The West Coast Eagles players put training on hold this morning to launch the 2009 Dig Deep campaign which will run from June 1 to July 12.

The campaign is an initiative run by Cancer Council WA and proudly supported by the West Coast Eagles, where the players have called on the public to ‘Dig Deep’ in the fight against cancer in Western Australia.

The West Coast Eagles squad was divided in two at the launch, where half wore blue training guernseys and the other half wore yellow, to visually represent the alarming statistic that one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

West Coast Eagles utility and Cancer Council ambassador Beau Waters called on the people of Perth to purchase a ‘Dig Deep’ wristband and wear yellow during the campaign and especially on ‘Dig Deep Day’ on July 12.

The West Coast Eagles home fixture against St Kilda in round 15 will be dubbed ‘Dig Deep Day’ where the crowd will be encouraged to ‘Dig Deep’ in the fight against our nation’s most prevalent disease.

“The integral part of this initiative is the support of the public because we hope to not only raise money for Cancer Council WA but to raise the awareness of the disease because it affects everyone,” said Waters.

Cancer Council WA CEO Susanne Rooney said the funds raised from this campaign will go towards cancer research and support initiatives.

“Research is critical to move forward to find ways to prevent the disease and improve the outcomes for cancer patients,” said Rooney.

“This consists of providing accommodation for country patients, home aid, financial support, and counselling and education programs.”

Wristbands are three dollars and will be sold at all Caltex stores as well as the West Coast Eagles Team Store, Video Ezy, Toyota, NAB, SGIO, Medibank, TeleChoice and The Mortgage Gallery branches.

This is the fifth year the West Coast Eagles have proudly supported  Cancer Council WA and during this time have raised over $400,000 for this worthy charity.