WAFL Reserves Grand Final confirmed for Optus StadiumFriday, August 31, 2018 - 5:32 PM

The State Government, WAFL Clubs and West Australian Football Commission have united to ensure that the 2018 WAFL Reserves Grand Final is played at Optus Stadium on Sunday, September 23.
 
With the support of Minister for Sport and Recreation Mick Murray, the State Government through its True Sport program, and Optus Stadium management, the Reserves Grand Final will be played prior to the WAFL Colts and League Grand Finals.
 
WAFC Chairman Murray McHenry said that Minister Murray and the State Government, together with the WAFL Clubs, had played an instrumental role in bringing the Reserves Grand Final to Optus Stadium.

 “I am very pleased that with the support of the State Government and the WAFL Clubs, we will be able to showcase all three grades of the WAFL on Grand Final day at Optus Stadium, followed by the first ever True Sport community Kick-to-Kick. I would also like to acknowledge Optus Stadium for allowing extra access to the turf to make this possible." 
 
“Like the WAFL clubs, we always wanted to play the Reserves Grand Final at Optus Stadium on the same day as the League and Colts but had to be very mindful of the costs given our responsibility to fund all levels of WA football under a new financial model,” he said.
 
“We are now working closely with Optus Stadium to ensure that all family, friends and fans of the WAFL Reserves have access to watch the game.”
 
Minister Murray said: “The State Government is a strong supporter of football at all levels and we are pleased to assist the Reserves to get a chance to run onto Optus Stadium this year.
 
“Given the tight timeframes and the need to provide certainty to the football community, the State Government has provided the Commission with an advance on a future payment.
 
“This arrangement ensures the Reserves Grand Final is able to be held at Optus Stadium, at no extra cost to the taxpayer.
 
“The arrangement also includes joint promotion on Grand Final Day of the State Government’s True Sport program, which promotes good behaviour and values on the sporting field. This will give the community a chance to get onto Optus Stadium and have a kick to kick, experiencing first hand this terrific facility.”
 
WAFL Council of Presidents Chairman Ric Gloede thanked the State Government, Optus Stadium and the West Australian Football Commission for working with the WAFL clubs to achieve a positive outcome.
 
“Playing at Optus Stadium will be such a terrific experience for all of the WAFL clubs and players fortunate enough to reach the Grand Final and I’m delighted that everyone has come together to make it possible,” he said.
 
“The response from everyone involved really shows what an important part of the WA community the WAFL competition is. I hope we see even more support on Grand Final day with a big crowd in attendance and I certainly encourage everyone to come along to all three games.”