Left: Captains Jay van Berlo and Tallan Ames prepare to lead their teams out for their clash on Anzac Day. Right: Frank |Bempasciuto, Dennis Cometti and J Barrey Williams.
Camera IconLeft: Captains Jay van Berlo and Tallan Ames prepare to lead their teams out for their clash on Anzac Day. Right: Frank |Bempasciuto, Dennis Cometti and J Barrey Williams. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Club honours past players

Justin BianchiniWanneroo Times

Joondalup businesswoman and club sponsor Debbie Lanario will be guest speaker.

She follows 1949 and "51 premiership player Neil Garland, the guest speaker at the Falcons" previous home clash against Swan Districts that was part of Anzac day commemorations.

"When I first came down to West Perth the war was over and everyone was trying to pick up the threads of everyday life," Garland told the president's lunch crowd.

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�Most of us except the young ones had been in the Services and were used to discipline and hard times.

�What I do remember is we had a loyalty to one other heightened by a sense of mateship.

�That fellowship we carried into our sporting lives at the West Perth Football Club.

�It seems ludicrous in these days of modern football that Popsy Heal was a playing coach.

�Very similar to our time in the Services, the playing coach led by example.

"There was little time for oratory; it was a case of follow me and I expect you to do your task, come what may," Garland said.

"Inspiration from the leader and sticking by your mates was a sign of a champion team."

The club also recognised players from its 1975 and 1995 premiership teams.

Kathleen Tompsitt, who has supported West Perth for more than 70 years, was congratulated on her life membership for outstanding off-field contribution.

She has been involved since the 1990s in food preparation and club raffles, raising about $20,000.