WA Country Football showcased at Gala Dinner
Attended by 250 people, many stories were shared throughout the evening from the players, umpires and supporters of AFL across country Western Australia.
Andrew Duperouzel, Nutrien’s West Region Director, highlighted the important role that football plays in regional communities. “Fifty years ago, our predecessors in our company understood that being part of a community meant more that just running a business in that community,” said Mr Duperouzel. “So long as that wonderful intersection of farming, football and local communities exist, Nutrien Ag Solutions will be here to support, so here’s to the next fifty years of country footy”.
The relationship between Nutrien Ag Solutions and Country Football WA was described on the night as one of the most longstanding and successful sporting partnerships in the state.
Brent Hedley, Executive Manager Country Football, Facilities & Affiliates at the West Australian Football Commission, said Country Football WA and the communities it serves couldn’t be prouder of the strength and continuity of the partnership. “Each year the Nutrien Ag Country Championships exemplify the pinnacle of regional football, providing a platform for both men and women to showcase their talents. This partnership aids County Football WA’s mission to ensure that regional WA communities are thriving through football,” said Mr Hedley.
One of the highlights of the evening was the reveal of the much-anticipated Nutrien Ag Solutions 50 Year Country All Stars Team. Among the big stars named in the team of the best country footballers from WA over the past five decades, were Lance Franklin, Dean Cox, Nat Fyfe, Patrick Cripps and Peter Matera. Former WAFL supercoach Mal Brown said he was honoured to be selected as coach of the side. He told The West “I have always had a very, very great affection for my hometown of Dowerin and also of country footy throughout the years as a coach.”
Nutrien Ag Solutions 50 Year Country All Stars Team
FB: Harry Taylor, Darren Glass (VC), David Hart
HB: James Clement, Jeremy McGovern, Bill Duckworth
C: Peter Matera, Nat Fyfe, Nicky Winmar
HF: Dean Kemp, Lance Franklin, Mark Bairstow
FF: Mark LeCras, Josh Kennedy, Stephen Michael (C)
FOLL: Dean Cox, Patrick Cripps, Jim Krakouer
I/C: Matt Priddis, Paul Hasleby, Peter Bell, Phil Narkle, Paddy Ryder
Photo credit: Farm Weekly