Robert Wiley Foundation Dinner

Article by Peter Brear

Photos by Gemma Boys

With a line up of Perth League Superstars and the next generation of Demons on show in the form of the XVIs Development Squad, the 2013 Robert Wiley Foundation Annual Dinner provided the forum for over 150 people to enjoy the events of the evening.   The Lathlain Function Centre was decked out in the Red and the Black, with posters of AFL Stars who have their origins at Demonland.   These include Glass, Mayne, Wellingham, Franklin, Mzungu, Conca and Myers to name a few and the collection is growing.   Their images not only provided inspiration to the assembled XVIs Squad Members to chase their own AFL dreams, but also served as a reminder to the opportunities provided by the Robert Wiley Foundation and the Perth Football Club to the young men of the Perth Metro District and Country Zone.   Past Players & Officials Association President, Wayne Koch, stepped in for the absent Robert Wiley (Carlton Assistant Coach) and formally welcomed the gathering to this key event in the Club’s calendar.

The night included a smorgasbord two course meal, which proved to be deliciously outstanding and enjoyed by all and sundry.   As well as the “On The Couch” segment hosted by CEO Marty Atkins who grilled Demon’s Kyle Reimers, Paul Bevan and Chance Bateman, with all three entertaining the gathering recounting each of their own journey to the AFL.   Perhaps York’s very own Chance Bateman hit a familiar note with the Development Squad Players as he relived his own opportunities at the same age and dealing with the training and travel and his progression to Colts to League and then being drafted by Hawthorn.   His desire to return to WA at the end of his glittering AFL career and repay the faith shown in him by the Perth Demons by playing with his original WAFL club typifies why he is held in such regard and is respected by the football community.

The night featured the highlight of the presentation of the XVIs Development Squad, with Coach Bruce Fraser being able to pass on his gratitude to all who assisted with the program, including key assistants in Mat Bateman, Andrew Panetta, Gary Poole, Paul Clements, Ryan Van Beek and Angela Evans.   Each Member of the Development Squad was called up on to the stage and acknowledged for their contribution, each presented with a Squad Evaluation Program and Team Photo.   WA 16s Yusef Kassem and Reid Polak were recognised for their fine accomplishment in making the State Squad.  

Four awards were announced on the night for achievement and performance by the players during the XVIs’ Program.   The Coaches’ Award was won by Corey Byrne (Thornlie JFC) for his exceptional dedication and commitment to the team throughout the program and proved to be a very popular winner.   The PP&OA’s provided the next two awards, which were presented for the very first time and named after two living legends of the Club.   Wayne Koch announced the Troy Cook Courage Award was to be bestowed on Zachary Hill (Northam) for his continual ability to do the hard gut running and play out of position against the odds, while never making any excuses.   The next award was also named after a Perth legend and again presented by Wayne, was the Ross Young Leadership Award conferred to Matthew Taylor (Chittering) who demonstrated impeccable leadership both on and off the field throughout his entire involvement with the program.   And finally the Best In Carnival Award was deservedly won by Reid Polak (Belmont), who stood head and shoulders above the group in all matches in which he played.   He is certainly a talent, who has the desire, work rate and ability to take him to the next level and beyond.

And the final highlight was the amazing effort by the Robert Wiley Foundation over the past twelve months with their fund raising and financial support of the Junior Development Programs of the Perth Football Club.   PP&OA President, Wayne Koch, was again called to the stage to make perhaps his most important presentation of the night.   Wayne gave a summary of the varied efforts of the PP&OA in fund raising and the administration and distribution of money to a wide variety of Junior Development Program costs and Coach Education opportunities.   Wayne then took great pleasure and pride in announcing the contribution for the last twelve months was $11,849.67.   He and Brian Sweetapple then signed the giant cheque for the amount and handed it to CEO Marty Atkins.   Marty expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Robert Wiley Foundation and the PP&OA for their hard work and generosity that enable the Perth Football Club to continue to provide outstanding junior programs at the highest level of football industry standards.   Atkins expressed how difficult it is for a WAFL Club to operate in the current environment and deliver on all the expectations of it members and supporters, but acknowledge the work done by Foundation and the PP&OA is a shining light and an example of cooperation that exists between all three groups.   With this kind of the support the future of the Perth Football Club both exciting and optimistic, with success on all levels to soon follow behind.