Country Football WAA Day to Remember: Buddy’s Return Lights Up Dowerin
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21 Apr 2026
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One of the state’s most popular tourist destinations is hoping to provide a destination club for aspiring footballers.
The Dunsborough Sharks will field a Colts, Reserves and Women’s team in the SWFL this season after being voted in last October to become the eleventh club in the competition.
Dunsborough President Mark Delane says a dream has turned into reality.
“We put forward our submission two years ago when we realised how many players walked away from the game as teenagers, some followed their dreams to Perth, while a lucky few went to other clubs, but the overwhelming majority stopped playing,” Delane said.
Support provided by the SWFL, the City of Busselton, club members and volunteers has also been instrumental in the successful bid.
“There’s been an army of people working behind the scenes, and of course we’re very grateful to other clubs who voted us in.
There’s a lot to learn and organise but we can’t wait to play our first game,” Delane said.
The Shark’s President has been overwhelmed by the response from the community.
“It’s been nothing short of amazing and the level of excitement, joy and emotion following the news has made all the hard work worthwhile.
We’ve had great interest from potential club sponsors and support from the Dunsborough sporting community.”
Brent Sheridan, Manager Country Football Development South West Australian Football Commission says it’s an exciting development.
“The introduction of senior men’s and women’s teams now provides the Dunsborough community with a player pathway from Auskick through until Masters football for the first time.
Establishing a new club takes a tremendous amount of work, so the committee and Dunsborough community needs to be congratulated, along with the broader South West Football Community for taking the game forward,” Sheridan said.
The Sharks will enter a League team in the SWFL next year.
“We’ve started identifying possible players, coaches and support staff.
We’re blessed with Dunsborough being a desirable destination, so we hope that works in our favour to attract players and staff,” Delane said.
The SWFL season begins on Saturday March 26.
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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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