Wally Price

Player 1942-1954

Games 268 (West Perth 256, Western Australia 12) Goals 4 (West Perth 4 WA 0)

Honours: West Perth Fairest and Best 1952

West Perth premierships 3 (1942, 1949, 1951) Grand Finals 1946, 1947, 1948, 1952, 1953

West Perth Team of the Century 2000  

The unsung position of back pocket specialist is never likely to produce a Sandover Medallist but Wally Price was one of the best of many fine WA players to fill this vital defensive role.  He was so effective at curbing the star rovers of his day that he captured a fairest and best award for his club, represented his state 12 times and was a vital player in three premiership teams.

 

By Chris Pike

West Perth has played in the past two WAFL finals campaigns and coach Bill Monaghan sees no reason not to expect his squad to make it back there again in 2010. 

The Falcons have been bundled out of the finals the last two seasons by Swan Districts, in the 2008 preliminary final and 2009 first semi-final, but haven’t been far off the top sides and that is why Monaghan is confident of another strong season.

There have been no recruits signed by West Perth and veterans Troy Longmuir and Craig Smoker have retired, with two AFL players in Mark Seaby and Adam Campbell moving on after spending most of 2009 with the Falcons, but Monaghan sees more than enough talent to be successful.

FALCONS' IMPROVEMENT TO COME FROM WITHIN

By Chris Pike

 

West Perth coach Bill Monaghan is backing in a host of players that had limited campaigns in 2009 and a good mix of youngsters to ensure the Falcons maintain their spot near the top of the WAFL this year.

The Falcons have made the finals the last two seasons and Monaghan is confident of that happening again.

While veterans Troy Longmuir and Craig Smoker have retired, Smoker has moved into a coaching role and fellow experienced players Clayton Lasscock, Callum Chambers and Brent LeCras can provide the veteran leadership on the field.

Josh Pearce didn’t play after Round 3 with a neck injury so is basically like a new recruit, with Jeff Gobbels back fit after only playing six games and Lasscock, Dustin Burns, Dion Fleay, Dan Hunt and Jay Van Berlo are in much better shape than this time last year.

Adam Campbell is also gone from the forward-line as he joins Subiaco, but he had a disappointing 2009 season with just 23 goals from his 17 games. Jack Darling, LeCras and Anthony Tsalikis should provide enough goals in attack still for the Falcons.

Mark Seaby played 17 of the 21 games for West Perth last season in the ruck while out of favour with the Eagles, but his move to Sydney opens the door for both Chris Keunen and Mitch Andrews to step up and lead the way.

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