WA Football Issues Fencing Ultimatum to East Fremantle Football Club
WA Football has ordered the East Fremantle Football Club to install fencing at its home ground or face relocation of its home games, sparking a significant dispute over venue standards and community access. The club, based at the East Fremantle Community Park, is the only unfenced facility in the WAFL, allowing spectators to watch top-level football for free.
Safety and Standards at the Heart of the Decision
WA Football chief executive officer Michael Roberts emphasized that the decision, confirmed on Monday night, aims to ensure the safety of players, officials, and spectators. "The WAFL venues policy exists to protect everyone involved in our competition and ensure we can effectively manage the crowds our elite-level football attracts," Mr Roberts stated. He added that a fence is critical for consistency in venue standards, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the WAFL.
Temporary fencing will be required on match days at The Good Grocer Park, with the club responsible for funding and installation. "We are not insisting on ugly cyclone fencing, but rather a fence that is in keeping with the character of the precinct, it can be temporary or permanent," Mr Roberts clarified.
Club's Response and Potential Relocation
The Sharks, who were allowed to play without a fence in 2024 and 2025, are considering the determination and expect to make a public statement soon. If the club decides not to implement fencing or cannot secure funding, it will need to negotiate relocating home games to a ground with permanent fencing, such as South Fremantle. This stoush, which re-emerged last week, could affect the start of the club's 2026 pre-season.
A WA Football board meeting in October 2025 determined that East Fremantle would not receive a further exemption from the WAFL's venues policy, which mandates fully enclosed grounds for all competition venues. Temporary fencing was previously installed for the 2025 elimination final between East Fremantle and Perth Football clubs, taking about 24 hours to set up and remove.
Community and Stakeholder Perspectives
Representatives from East Fremantle, the Town of East Fremantle, WA Football, and the State Government met this week to resolve the impasse ahead of the club's first pre-season games on February 28. The club expressed its preferred position on social media, highlighting the unique design and community-focused nature of the venue.
The Town of East Fremantle expressed surprise at the fencing requirement, noting that during the park's development, all stakeholders were aware of the no-fence condition. "WAFC was consulted in the development of the business plan and was open to the concept of no fence, with the exception of finals," the town stated. They added that spectator numbers at WAFL games have increased under the open access arrangement, supported by commercial agreements and State Government funding.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
WA Football has warned that allowing games without a fence this year would breach competition rules, instructing the club to work with stakeholders towards a suitable outcome. The park precinct, home to the East Fremantle Football Club, also accommodates various community facilities, including bowls and croquet clubs, youth facilities, a health club, cafe, playground, and child health clinic.
WA Football is expected to make a final decision next week, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for venue standards across the league. The situation underscores the tension between maintaining professional sports standards and preserving community-oriented, accessible public spaces.
