Big Time Footy Returns to Broome for Historic DoubleheaderTuesday, February 7, 2023 - 11:30 AM

The Claremont Football Club will host a huge doubleheader this season as football returns to Broome for the first time in 16 years.

With the support of Rio Tinto, Claremont’s WAFLW side will play Subiaco in a Round 12 match on Saturday May 27, followed by Round 7 WAFL action when the Tigers face East Fremantle in a re-match of last year’s Preliminary Final.

The last official WAFL game played in Broome was in 2006 when Claremont defeated Swan Districts.

Being part of the club’s Regional Football Development Zone, the Kimberley has been a remarkable football breeding ground for Claremont.

Former West Coast Eagles Neil Marshall (Broome), Lewis Broome (Looma) and Francis Watson (Balgo), along with current Eagle Samo Petrevski-Seaton (Halls Creek), have all come through Claremont’s football pathway.

Other AFL players who’ve represented Claremont include Shane McAdam (Halls Creek-Adelaide), Ash Johnson (Halls Creek-Collingwood), and Jack Martin (Broome-Carlton).

Tigers Premiership players Alroy Gilligan (Yiyilli) and Gerrick Weedon (Derby) are from the region, while Keifer Yu (Broome) was the second indigenous player to record 100 League games in the club’s 97-year history.

Claremont CEO Darcy Coffey is excited about the prospect of staging a WAFL and WAFLW match on the same day.

“We’re delighted to be heading to Broome, a place which has a special connection with our club.

I know current players Jason Carter (Wyndam) and Anthony Treacy (Broome) can’t wait to put on a show for family and friends, while WAFLW Premiership player Jasmine Stewart (Halls Creek) will also be heading home.

Rio Tinto’s support in taking the game to Broome also should be acknowledged,” Coffey said.

WAFC CEO Michael Roberts says the weekend will be a wonderful community event.

“Playing official matches in Broome for the first time since 2006 is a credit to everyone involved.

It’s also an opportunity for players, coaches and staff from Perth to explore the region, engage with junior footy players and get a deeper understanding of the Kimberley from a cultural perspective.

To be able to engage with the community is a priority and from a football perspective bringing WAFL games to the regions continues to develop the game across WA.

We’d like to thank Rio Tinto for continuing to support regional games in 2023,” he said.

Coffey is encouraging Claremont fans to travel to Broome for the weekend.

“There will be community visits and activations in and around the Town of Broome, with players attending local schools and clubs.

The club will be looking into flight and accommodation packages for supporters and those details will be released shortly,” he said.