For Round 11 of the AFLW season, we're proud to celebrate Daniel, a long-time Eagles member whose passion for the Blue and Gold has endured from the other side of the Country and is now being shared with the next generation.
Flying the Flag From the Other Side of the Country
Despite living thousands of kilometres from Perth, Daniel’s connection to the Club has remained strong over a long period of time.
“Coming up on 19 years as a member from the other side of the Country, being an Eagle is a huge part of who I am. I’ve loved being part of a Club with such a strong history of success and competitiveness.”
Daniel jokes that the Eagles rank highly in the family pecking order, despite some family members not sharing his allegiance.
“It’s West Coast, my wife, my kids - although the order depends on who I’m talking to! Wife and son follow a black and white team in Victoria, their choice not mine!”
While the household’s allegiances are split across teams, supporting the Eagles has taken on an extra special meaning as he shares his passion with his daughter.
“These days, one of the best parts of being a member is sharing that passion with my daughter. Seeing her develop her own love for the Eagles has been pretty special.”
The Nervous Wait for a Finals Berth
One of Daniel’s favourite memories from West Coast’s AFLW journey came in unusual circumstances, with neither team on the field wearing Blue and Gold.
“It was Sydney playing Essendon in the wet at Coffs Harbour, with us cheering on Essendon because a win would help West Coast qualify for our first ever finals campaign. My daughter and I were glued to the couch, watching every move and hanging on every moment.”
With West Coast’s hopes of a historic first final on the line, Daniel and his daughter couldn’t help but ride every moment of this final round clash as the result went Essendon’s way, securing West Coast’s first ever spot in the finals. For Daniel, the experience captured everything that makes following footy special.
“It was a great reminder that footy is about more than just the game you’re watching — it’s about the hopes, nerves and excitement you share as a supporter. Getting to experience that with my daughter made it even more memorable.”
A Special Daddy-Daughter Tradition
Matchday has become a special tradition for Daniel, which he now gets to share with his daughter. When West Coast heads to Sydney, the pair make the trip from Canberra to Sydney, with a few important traditions along the way.
“If we’re heading to a game in Sydney, we make the trip up from Canberra to Henson Park, grab a Golden Rough chocolate on the way, enjoy an ice cream at the ground, and my daughter gets her face painted. It’s become a real daddy-daughter tradition that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
When they can’t be there in person, the tradition continues for the pair at home.
“For other games, it’s side by side on the couch, decked out in Eagles gear, with my daughter playing with her West Coast badges and cheering on the team.”
Daniel’s daughter saves some of her loudest cheers for her favourite player Bella Lewis, who she has been lucky enough to meet on several occasions.
“Whenever Bella gets the ball, my daughter lets out a huge cheer. Those are the moments that make supporting the Eagles so special.”
Excited by Riggs’ Future
Among the current AFLW playing group, Charlotte Riggs is one player who has caught Daniel’s eye.
“She brings something different both overhead and through the middle of the ground. She plays with the aggression and competitiveness the team needs, and I think she has a huge future ahead of her.”
Daniel has loved seeing Rigg’s development in her second season and is looking forward to following her future in the Blue and Gold.
Daniel’s Message to the Team
If Daniel could deliver one message to the team before they run out, it would centre on bringing intensity to the contest and trusting one another.
“Play hard, stick your tackles and win the contested possession. Get the simple things right, compete for everything, and back yourselves. If you bring that effort and commitment, you can beat anyone. Go Eagles!”
Supporting the Eagles has been a significant part of Daniel’s life for almost two decades, and being able to share his passion with his daughter now makes it even more special. From Canberra to Henson Park, and afternoons cheering from the coach, Daniel’s passion and support for the Club truly embodies the spirit of being All The Way West.
