East Fremantle Sharks Win Reprieve for 2026 Season with Temporary Fencing Approval
The East Fremantle Football Club has secured a crucial reprieve for the 2026 season after the Town of East Fremantle council unanimously approved plans for temporary fencing at its home ground, East Fremantle Community Park. This decision, made at a special meeting on April 2, allows the Sharks to host WAFL and WAFLW fixtures, ensuring their season proceeds without disruption.
Council's Swift Action and Temporary Measures
In a move to avoid logistical delays, the council permitted the temporary fencing to remain in place when home games are scheduled closely together, such as over weekends. Additionally, the approval was made effective immediately, bypassing the usual waiting period that would have extended until after the Easter holiday. This swift action underscores the urgency of the situation for the club and the community.
Sharks CEO Adrian Bromage expressed frustration at the predicament, stating, "We've been put between a rock and a hard place in this one. We're a bit of a pawn in the game. I'm a little bit perplexed about how it's come to this point, but here we are." The club faces significant costs, with estimates around $8000 for erecting and dismantling the fencing throughout the season, which includes eight men's and nine women's home games.
Search for Permanent Fencing Solution Continues
Despite the temporary fix, the club is actively working on a permanent solution to meet WA Football's requirement for fencing at all fixtures, aimed at enhancing safety and security for players, volunteers, and fans. Community consultation on a permanent fencing proposal is expected to commence within the next few weeks. Both the Sharks and the town council have expressed surprise at WA Football's demand, as the park was originally developed with the intention of remaining unfenced and open to the public.
Mayor Tony Natale emphasized the town's stance, stating, "By allowing temporary perimeter fencing to stay up between closely scheduled fixtures, or within defined blocks of time, we can avoid logistical inefficiencies for the 2026 WAFL season." He also made it clear that the town would not fund the fencing, leaving the club to seek State Government support. Town CEO Jonathan Throssell noted that the temporary fencing might differ from any permanent structure but could serve as a trial run.
Financial and Community Implications
Council members highlighted the financial stakes involved. Cr Cliff Collinson warned of "huge financial implications" for the town if the Sharks were barred from playing at home, describing it as "quite crippling." Cr Andrew White urged pragmatism, noting, "This situation is not what the football club wants and not what the town wants but we have to deal with it." Meanwhile, Cr Rebecca Cutter pointed out that the community currently sees no benefit, recalling a previous commitment to a fence-free park.
Mr. Bromage remains hopeful for State Government funding, stating, "Heaven help us if we don't," while acknowledging the club has explored alternative fencing options. The outcome of community consultation could pose challenges if opposition arises, but the temporary fencing will remain in place for the 2026 season, providing a buffer as stakeholders navigate this complex issue.
