FOOTBALL: In a sporting coup for the Bunbury, WAFL heavyweights Swan Districts and East Perth will contest Round 20 of the competition at the recently redeveloped Hands Oval.
For the first time the event will coincide with the local fixtures of South Bunbury versus Donnybrook.
A huge crowd is expected to turn out for the clash of two top four teams.
AFL-listed players will also feature in the game as East Perth is now a West Coast Eagles partnership club.
There will also be the opportunity to meet home-grown Olympian Lauren Reynolds who will attend to sign autographs for fans.
Friday night before the game, fans, coaches and players can catch up with WAFL legends at the free South Bunbury Football Club panel show where past players, special guests and media personnel will talk all things football.
WAFL manager Cameron Knapton said the WAFL was looking forward to the game in Bunbury as part of an ongoing commitment to taking games to regional areas.
“Football is crucial to the social fabric of our communities, particularly in regional areas and the WAFL is committed to taking high quality games to the country to ensure this continues,” he said.
“We also hope these games inspire another talented young players to pursue the game at the highest level.
“Thanks must go to the South West Football League for their efforts in organising the games at a local level.”
SWFL general manager John Vidos said the league was looking forward to the game and hosting two clubs that have strong connections with the local competition.
“The link between Bunbury and Swan Districts goes back more than 40 years while East Perth has very strong connections with the Busselton and Augusta-Margaret River clubs,” he said.
“Former Swans players from the South West include stars such as Mick Grasso, Peter Old and Brad Shine along with current players Kirk Ugle, Graham Jetta and Connor Blakely.
“East Perth captain Brendan Lee is from Busselton while Kyle Anderson and Stephen Payne are both from Margaret River.
“It will certainly be great to see all of these players back in action in the South West.”
The game kicks off at 2.30pm at Hands Oval on August 9.
