Whitford Football Club: Celebrating 50 Years Strong

2025 is a big year for many clubs in the Perth Football League, whether they’re celebrating anniversaries or debuting new teams. Among those marking a milestone is the Whitford Football Club, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

In June 1975, five men came together to form the Whitford Amateur Football Club. The following month, they submitted a request for three teams to compete in the 1976 WAAFL season–and were accepted. Their debut game was played on April 24, 1976.

The club formed its first Colts team in 1979 and launched its inaugural Women’s team in 2021. In 1985, Whitford claimed its first premiership with the reserves, followed by the Colts’ first premiership win in 1989. After back-to-back premierships in C Grade and then B Grade in 1991 and 1992, the club earned a spot in A Grade for the 1993 season.
As of 2025, Whitford Football Club has six teams registered in the Perth Football League: Men’s A and A Reserves, Men’s C5 and C5 Reserves, Women’s C2, and Colts.

Unlike most football clubs, Whitford isn’t named after a suburb, but rather the district of Whitford, which encompasses Padbury, Hillarys, Kallaroo, and Craigie. The club represents a large, tight-knit community and maintains strong ties to its junior club–one of the largest in Perth–which is also celebrating 50 years.

“People come here because of the embrace they get when they become part of this club–whether you’re a player, a volunteer, or just someone who comes down on a Saturday. They’re all getting embraced. I think that’s culture, and that’s what keeps people coming back: the bear overall friendly, family-embracing culture,” (Ross Rayson).

Volunteers and supporters are the lifeblood of Whitford. While players are essential, the club couldn’t run without the dedication of those who give their time, whether as trainers, clubhouse helpers, or simply cooking a BBQ after practice. They are the backbone of the club.

A vital part of any club’s legacy is preparing the next generation of players and leaders. Ross says the best way to do this is by setting an example–showing what it takes to keep a club running and encouraging younger members to step up. This leadership helps instil responsibility and values that carry beyond the field and into everyday life.

Whitford is one of the top teams in the Perth Football League, but like all clubs, it continues to set goals. One key ambition is growth–especially establishing a second Women’s team–and creating more opportunities for people of all genders and backgrounds to play the game they love. At the heart of this is the desire to preserve their welcoming, community-first culture. Also, of course, like every team, they aim to keep training, keep playing hard, and stay at the top of their game.

So, what does the Whitford Football Club mean to its members? Let’s find out…

“Whitford Footy Club means to me, family. I’m lucky to be a third-generation player down here. Yeah, I’ve grown up at this footy club. I’ve seen lots of people come and go and then come back, and it’s just a happy place to be. Everyone just helps each other out, gets around each other,” – Alex Wenn, Co-Captain of the League Team.

“The club means everything to me. It’s my favourite place to come on a Saturday: beers, the boys, just everything about the club I love,” – Kieran Montgomery, Captain of the C5 Team.

“It means a lot to me coming down here, getting to be a part of the community and hanging out with my mates and build relationships that are going to last for quite a while and to get out and play each week, playing a sport that I love and to come down and have good fun,” Samuel Busch, Co-Captain of the Colts Team

“Played since my juniors, so I’ve always been around the club. I always loved it, loved being around all the boys and just having a good time. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Taj McKenzie, Co-Captain of the Colts Team

“The Warriors mean family to me,” Naomi Gianoncelli, Captain of the Women’s Team

“The Whitford Football Club means a lot to me, my dad played here and played over 200 games, and then my brother played here as well. So to be able to play here and continue, I guess what you would call the legacy, is amazing. Also, to be a part of the first women’s team is really great, and I love the girls and the social sides of things as well,” Sophie Grossman, player for the Women’s Team.

“I’ve been here two-thirds of my life. It means a lot, and the people that are here mean a lot to me; it’s like a family. I wasn’t from Perth, I came from the country, and I came here when I was 21, and I’ve been here ever since. This club, pretty much, apart from work and family, is the next thing that means a hell of a lot to me,” Ross Rayson, Manager of the Women’s Team

Written by Kerryn Wilson