A FIRST FOR THE FALCONS AS THEY ANNOUNCE NEW PATRONS

The West Perth Football Club is excited to announce that for the first time in its 135 year history a husband and wife team will be honoured as Club Patrons. Ross Kelly and his wife Leith have been appointed in recognition of their 60 plus years of connection and love for the West Perth Football Club.

“The Club is thrilled that Ross and Leith have agreed to represent the club in this honourary way. Ross is a life member, 1960 Premiership and 132 game player and most recently was Vice President assisting the club come out of financial distress. Leith has been a loyal and committed partner to Ross in all of his football activities and to recognise her in this way is very special . Ross’s experience and sage advice has been outstanding for many decades“ stated Club President Dr Neale Fong.

“Recognising an outstanding partnership – a  husband and wife team as our patrons reinforces our thrust to be inclusive and a family club where all feel proud to belong.”

Ross’s football career also saw him play 10 times for WA, which then continued into football administration as the inaugural Chair of the Fremantle Dockers (1995-98) and following that as a Commissioner on the WA Football Commission (2002-2010). He is a Life Member of the WAFC, the WPFC and the FFC.

A highly successful businessman, he continues as the Chair of Clontarf Foundation (from 1999) where his leadership in assisting Indigenous boys and girls overcome serious disadvantage through sport was recognised with an Order of Australia in 2007.

Ross and Leith have been married for 60 years and have three adult married daughters and four grandchildren and are regular attendees at Club games and functions.

The Club has also announced new Vice Patrons in Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, and long-time business supporters  David Elsegood, Gary O’Neill and Richard Homsany, with  the Hon Peter Collier and  Hon Albert Jacob continuing.

The Club will soon make an announcement of their new No. 1 Ticketholder for a three-year period to replace Basil Zempilas who has accepted a Vice Patron position.

Media Enquiries:  Neale Fong (0411 550 560) , Joe McCarthy  (0439 497 032)

11 July 2022