by Costas Kastanis
 Robert Boden is one of a band of volunteers working behind the scenes at the West Perth Football Club.
As the Falcons' property officer he looks after all of the club's property at training and on match days.
He is more affectionately known at the club as Elvis, a name that began 10 years ago when Boden's wife asked him to dye his hair.
"It came up as black as Elvis Presley's," said Boden. "When I came to training that night the first bloke that saw me was Neil Mildenhall. He just looked at me and said "Elvis".
"It's stuck ever since."
Boden started in his position at the Falcons 12 years ago after previously having worked as a trainer for the Subiaco Football Club.
He said the property officer job at West Perth was highly rewarding but also very demanding.
"I have to be here every training night and make sure everything is ready to go," he said. "I look after the jumpers and balls and that sort of stuff."
He said the hardest part of the job was on match days, especially when the Falcons were playing away.
On a typical match day he would wake up at 6am and not get home until after
7pm.
"I have to get all the gear from the club and take it to where the guys are playing," he said. "That includes medical gear, drinks, and ice. Then I have to pack everything up and take it back. It can be a long day."
Boden's efforts do not go unnoticed by the club.
West Perth Football manager Ryan Lasscock said a value could not be placed on the importance of Boden's work at the club.
"Elvis is the first one here on a Saturday and he is the last to leave," he said. "The amount of work that he does and the jobs he does that no one really knows of except for the few people around the club is enormous.
"We don't operate if he is not here."
Lasscock said Boden's relationship with the players was "outstanding".
"Things can get a bit serious around here at times and his ability to crack a joke and make blokes smile when they are a bit flat is first class," he said. "Everyone loves him."
Boden said he wanted to continue in his volunteer role because he loved being around the club.
"You love it when you're here," he said. "When the season finishes you enjoy getting a break but you still look forward to coming back."
He does not see himself quitting any time soon either.
"I'll probably do this another 10 or so years," he said. "Or probably until I die."
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