Taking some time out before the Carlton Mid Derby, West Coast Eagles stars Gerrick Weedon and Lewis Broome visited a group of young football players last week who were visiting Perth from remote WA communities.

The Ngarda Goannas and the Western Desert Warriors football teams made the trip to Perth last week to play in the curtain raiser match before Sunday’s derby. The players made the trip from towns all over WA and the Pilbara, with some even coming from communities as far as the Western Australia/Northern Territory border.

The players took part in a jumper presentation the Thursday night before the match, where they each received a guernsey recognising their special trip to Perth, as well as getting to meet West Coast players Weedon and Broome.

Aboriginal Sport Development Officer at the Department of Sport Recreation Julie Jackson said it was a great opportunity for the players.

“Gerrick and Lewis got up on stage and spoke to the group about their backgrounds, their communities, as well as the importance of mateship, on and off the field,” said Julie.

“They also had one-on-one time with the players, signing their jumpers and having a chat with them.
 
“The opportunity to play at Patersons Stadium was extremely exciting for the players, some of whom had never been to Perth before.

“And after Thursday night’s presentations, many said that meeting the West Coast players was a special event that they would never forget. A big thanks to Gerrick Weedon and Lewis Broome.”