The Board of the West Coast Eagles are pleased to announce that, effective 1 July 2026, WA Football Hall of Fame member Grant Vernon and 2006 premiership player Beau Waters will be appointed to the Board.
Grant and Beau bring strong commercial and financial experience, football knowledge, governance and community engagement credentials to the Board.
Grant Vernon
A Chartered Accountant, Grant has held positions as Chief Operating Officer at the Mazur Family Group, COO of the Minderoo Group and CEO of Snap Franchising across more than 25 years in executive roles.
He was also a trailblazer as the first non-Victorian field umpire in the expanded VFL competition in 1987, going onto officiate 203 matches across 12 seasons after beginning his career in the WAFL.
Grant was inducted into the WA Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and continues to serve the game as Chair of the WA State Umpiring Advisory Group.
Grant is also an experienced company director with a strong governance background, including roles with Tennis West, William Grant Financial Consultants and a range of education institutions.
Beau Waters
Beau is fondly remembered by West Coast supporters as a hard-nosed defender in the 2006 premiership team.
He also earned All-Australian selection and was named the AFL’s Most Courageous Player in 2012 before his career was cut short by injury after 120 games.
Since retiring from football, Beau has built a successful career as an accomplished executive with significant experience spanning infrastructure, property, media and sport.
He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Hawaiian Group and has held senior leadership positions at Wesfarmers, Seven West Media and Jacobs, where he served as Global Vice President of Sports and Community Infrastructure.
During his playing career, Beau received the Jim Stynes Community Leadership award in 2012 and he has maintained a strong commitment to social impact.
He has served as a director at Lifeline WA and Youth Focus, and been an ambassador for Cancer Council WA and Muscular Dystrophy WA, while also contributing to the AFL's Laws of the Game Committee.
Following a comprehensive search process, Grant and Beau emerged as ideal appointments to support the Club now and into the future.
“We are delighted to welcome Grant and Beau to the Board of Directors,” West Coast Eagles Chair Elizabeth Gaines said.
“Grant's leadership qualities, financial and governance expertise, combined with his outstanding contribution to football as an umpire, will be a tremendous asset for our Club.
“Beau holds a special connection to the West Coast Eagles and was renowned for his courage and team-first attitude on the field, and as a person of outstanding character.
“Since his playing retirement, Beau has built an impressive career in leadership positions in business and sport, while maintaining a strong desire to help others in the community.”
Grant and Beau fill positions vacated at the completion of Justin Langer and Terry Bowen’s maximum terms on the Board.
“On behalf of the Board and broader Club, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Justin and Terry for their service over the past nine years,” Gaines said.
“Their expertise and guidance has been highly valued, and they have made significant contributions to the West Coast Eagles for which we are incredibly grateful.”
