NO. 1 TICKETHOLDER CALLS ON SUPPORTERS TO SIGN UP

NEW West Perth Football Club No. 1 Ticketholder Basil Zempilas will be doing all he can to promote the Falcons throughout 2014 and is calling on anyone who calls themselves a Falcons supporter to sign up as a member.

Zempilas was honoured and somewhat surprised when offered the chance to become the No. 1 Ticketholder of the club that he supported growing up, played with through the mid-1990s and now has continued to support through a burgeoning media career.

He will be doing all he can to promote West Perth on Channel 7 news, his breakfast program with Steve Mills on 6PR and indeed Channel 7's and 6PR's football coverage that he broadcasts on, but he wants all Falcons supporters on board with him in 2014.

In modern day WAFL football, every club needs every inch of support it can get and having fans become members is the best way for West Perth to remain the force on the field that it is as the reigning premiers.

"Obviously it is more important than ever in this environment and climate. It really is a call to put your money where your mouth is," Zempilas said.

"A lot of people love saying they are West Perth people and love saying they are West Perth supporters especially now that we are the premiers, and I'm sure there a lot of supporters dining out on the fact that they can rib their mates about the fact that West Perth are the premiers.

"If you are one of those people making the most of the fact that West Perth are premiers, why not fork out the relatively small amount of money it is to become a member. It is a great way to repay the club for what they have done for us not only in the past, but by winning last year's premiership."

When Zempilas was approached to replace his Channel 7 workmate Dennis Cometti as No. 1 Ticketholder, he was somewhat reluctant but upon further investigation into the role he felt it was something he had plenty to offer in.

"I was a bit surprised to be honest, but greatly honoured obviously. Not only did I play for West Perth, but I grew up barracking for West Perth and it was a great thrill to be asked and an honour to even be considered," Zempilas said.

"I probably was also a little hesitant wondering if I could fulfil the role as well as somebody else, but when it was explained to me that one of the main objectives of a No. 1 ticketholder was someone who could help spread the word a bit.

"Obviously given I am on radio, TV and calling a bit of footy, that is one thing I can take care of. It is terrific to be able to be of some service to a club I have always considered my own. I'm really flattered and honoured, and I have to say quite chuffed about it too."

While Zempilas acknowledges he might not get the Falcons the same amount of mentions on Channel 7's Friday night football coverage as Cometti does, he will be using avenues to promote his beloved West Perth.

"It has worked out well for both myself and Den, and for West Perth that we have been able to tie everything in together how we have. I joked at the time that West Perth has been mentioned on AFL broadcasts in recent years more than some AFL clubs so they have certainly had a good run out of Den," Zempilas said.

"My games might not be as high profile as the ones that Den does, so I can't guarantee quite as good a run on AFL broadcasts but I can guarantee there will be plenty of mentions on 6PR breakfasts that's for sure."

West Perth president Brett Raponi felt it was an easy decision to offer the role to Zempilas not only because of his high profile in the media, but his love and passion of the West Perth Football Club.

"We wanted Basil primarily because like Dennis he was a former league player and this was important to me and the board. I met first met Basil six years ago and he was always interested in the club and how we are travelling," Raponi said.

"This appealed to me and was a genuine quality. Obviously Basil has a high profile in the media and his career is really skyrocketing now so it just made good sense.

"I did say to Basil that his mantra as No. 1 Ticketholder is simple - to mention West Perth or the Falcons in the general course of your business.

"Membership is travelling well this far and we hope to build and have our 7th consecutive year of growth. We still have many fans who aren’t members and I would encourage them to sign on and be paid up, proud and passionate!"

BY CHRIS PIKE