Double Century Career Highlight for Cam EardleyWednesday, August 27, 2025 - 7:59 AM

East Fremantle’s finals campaign begins with a celebration for one of the club’s favourite sons Cam Eardley.

The premiership player will line up in his 200th game for the Sharks in Sunday’s Elimination Final against Perth at The Good Grocer Park.

“It’s not something I’ve given much thought to throughout my career,” Eardley said.

“I guess at this stage I just feel fortunate to be honest and lucky that I’ve been able to run out week after week, bringing some success to the club, and staying relatively injury-free across the journey.

“I know it’ll be something I look back on really proudly when my career is done and reflect on the privilege of being able to get here.”

Eardley’s WAFL debut was more than a decade ago.

“It was back in 2014 against West Perth, funnily enough coached by Bill Monaghan at the time,” he said.

“We got over the line by three points and I don’t remember a great deal of the game itself.

“It feels like a bloody long time ago, but to win a close one first up was nice.”

The 32-year-old’s career has included highs and more than a few lows.

“From a footy perspective, the toughest part was that stretch between 2015 and 2021 where we didn’t play finals,” he said.

“Wins were few and far between, and we were tested for a long period with our motivation, turning up each week, and keeping standards up even when the results weren’t coming.

“On top of that, not having a home ground for a few years was difficult and while we got on with it, it certainly wasn’t easy.

“That made the success in 2023 even more rewarding.

“Without doubt, the premiership is the standout moment.

“To break the 25-year drought and share that with such a close group of players was pretty special.”

While Eardley is hoping for more September glory, the following month is even more important for the soon-to-be father as he contemplates his footy future.

“I’m definitely closer to the end than the beginning,” Eardley said.

“My partner and I are expecting a baby girl in October, so I’ve got no doubt life is about to change quickly.

“I’ll have to see how I can juggle footy with family and work, and I think she might have a say in how much longer I play!

“To be fair, she’s actually pushing me to continue so I’ll just see how the body holds up and look to keep going if I can.”

There’s no margin for error for East Fremantle or Perth will the loser finished for the year.

“We’ve had a couple of good battles with Perth this year where we’ve won one and lost one, so we know what to expect,” Eardley said.

“We’ve started to get back to playing our brand of footy in the last few weeks.”

“I’m also stoked to be able to play a home final.”

The Sullivan Logistics Final Series begins with Claremont and East Perth meeting for the second time in as many weeks.

But this time the stakes are high with the winner of the Qualifying Final advancing to the Second Semi Final and a clash against South Fremantle.

Meanwhile, champion West Perth forward Tyler Keitel claimed his fifth Bernie Naylor Medal in thrilling circumstances last weekend.

South Fremantle’s Trey Ruscoe started the weekend three goals behind Keitel and finished his Round 20 clash four goals ahead after booting seven against the Eagles.

But Keitel held his nerve in the Falcons’ loss to the Sharks, kicking six of his team’s 10 majors and finishing with 52 goals.