over as the new CEO will be pleasing.
“From a negative perspective I will miss working closely with all the staff and supporting the playing group.
“Fingers crossed the players can go one better this year and get the results for all their hard-earned efforts.”
Turner has been at the helm as the Royals turned around their financial position.
“I guess seeing the club through a time of transition which now sees it as a sustainable and competitive football club.
“The hardest period was no doubt right at the beginning when we on the bones of our backside.
“Full credit must be paid to all those staff at the time who worked over and above so the club could get back on its feet and football staff who cemented the partnership model.”
The support provided by President Bronte Howson has played a pivotal part in Turner’s longevity.
“No doubt Bronte has had a profound influence over this club as President for a period of some 26 years,” Turner said.
“Bronte’s guidance, leadership, and winning ways has made my job very rewarding and fulfilling.”
Through 143 games at East Perth, Turner was a hard running midfielder, claiming the FD Book Medal in 1981.
After three years with Fitzroy he played 56 matches as an inaugural West Coast Eagle.
“Coming to East Perth as a 17-year-old and playing in the 1978 Preliminary final against South Fremantle where we won by more than 10 goals was certainly a highlight,” Turner recalled.
“From a personal perspective winning the club Fairest & Best in 1981 was a special moment.
“Also, for my brother Cedric and myself to receive Life membership of the club in 1999 was very special.”
Having called time on his career at East Perth, Turner will have more time for family, but footy will always be part of his weekends.
“Now that I have retired, I’m not certain what’s next,” he said.
“No doubt I look forward to spending more time with my family and our grandchildren, but I will still be getting along to watch the mighty Royals.”
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WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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