Bell steps back from WA Football as pathways project enters delivery phase

Peter Bell has stepped down as WA Football’s Executive Manager Performance Pathways and Development, having delivered meaningful change to WA’s talent pathways.

Bell was recruited in early 2025 to lay the foundations for reform following an extensive review of WA’s talent pathways.

“I was brought in to address the deepening issues of access and equity in WA football, to put the funding, planning and people in place to execute the recommendations of the pathway review,” Bell said.

“We have now implemented the majority of those recommendations, with plans in place for the remainder. The foundations are set. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and confident that the strategy in place will achieve the desired outcomes.”

Key outcomes during Bell’s tenure include strengthened AFL and WAFL club partnerships, increased AFL support across strategic areas, and most significantly securing legacy funding through the AFL Origin Community Fund in partnership with the WA State Government. The fund will support Regional, First Nations, Multicultural and lower socio-economic programs to ensure access and equity across WA communities.

“The organisation is in a strong position, the strategic direction is clear,” Bell said.

WA Football CEO Brad Wira said Bell’s appointment had delivered exactly what was intended.

“Peter was brought in at a critical moment to drive real change in our talent pathways, and he has done that with professionalism and genuine commitment,” Wira said. “The timing of this transition is consistent with what was agreed at appointment. We wish him well in his next challenge.”

Bell will finish in his current role at the end of June, to pursue other non-football related interests, however will continue in a part-time consultancy until the end of October to oversee delivery of the Community Origin Regional Football Talent Programs.

WA Football thanks Peter Bell for his contribution and looks forward to the continued impact of the programs and partnerships established during his tenure.