The Eagles and Dockers’ youngest fans ready for action as WA footy supporters prepare for season start

Footy in WA is back. The West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers play their first games of the men’s season at the weekend — and their smallest fans cannot wait. “I’m excited, happy and happy that the footy is back,” Mt Hawthorn Cardinals Auskick player Kennedy Little, 7, said. She said she was hoping to emulate her favourite AFLW players in her own games. “I’m looking forward to getting to the ball, kicking goals and playing games at the end,” she said. Pacey Piggott, 6, said he was excited for the season and can’t wait to take to the pitch himself. “I’m most excited for seeing my friends and just running and passing to my friends,” he said. Mt Hawthorn Cardinals Auskick coordinator Rich Piggott said the start of the AFL season brings new excitement. “Obviously with the AFL starting, the excitement goes to a new level and Year 2 Auskick, I’ve seen it before, it’s quite exciting,” he said. The Dockers will kick their season off on Saturday afternoon against last season’s preliminary finalists Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. Meanwhile, the Eagles will be looking to improve on their underwhelming 2024 season when they play Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Both games can be watched live and free on Channel 7.