Roberts calls time as WA Football CEO

CEO Michael Roberts has called time on his tenure at WA Football after more than five years in the role.

Appointed in late 2020, Roberts began the role in mid-January, 2021, after crossing from Tennis West.

Roberts was instrumental in WA Football’s recovery from the COVID-19 shutdown which forced a shortened season in 2020, as well as the implementation of the Recommendations from the Parliamentary inquiry in WA Football’s use of Government funding.

During his tenure the sport has grown to achieve the recently-announced record 90,000 registered participants, with a key focus being on the growth of females in the game. Raising the profile of the WAFL competition has also been a focus with the introduction of the WIN WIN marketing campaign and WAFL Wonderland concept that saw match attendances grow.

More recently, he played a vital role in launching WA Football’s new brand as well as the 2026-2028 Strategy.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at WA Football and I’m truly proud to see our great game thriving after we navigated through some difficult times during the COVID pandemic,” Roberts said.

“I am confident that as an industry we have never worked more collaboratively and are placed for future growth. I feel like it is a good time for me to hand over the reins for WA Football’s next phase and the beginning of an exciting new strategic plan.”

Roberts will finish up at WA Football at the end of February next year.

WA Football Chair Ian Callahan paid tribute to Roberts for his commitment to football.

“Michael has made a significant contribution to WA Football for more than five years and leaves the role with the game in a good place to meet the challenges of the future,” Callahan said.

“We’ve made some significant changes for the game and how it’s played during Michael’s time as CEO and we’re grateful for his leadership and dedication.

“On behalf of everyone at WA Football, I wish Michael and his family all the best with the next chapter of their lives.

“We will now begin the recruitment process for our next CEO.”

WA Football will immediately commence an executive search process to identify suitable candidates for the position.

A sub-committee of the WA Football Board, headed by Callahan, will oversee the recruitment process.