100 Games - Corey Byrne

More than a decade ago Corey Byrne started his journey with the Perth Football Club and he’s about to record another honour in his outstanding WAFL career.

Byrne will play his 100^th game this weekend when the Demons host the top of the table Sharks at Mineral Resources Park.

“It means a lot to me, and I’m really honoured to play 100 games for the Perth Football Club,” Byrne said.

“It’s a big commitment to play WAFL footy and there have been some ups and downs along the way but I’m very proud to achieve this milestone,” he said.

Byrne recalls the time he was given the chance to make a name for himself at Perth.

“I started at the club in 2012 as a 15-year-old in the development squads and then worked my way through the ranks, playing colts, reserves and then league footy.

“I made my league debut in 2016 under Earl Spalding up in Carnarvon as a lightly framed winger and have progressed over the years in to a slightly bigger inside midfielder.

“Throughout the years I have developed into a more senior figure at the club and am now a part of the leadership group.”

Byrne has become a mainstay in the Demons midfield, his performances rewarded by winning back-to-back Butcher Medals in 2021 and 2022 as the club’s Fairest and Best player.

“I’m very proud to have won the Butcher Medal in 2021 after missing the previous season with illness.

“Then to go back-to-back was a humbling achievement, and to have my name on the board with some of the greats of the Perth Football Club is something I’ll look back on and cherish at the end of my career,” he said.

Being sidelined during 2020 also cost Byrne a rare look at finals action at a club which hasn’t won a premiership since 1977.

“The lack of success has been disappointing, and it was hard for me personally to miss out on the 2020 finals appearance.

“As a club we definitely don’t take losing lightly and we’re putting in a lot of hard work to turn it around in the near future.”

Byrne has again been one of the Demons most consistent performers in 2023, averaging 26 disposals through 13 games and kicking 6 goals.

The appointment of veteran premiership coach Peter German by Perth has been the catalyst for the arrival of other high profile coaching expertise to the club, which has benefitted Byrne.

“Peter has brought some experienced people to the club such as Darren Rumble, Alistair Pickett and for me personally to learn off Matt Priddis during preseason has been a great benefit to my game,” he said.

Perth has won just two games this year in another bleak season, but with the Colts currently sitting on top of their competition and several young players introduced at League level, Byrne remains a half glass full attitude for 2024.

“We’ve been able to get games into some young players over the last couple seasons so hopefully that can fast track our development and we can see some success in the near future.”