Prescott Appointed To Key WA Football Role

WA Football is delighted to announce the highly-regarded Ash Prescott as the new Executive Manager Performance Pathways and Development. 

Prescott has a wealth of experience in the football industry including 10 seasons as senior coach of WAFL outfit Claremont and more than a decade as an AFL assistant coach. 

During his time at the Tigers across two stints, Prescott reached the finals in every year including five grand final appearances – the most recent this year. 

The 54-year-old also had a successful playing career at the top level, tallying 128 AFL appearances for Richmond and Fremantle across the 1990s and 2000s. 

Prescott takes over from Fremantle and North Melbourne champion Peter Bell who was recruited in early 2025 to lay the foundations for reform following an extensive review of WA’s talent pathways. 

“I’m extremely excited by the opportunity to help shape the next generation of football talent across all levels in Western Australia,” Prescott said. 

“I’m looking forward to helping further strengthen talent development and elite football through clear pathways that maximise the potential of players, coaches and people.

“Those opportunities must be accessible and inclusive, reaching every corner of our State. 

WA Football CEO Brad Wira welcomed Prescott’s appointment. 

“We’re excited to bring someone of Ash’s calibre on board as Executive Manager Performance Pathways and Development,” Wira said. 

“Ash has vast experience across the AFL and WAFL, both as a coach and player, and is such a strong character and fantastic people person. 

“His experience over more than two decades at all levels of the football ecosystem made him a standout candidate for the position. 

“Ash’s coaching journey has taken him from WAFL Colts to WAFL League, AFL development and AFL assistant-coaching roles and his experiences and leadership traits will hold him in good stead to hit the ground running.  

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

Prescott will officially commence at WA Football on January 11, 2027.