WAFL returns to Channel 7 in 2015

WAFL matches will be broadcast on Channel 7 this year.

The WA Football Commission and the 7 Network have agreed to a three year deal which will see the WAFL premiership season televised in the Perth metropolitan area and across regional Western Australia.

18 home and away games plus finals will be broadcast.

McDonald's, AHG, REIWA and TABtouch have been confirmed as sponsors.

WAFC Chief Operating Officer Nick Sautner said it was extremely important that the WAFL competition was televised.

Mr. Sautner said the telecast of games would be crucial to the competition's profile and allowed young players a chance to showcase themselves to AFL clubs.

"We want the WAFL to be the premier State league competition, providing the football community with a pathway into the AFL system," Mr Sautner.

"The best possible opportunity for the players to get exposure and the competition and clubs to flourish is by having maximum exposure and maximum marketing opportunities."

He confirmed telecasts would be from every WAFL venue.

The 18 games agreed to will not allow a telecast every week and it was yet to be decided which would be missed, but Mr. Sautner said the WAFC are determined to make a big impression in the first two rounds before the AFL season begins.

"We have a great opportunity with two rounds prior to the AFL season to kick off WA football and maximise our exposure.

"We would want to make sure they are in a prime time opportunity for viewing."

Both Channel 7 and AHG are sponsors of East Perth.

Channel Seven Perth Managing Director Mario D’Orazio said: “We’re delighted the WAFL is coming home to Seven, where it belongs. We know footy fans love their game, and we’ll do our very best so WA supporters can watch their local stars in action.

“We’ll also leverage our AFL platform to ensure fans, clubs, players and the wonderful sponsors have a memorable 2015 WAFL season.”

AHG director Bronte Howson believes the broadcast agreement will offer benefits across the football community.

“At AHG, we are committed to the communities in which we operate and the WAFL is an important part of the wider Western Australian community,” said Mr Howson.

“The WAFL is an important pathway to the AFL but it also has a major impact on grass roots football and we are delighted to be associated with the continued broadcast and promotion of WAFL games. AHG’s 36 car, truck and bus dealerships in WA already support a lot of junior and senior footy clubs and this further strengthens our association with the game at all levels.”

AHG will have naming rights to the WAFL Mark of the Year, a new award for the WAFL Rookie of the Year and to the WAFL finals series.

“It’s a great way for AHG to acknowledge football excellence, outstanding new talent and the ultimate achievement in the WAFL,” Mr Howson said.