PASSION for the red and the blue was cited as the “way out” of West Perth’s financial woes ahead of the Falcons’ spirited win over Peel at Joondalup Arena on Saturday.
Adam Bick was speaking at a pre-match luncheon after the club had dedicated the day to his mother, long-time fanatical West Perth supporter Carol Bick who recently died of brain cancer.
“Passion for this club is the way out,” he said. “Only through the passion of our supporters, sponsors, administrators and directors will West Perth succeed.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“We need this club to succeed because it has brought joyous memories to all of us and for many of us it is one of the reasons that our lives are so rich as I believe my mother’s was.
“Mum would want a rallying cry to arms to save our club.”
Mr Bick and his sisters Sascha Fletcher and Challis Bick said their family would donate $10,000 to the club, which went into voluntary administration last week with debts of nearly $800,000.
“On behalf of the Bick family I would like to take this opportunity to announce that the family will be contributing $10,000 towards our new future,” he said.
“And to (club president) Scott Ballem, it’s because that’s what great supporters do.”
He said his mother was “only 4 foot 11” but West Perth had “lost a giant”.
“The fact all three West Perth teams on Saturday, July 7, wore black armbands in tribute to my mother’s 40 years of service and support to the club speaks volumes of the esteem she was held,” he said.
“The fact the club designated Carol’s Day today, July 28, is something the family will always remember.”
CAROL’S HUMOUR
West Perth fanatic Carol Bick would watch the Falcons colts, reserves and league teams and had a good eye for that special player coming through the ranks.
The players knew her, would say hello and tell her about their life on and off the field.
She was great for a cheeky line and “enjoyed the banter that makes this game great”, son Adam recalled last week:
-Singing The Lion Sleeps Tonight when we beat Subiaco was a shared favourite.
-Taunting opposition best players with “if you’re useful and you know it, warm the bench” when they came off the ground.
-Taunting Karl Langdon any time he touched the ball for Subi; “apparently he was all good when he played for the Eagles”.
-Mum’s love-hate relationship with umpires. She called them for everything yet for many years she still gave them sandwiches and cake until someone decided perhaps that could be considered buying favour.