Falcons Set Their Sights on Being Birds of the NightThursday, March 28, 2024 - 8:59 AM

With the aim of becoming the innovators of the WAFL competition, West Perth will begin its season under lights at Pentanet Stadium this evening.

In a re-match of the 2022 Grand Final against Claremont, the Falcons will begin a new era under Jason Salecic, who takes over as coach from Darren Harris.

While other clubs and venues have experimented with night footy, West Perth’s upgraded lighting is part of a long-term goal, according to Chief Executive Joe McCarthy.

“We are looking to try and create an exciting atmosphere playing under lights targeting a new demographic of WAFL fans,” said McCarthy.

“It allows us flexibility with our game times and allows us to utilise our ground for community games and events such as the Colts super round.

“The players are pumped to play under lights, and both our WAFLW and WAFL teams are excited to bring night footy to life more regularly.”

With West Perth scheduled to play three-night matches at Pentanet this year, McCarthy wants to turn the venue into a football and social centrepiece.

“Absolutely our aim is to have Friday night footy at Pentanet Stadium.”

After missing the finals in 2023, the Falcons are desperate to return to September and go deep.

“We expect to be super competitive, and all players and staff have put in so much effort to get the boys ready for round 1,” he said.

“As always we will be competitive on the field fighting with all we have to be premiers in 2024!”

A new game-day experience called WAFL Wonderland will be launched during Thursday night’s season opener at Pentanet Stadium.

The event will feature activities for kids, a DJ, food trucks, bars, giveaways for the whole family, and much more.

“It’ll be massive with the first WAFL Wonderland on show we are expecting a huge crowd,” said McCarthy.

“Claremont have beaten us the past two opening round games so it's time to turn that result around.”

Nine games across the first 10 rounds will be turned into WAFL Wonderland, where fans can expect a festival atmosphere.

West Australian Football Commission CEO Michael Roberts said the WAFL is determined to boost game-day attendances and maximise the enjoyment for fans.

“We are really excited to introduce WAFL Wonderland, which will provide a festival atmosphere for fans while enhancing their game-day experience,” Roberts said.

“Fans will enjoy an exciting game of football and indulge in family-friendly activities.

“Plus, with free entry for kids, it's an affordable way to keep the whole family entertained for the day.”

Fans can access discounted tickets via https://wafl.com.au/waflwonderland

WAFL Wonderland Games

Round 1 (Season Launch), 28 March West Perth v Claremont @ Pentanet Stadium

Round 2, 6 April East Perth v Swan Districts @ Sullivan Logistics Stadium

Round 3, 13 April Perth v Swan Districts @ Mineral Resources Park

Round 4, 20 April Claremont v Subiaco @ Revo Fitness Stadium

Round 5, 28 April Swan Districts v East Fremantle @ Steel Blue Oval

Round 6, 4 May Peel v West Perth @ Lane Group Stadium

 Round 7, 11 May Subiaco v South Fremantle @ Sullivan Logistics Stadium

Round 9 (WA Day Round), 3 June South Fremantle v East Fremantle @ Fremantle Community Oval

Fans can access discounted tickets via https://wafl.com.au/waflwonderland