TOPIC:

Does anybody go to this? What's it like? And what happens at them? Does anybody from the club get up and speak?

I would love to go and not only support the club but meet some like minded people, drinking buddies, older role models, mates etc. Young family prevent it at the moment.

I have been once. There were only about 12 there. What dissapoints me most about these sort of things is that many supporters are often there only to support their son - but that is it. As soon as their son gets droped or retires they are never seen again. It is the same with ex players - not enough come through the gates or get to regular events like this. Koshi (sorry about the spelling) always welcoming though.

I took off after an hour, but I believe the players do come in for a spaghetti dinner. Again dissapointed that a lot of these just sit together and are too shy to talk to supporters. Though all are good if they are approached.

Great if it had a regular attendance and I hope it continues untill I can get there more often

Time For a Flag wrote: I would love to go and not only support the club but meet some like minded people, drinking buddies, older role models, mates etc. Young family prevent it at the moment.

I have been once. There were only about 12 there. What dissapoints me most about these sort of things is that many supporters are often there only to support their son - but that is it. As soon as their son gets droped or retires they are never seen again. It is the same with ex players - not enough come through the gates or get to regular events like this. Koshi (sorry about the spelling) always welcoming though.

I took off after an hour, but I believe the players do come in for a spaghetti dinner. Again dissapointed that a lot of these just sit together and are too shy to talk to supporters. Though all are good if they are approached.

Great if it had a regular attendance and I hope it continues untill I can get there more often

This is one of the biggest problems we have in the WAFL nowadays.

Players don't become supporters of their team after they retire and nor do their family members.

I don't know why it is like this these days.

This is why the WPFC is the best in the WAFL, if you go to any WP game you will still see heaps of former players all the time, Mel Whinnen still goes to every game at Joondalup.

We do get a few ex players at games on a regular basis but not enough. Paddy Astone, Paddy Dalton, Brian Cook, Bryan Cousins, Ray Lawrence and Bob Shields are seen quite often but certainly it would be great to see more.
IMO it is important that past players attend games and functions as often as possible to mix with and support the current playing group.

smokey wrote: We do get a few ex players at games on a regular basis but not enough. Paddy Astone, Paddy Dalton, Brian Cook, Bryan Cousins, Ray Lawrence and Bob Shields are seen quite often but certainly it would be great to see more.
IMO it is important that past players attend games and functions as often as possible to mix with and support the current playing group.

Yeah, when you consider that probably 700-800 players have donned a league jumper at each of the traditional clubs over the last 50 years, having 6 or so of them per club turn up to matches regularly is pretty sad.

La Hincha wrote:

smokey wrote: We do get a few ex players at games on a regular basis but not enough. Paddy Astone, Paddy Dalton, Brian Cook, Bryan Cousins, Ray Lawrence and Bob Shields are seen quite often but certainly it would be great to see more.
IMO it is important that past players attend games and functions as often as possible to mix with and support the current playing group.

Yeah, when you consider that probably 700-800 players have donned a league jumper at each of the traditional clubs over the last 50 years, having 6 or so of them per club turn up to matches regularly is pretty sad.

I think that a lot of the ex stars come along because they rightly feel comfortable at their club. But its all those 30 to 70 game players that don't come maybe because they feel hard done by or something. I see Troy Polack at the matches now days and I thought great - but then I found out he is there watching his son in the Colts. Just wish players like this came along for no reason but to support their old club. Obviously great to come and watch your son as well, but come regardless.

thefalconstrike wrote: This is why the WPFC is the best in the WAFL, if you go to any WP game you will still see heaps of former players all the time, Mel Whinnen still goes to every game at Joondalup.

The best 2 clubs at patronising Past Players Association half time functions are EF & SD...by far.

I do see a few ex players at EF games, but agree it would be great to see more around. It seems they have other priorities these days.

When you read "where are now" articles on ex AFL players, not many go to the games either.

TheRock wrote:

thefalconstrike wrote: This is why the WPFC is the best in the WAFL, if you go to any WP game you will still see heaps of former players all the time, Mel Whinnen still goes to every game at Joondalup.

The best 2 clubs at patronising Past Players Association half time functions are EF & SD...by far.

I do see a few ex players at EF games, but agree it would be great to see more around. It seems they have other priorities these days.

When you read "where are now" articles on ex AFL players, not many go to the games either.

Are you saying that EF and SD Past Players Association are the best in the WAFL?

A lot of players struggle to sit and watch a game. It's difficult when you'd rather be involved on field.