A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT

WE HAVE now well passed the halfway point of the season and it is proving to be quite a challenge. I don’t subscribe to the 'premiership hangover' theory. That is easy to say from the outside but I know the coaches and players pushed each other hard in the pre-season to ensure there was no drop off in fitness or intensity. Everyone has remained strongly committed and focused this season, it’s just we have not won the close games (Peel being the exception) this year. 

The loss of Salecic, Hutchings and Mellington over the summer cannot be underestimated. All were 'hard ball get' players who contributed on the scoreboard at different times and all were very experienced and well developed footballers. 

The side has been extremely competitive in all games in 2014. We no longer get blown away in games and this has been a work in progress for Bill and his coaches for the past two seasons. I do believe that we can challenge any side on any day.

Depth is an important element in any football club. The club is blessed to have so much outstanding young talent on our league list. Last year’s premiership side had 11 players under the age of 21. All remain at the club. Whilst they are premiership players they are still very much developing their game and building their bodies for the rigors of league football. I ask you all to continue to support the entire squad because we believe there is going to be plenty of success at West Perth in the coming years.

I am delighted to say that we have won our way into a Foxtel Cup grand final. Whilst the prize money will be gratefully accepted ($100,000 to win or $40,000 for a loss) the opportunities for West Perth do not end there. The club is exposed on national television for a third time in 2014. This greatly assists with selling and marketing of the club to current sponsors and prospective sponsors. It also works in our recruiting campaign to attract and retain players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and members to our club. 

Our membership is again up on last year and is in fact in its seventh year of consecutive growth. I thank all members for renewing and welcome all new members.

As most of you would know the club has had to endure a hand to mouth existence in our 21 seasons at Arena Joondalup. We have boosted our corporate sponsorship this year to record levels. 

Lend Lease, owners of Lakeside Joondalup, and Channel 9 as new sponsors have made a significant impact on the club already. In addition to the City of Joondalup’s renewed partnership, the club is well placed to record a profit in 2014. All are secured with minimum three-year agreements and all will assist the club in securing a stable financial footing.

Channel 9 has made an outstanding commitment to West Perth and indeed the WAFL by way of this new and exciting partnership. This commitment by Channel 9 will allow the club to improve not only our finances but also allow us to grow our great game and to develop and raise the profile of the West Perth Football Club.
Channel 9 could have chosen to spend their corporate dollars anywhere but the fact they have chosen the Falcons is something we are proud of and grateful for. The club wishes to thank David Mott, Managing Director of STW9 Perth (pictured) and his team for their support.

This is no time to become complacent though. We still have our most important fundraising event of the year to come. The Banquet Auction is on this Saturday night (July 19) at HBF Arena (formerly Arena Joondalup) and we need your support.
Great bargains are always available and you may well be surprised at the value you receive. This is a fun night of entertainment with something for every demographic. So whether it is the silent auction or the main event I invite you to attend and enjoy the company of the players and fellow club members.

The alignment model is now in full swing. I and the board understand that many of you are struggling to come to terms with this change. The WAFC have committed to a full review at the end of this season. An advisory committee has been appointed and our CEO, David Crute is a key member of this group. 
Until then I ask you to continue to support the Falcons and I look forward to seeing you at the footy.

BRETT RAPONI

PRESIDENT