East Perth Commemorate 100 Years Since Its First Premiership

The East Perth Football Club will celebrate 100 years since its first Premiership in 1919 by wearing a one-off heritage design uniform and launching a commemorative book ‘1919 The Royal Domination Begins’ during the Round 12 clash against Perth on the 29^th of June.

The 1919 design features a lighter blue and a thinner black ‘V’ in place of the traditional black yoke that became a feature of our uniform in the 1950’s. As in the official 1919 photograph the players will wear white shorts and predominantly blue socks with black tops.

It will be the Club’s second heritage jumper, following the club’s decision to wear replicas of our first jumper, the red, white and blue design in 2006 to celebrate our 100-year anniversary.

The book, researched and compiled by club historian Pete Carter, reflects on each match of the 1919 season as well as featuring player profiles, issues that affected the club during the season, controversies and details of the end of season excursions.

East Perth is also taking the opportunity to work with Beyond Blue to assist in raising awareness for mental health. The jumper features the Beyond Blue logo. The match worn jumpers will be sold after the match with proceeds being donated to Beyond Blue.

‘The Club is truly excited to be able to recognise the ground breaking first WAFL Premiership in 1919’ CEO Dean Turner commented. ‘The legacy these players left after their era of domination set our club up to be one of the powerhouses of WA football.’

‘To be able to celebrate their achievement, whilst being able to raise awareness for Beyond Blue is something the club is very pleased to be doing.’

‘Our Club, like many others, is having to work to address good mental health with players, staff, members and supporters being affected by mental illness.’

As part of working with Beyond Blue to raise awareness of mental health, the Club is remembering Mark Detata.

Mark was a long-time East Perth member and volunteer. He combined his passions for history and football in undertaking a great deal of work on the centenary celebrations of the Club. Mark unfortunately took his life last year.

Tony Fairweather, a friend and co-ordinator of the day, commented ‘Mark was very humble with a good heart. He struggled with depression and a sense of belonging for many years. The East Perth Football Club was an important part of Mark's life and provided a feeling of community.’

The match day jumpers feature the initials "MD" on the back in recognition of Mark.

After the match the Perth Football Club will come to the East Perth presentations and special Beyond Blue awards will be presented to a player from East Perth and Perth.

Mental health experts are available 24/7 via the Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636 or for online chat at beyondblue.org.au/get-support

*Please note the colour of the jumper differs slightly to the one in the pictures