The Eagles were narrowly defeated on Sunday in the 2023 WAWFL Grand Final against 2022 premiers Perth Demons, in what was a competitive and high-quality display from both teams.
Going into the finals series, the team finished second on the ladder with a record of four wins, three losses and one draw which made them one of the top contenders to take home the premiership cup.
It was a terrific result for the inaugural team after bouncing back from a slow start to the year, with all four wins occurring as part of a four-game winning streak which turned their season around.
After defeating Perth and first-placed Subiaco in the two finals matches prior, the Eagles squad buzzed with excitement for an opportunity to go all the way in the Club’s first year in the league.
The grand final was a back-and-forth match with both teams taking leads throughout all four quarters, but the Demons managed to hold on at the final siren to win by 10-points and be crowned the competitions first back-to-back premiers.
Although it was a disappointing finish to the year the Eagles squad were still filled with pride in how the season had gone, with many already optimistic about how the team will bounce back in the 2024 season.
After the grand final officially put a close on the 2023 WAWFL season, two players on the Eagles squad were given the team’s awards for the year.
Star player Ben Green was crowned the 2023 Club Champion after a stellar year, travelling from Bunbury each week to play in the competition.
In his first season playing wheelchair football, Green was selected in the WA-squad for his impressive performances and travelled to Victoria to take on other states in the 2023 Toyota Wheelchair AFL National Championships.
The second award was given to Levi Bennett, who was crowned the 2023 Coach’s Award after being the heart-and-soul player for the entire season.
In what was also his first season of wheelchair football, Bennett played every game of the season and always showed improvement, energy and positivity over the course of the year, with a celebration never being too far away.
Bennett alongside fellow teammate Jason Kappler both joined the team as part of the Club’s existing partnership with the WA Disabled Sports Association, with both set to be integral players for the wheelchair football squad in 2024 and beyond.
The West Coast Eagles would like to thank the WA All Abilities Football Association for facilitating a successful 2023 WAWFL competition, as well as the entire Eagles squad for being part of our inaugural season.
The Eagles wheelchair football squad will be back and ready to go one better in 2024.
