Celebrating the Women Who Shape East Perth Football Club

International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise the incredible women who have helped shape the East Perth Football Club across generations. From administrators and volunteers to leaders and pioneers, women have played a vital role in building the strong community and family culture the Royals are known for.

Today we celebrate just a handful of the many women whose passion, dedication and service have left a lasting mark on our club.

Gwenda Carless

Gwenda Carless was awarded Life Membership of East Perth Football Club in 1983, recognising her tireless service and the immense contribution she made to the club community.

A beloved figure around East Perth, Gwenda led the Ladies Committee for many years. She coordinated players’ teas, ensured country players were welcomed and supported, and introduced the much-loved tradition of presenting milestone players with a celebratory cake.

Gwenda worked tirelessly to foster the strong sense of family that defines East Perth. Even in her later years, she continued assisting the club with mailouts and administrative support until her passing in 2014. Her warmth, generosity and commitment remain an enduring part of the Royals’ history.

Jo Davies

A lifelong Royal, Jo Davies’ connection with East Perth began through her family’s involvement at Perth Oval. Since then, Jo has forged an outstanding career in sports administration while remaining deeply committed to the club and its district.

Jo served as Chair of the East Perth District Football Development Council (now the Metro Central Regional Development Council) and was awarded Life Membership of the EPDFDC in 2013.

Since joining the East Perth Board of Directors in 2019, Jo has been a passionate advocate for junior football and played an instrumental role in the club’s successful push to establish a WAFLW team. Today she continues to lead the club’s women’s program as Chair of the Women’s Football Advisory Committee, while also serving as a mentor and leadership figure for staff and players across East Perth and WA football.

Paulyne Webster

Paulyne Webster has been a familiar and valued member of the East Perth community since the 1970s.

A devoted football follower, Paulyne’s connection to the Royals deepened when she met and later married East Perth player Ron Webster. With the Webster name synonymous with East Perth — including Ron, his father Ray, and sons Luke and Ryan — Paulyne set about building her own legacy at the club.

She first assisted with administration duties during Ron’s time as General Manager in the 1980s before returning in 2013 to work in the club office. Over the next decade she played a key role in membership, merchandise and administration. The 2017 and 2018 seasons were particularly special for the family, with Luke serving as Head Coach while Paulyne continued her work within the club.

Today, Paulyne remains a constant presence at game days, always willing to lend a hand — whether that’s helping with catering, assisting in the team store, selling raffle tickets or simply doing whatever needs to be done to support the club.

Gea Zamin

Gea Zamin will always be remembered as one of the most significant contributors to East Perth’s modern era.

Renowned as a pioneer in the automotive aftercare industry, Gea’s role as State Manager of MotorOne led to one of the most important partnerships in the club’s history. MotorOne has proudly served as East Perth’s major sponsor for nearly 20 years — the longest continuous major partnership in the club’s history and one of the longest in WA football.

This support has been the backbone of the club and instrumental in establishing the strong foundations East Perth continues to build upon today.

More recently, Gea also served the club as a Director, bringing integrity, leadership and a genuine passion for the royal blue and black to every conversation and decision. Her work extended beyond the boardroom, contributing to membership growth and new business initiatives that strengthened the club’s future.

Gea sadly passed away in February, but her legacy will continue to live on through the club she cared so deeply about.

Lisa Ferguson

Lisa Ferguson joined East Perth in 2009 as a trainer and quickly became an invaluable member of the club’s football department.

Known for her dedication, knowledge and caring nature, Lisa established herself as a mentor and mother figure for generations of trainers while playing a vital role in the club’s medical team.

Beyond East Perth, Lisa has contributed her expertise across numerous football programs throughout Western Australia, including the East Perth Nicky Winmar and Kirby Bentley Cup teams, Kickstart boys and girls programs, All Nations state squads, East Perth development squads and diversity football initiatives. She has also supported AFL club Melbourne Demons and served on the committee of the WA Trainers Association.

For the past six seasons, Lisa has served as the club’s Reserves Team Manager, bringing organisation, experience and passion to the role. After 14 years of dedicated service, Lisa was awarded Life Membership of East Perth Football Club at the 2023 AGM.

The Women Driving East Perth Forward

While the contributions of women have shaped East Perth’s history for generations, today they continue to play an increasingly important role across every level of the club.

Our WAFLW playing group represents the next chapter of the Royals story, a group of talented, determined athletes proudly wearing the royal blue and black while inspiring the next generation of female footballers across the East Perth district.

Alongside the players, a growing number of women are contributing to the club behind the scenes across coaching, performance, medical and administration roles. From coaches and football staff to trainers, physiotherapists and volunteers, these women are helping drive the professionalism and culture of our football program while supporting players both on and off the field.

Their commitment reflects the strength of the East Perth community, a club built on inclusion, opportunity and the belief that everyone has a role to play in the success of the Royals.

As women’s football continues to grow, East Perth is proud to be creating pathways and opportunities for women across every part of the game.