




Big news for footy fans in Western Australia – Crown Perth casino has confirmed new partnerships with the state’s two AFL clubs, the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Football Club. In an announcement this week, Crown Perth stated it will continue to partner with both WA AFL teams, reinforcing its support for local sport and tourism. The deal effectively brings the rival Eagles and Dockers under the same sponsorship umbrella, a move that has excited both clubs as they gear up for the upcoming AFL season. Crown Perth’s interim CEO, Brian Pereira, said he is proud to extend the relationship with these teams, noting "there's nothing more West Australian than the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles!" Both the Eagles and Dockers have expressed gratitude for Crown’s support and are looking forward to kicking goals together off the field in this unique collaboration.
Crown Perth’s sprawling complex is an iconic sight on the banks of the Swan River in Perth. The resort, often referred to as Crown Casino Perth, originally opened in 1985 and has since grown into the city’s most popular entertainment destination, attracting over 9 million visitors per year. As Western Australia’s only fully-integrated casino resort, Crown Perth boasts a little bit of everything: luxury accommodation, world-class dining, nightlife, and high-end gaming all in one place.
In addition to a 24-hour casino with more than 130 table games and 2,300 electronic machines, the complex includes multiple hotels offering nearly 1,200 rooms for guests. Visitors can enjoy over 30 restaurants and bars, including famous names like Nobu and Bistro Guillaume. There’s also a 2,300-seat theatre that hosts concerts and shows year-round, plus extensive conference facilities for major events. Crown Perth isn’t just about entertainment – it’s also a significant local employer and an active community contributor in WA. By partnering with the state’s AFL clubs, the Crown Perth casino further cements its role at the heart of Perth’s sports and social scene.
The West Coast Eagles are a Perth-based Australian rules football club founded in 1986, and they have since become one of the AFL’s most successful teams. The Eagles entered the competition in 1987 as the first Western Australian team and have won four AFL premierships (1992, 1994, 2006, and 2018). Notably, West Coast was the first non-Victorian club to win an AFL Grand Final (1992), and over the years they’ve built a powerhouse reputation. The club also enjoys immense popularity – recently the Eagles had over 100,000 paying members, more than any other club in the league. Home games are played at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium, often to near-capacity crowds, and the cross-town showdowns with Fremantle (the famous “Western Derby”) are among the fiercest rivalries in Australian sport.
The partnership with Crown Perth is big West Coast Eagles news off the field. Crown has been a long-time supporter of the Eagles, and this renewed deal means that relationship will continue into the future. West Coast’s CEO, Don Pyke, expressed his delight at extending the sponsorship, emphasizing that it helps the club connect with its loyal fan community. "Connecting and engaging with our passionate and loyal members and fans is at the forefront of everything we do... our long-standing partnership with Crown enables our club to strengthen that sense of belonging," Pyke said. He noted that the Eagles are excited to keep offering “exciting experiences and lifelong memories” to supporters in conjunction with Crown as the club heads into its 39th AFL season.
The Fremantle Football Club – colloquially known as the Fremantle Dockers – entered the AFL in 1995 as Western Australia’s second team, representing the port city of Fremantle. Compared to their cross-town rivals, the Dockers are younger and still chasing an inaugural premiership. Fremantle has yet to win an AFL Grand Final, making them one of only a few active clubs without a flag. However, the Dockers have had their moments of success: they reached their first Grand Final in 2013 (falling just short against Hawthorn) and even finished top of the ladder to claim the minor premiership in 2015. Over the years the club has produced several superstar players – legends like Matthew Pavlich and dual Brownlow Medalist Nat Fyfe have become synonymous with the Freo brand. Fremantle’s fanbase is renowned for its loyalty; win, lose or draw, Dockers supporters stick by the team with true passion. Home games in Fremantle and Perth are blanketed in a sea of purple, and the club’s community culture runs deep.
With Crown Perth coming on board as a partner, the Fremantle Dockers are looking to boost their off-field strength. Fremantle’s CEO, Simon Garlick, welcomed the continued partnership with Crown, calling it an important part of the club’s strategy. Garlick noted that collaborating with Crown Perth will "enhance the experience for our loyal supporters while also attracting new fans to the Fremantle family," aligning perfectly with the club’s goal of providing unforgettable moments for members on and off the field. In practical terms, the deal with Crown Perth casino means Fremantle can tap into Crown’s vast resources and venue facilities to improve fan engagement – think special club functions at Crown, Dockers-themed events, and added perks for Fremantle members when they visit the resort.
Ultimately, the twin sponsorships represent a win–win for Crown Casino Perth and WA footy. For Crown Perth, aligning with the state’s two AFL teams is a statement of commitment to the local community – supporting beloved sporting institutions that are deeply woven into the fabric of Western Australia. By backing both the Eagles and the Dockers, Crown Perth cleverly stays above the famed rivalry and appeals to all AFL fans in WA. On the flip side, the Eagles and Dockers gain a stable, high-profile partner that enhances their off-field offerings. It’s a partnership that goes beyond logos on a guernsey – it’s about creating shared experiences. As the AFL season unfolds, fans can look forward to a little extra glitz and excitement knowing their teams and Perth’s premier casino are kicking goals together, on and off the field.