West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke has expressed the Club’s sincere appreciation following the incredible community backing that made Impact Round supporting Telethon a huge success.
Launched for the first time this year, Impact Round showed the remarkable community spirit of West Australians getting behind Telethon’s cause to support ill, disabled and disadvantaged children.
Highlighted by the involvement of WA children and their families, the round 22 gameday against Collingwood was a feature of the West Coast Eagles’ 2026 AFL season.
“It was an unbelievable success to be honest, and it was an opportunity we felt to lean into the community and support Telethon, which is a wonderful charity and does great work across Western Australia,” Pyke said.
“Given our position as a Club and where we see that ability to help out with causes like Telethon it was a natural fit, but the way our staff embraced the opportunity and made it come to life was unbelievable.
“It’s been fantastic the support we’ve received from a wide range of, not only members and fans, but other Western Australians in support of the cause.
“It was a great day.”
Thanks to the generosity of all who contributed to the ‘Take Your Seat for WA Kids’ virtual seats campaign, and on gameday at Optus Stadium, the West Coast Eagles are proud to announce $257,494 has been raised for WA kids in need.
A highlight of Impact Round was Telethon Champion Matilda Pitts’ bright and bold design for the AFL players’ warm-up shirts, inspired by her courageous journey through cancer treatment.
With the support of gameday sponsor Shaw and Partners, the warm-up shirts were auctioned after the match, raising $22,700 for the final tally donated to Telethon.
“Shaw and Partners is extremely proud to have been involved in this great initiative in support of Telethon,” Shaw and Partners Financial Services WA State Manager, Russell Karlson, said.
“The substantial amount raised is testament to the outstanding collaboration by everyone involved.”
The West Coast Eagles also wish to thank Collingwood Football Club, Optus Stadium, 7West and the AFL for their support.
“It wasn’t just down to us, there was obviously a lot of help from others, but fantastic to raise that $257,000 which is an unbelievable amount,” Pyke said.