Football Returns to Medibank

FOOTBALL returns to Medibank Stadium this Friday night under lights against West Perth, in the first of two pre season matches leading into the 2014 season proper getting underway.

It’s been more than five months since that day last September when East Perth were defeated on Patersons Stadium by the Falcons. While 2013 wasn’t our year, the disappointment of losing the Grand Final has kept the players motivated over the pre-season to work harder and achieve the ultimate prize in 2014.

Co-Captains Brendan Lee and Craig Wulff are both expected to play and will be hoping for a strong start to 2014 as they attempt to account for last year’s unfinished business. 

The return of Nathan Blee for the first time since 2011 will be a welcome inclusion to the Royals' lineup after two seasons in the AFL System with Port Adelaide.

Meanwhile, West Perth will head into the match missing former captain Jason Salecic, Premiership Simpson Medallist Mark Hutchings (EP) and forward Josh Mellington (Peel). Their team will be lifted, however, by the off season signings of former Geelong and Swan Districts player Matthew Spencer and Seva Martin (Subiaco).

League kicks off at 7:00pm, Reserves at 5:00pm and Colts will play the following day, Saturday March 1, at 9:00am with entry to all games free. 

The Members’ Bar will be open on Friday evening with a range of light meals available from 5:00pm.

You can follow the match online via Facebook and Twitter.

EAST PERTH PRE-SEASON FIXTURES

Friday February 28 – v West Perth at Medibank Stadium, Reserves: 5.00pm; League: 7.00pm.

Saturday March 1 – v West Perth at Medibank Stadium, Colts: 9:00am.

Saturday March 8 – v Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval, League: 2.05pm; Reserves: 11.35am; Colts: 9:05am.