With that in mind, West Coast has for many years committed to developing and growing a wide range of programs designed to give back to the community, with a focus on charitable partnerships, grassroots football, diversity, schools and education and indigenous programs.
The ‘Eagles in the Community’ Award was developed in 2009 in order to formally recognise the great contribution made by a player and staff member who regularly demonstrates an outstanding level of commitment to these programs, going above and beyond their club obligations.
Brad Smith was always a dedicated player, for years pushing his body through arduous training at Subiaco, booting over 500 goals in the process. Since his AFL career was robbed from him before it started due to injury, and Smith commenced full-time work with the West Coast Eagles, he has dedicated himself since to working with those in the community who are less fortunate than most.
Smith shared the award with Nic Naitanui, whose work in the community outside of his AFL obligations was enormous again throughout 2013.
While some whose fame is beyond estimation struggle with the limelight, Naitanui has remained grounded. He has learnt to harness the popularity and channel it into worthwhile ventures, such as being an AFL multicultural ambassador.
The ambassadors work with multicultural communities, schools, community football clubs, government and multicultural organisations on specific multicultural projects and deliver culture awareness sessions.
West Coast would not be able to conduct such extensive and successful community programs without the relationship with its principal community partner, BHP Billiton.
Through this partnership the club is able to deliver a variety of community initiatives. Using football as a vehicle to engage and educate students across the state, programs such as Eagles Cup, Eagles Faction Footy, Eagles Rock My School, Kicking Goals and the Indigenous Leadership Program.
