Perth Winter Sport 2026: Eagles, Dockers and AFL's Western Frontier

Perth's winter sporting identity is built on AFL football. The West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers are the two pillars of Western Australia's AFL community, and the passion they generate in a state that has historically been isolated from the game's eastern origins is exceptional. Optus Stadium has become one of Australia's finest sporting venues.

West Coast Eagles

The West Coast Eagles are one of the AFL's foundation expansion clubs and have won four premierships — most recently in 2018. The Eagles have a passionate fanbase that extends across WA from the metropolitan area to regional and remote communities. Home games at Optus Stadium are among the highest-attended in the competition.

Fremantle Dockers

The Fremantle Dockers were established in 1995 and have built a passionate South-of-the-River fanbase. The Dockers' Grand Final appearances in 2013 generated extraordinary community excitement. Their ongoing development of WA talent and their community presence in the southern suburbs are central to the club's identity.

Optus Stadium

Optus Stadium at Burswood is one of the most significant sporting venues built in Australia in recent decades. The 60,000-seat stadium has transformed Perth's ability to host major events. The stadium has hosted AFL matches, international cricket, rugby union Tests and major concerts, and has become a driver of economic activity in the Burswood precinct.

Community football and WAFL

The West Australian Football League (WAFL) is the state competition that has provided the talent pipeline to the AFL for 150 years. Community football clubs across WA maintain extraordinary loyalty from suburban communities. The WAFL's connection to the clubs, the schools and the regional programs keeps football embedded in WA's community fabric.

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