For proof, you need look no further than the big clash between West Coast Cowan and Wembley in Community Football Weekend on May 10.
The two sides are in the WAAFL A Grade and are riding the wave of success that has engulfed the whole state over the past few years.
Wembley president Chris Shine says the growing economy does make recruiting a lot easier.
“We’re not the only club to be doing well out of it (the boom). We have a lot of guys come over from Horsham in Victoria, which is a very strong football area,” Shine said.
“We are also an inner city club so a lot of younger guys come to us. They’ve got all sorts of high paying jobs from mining to distribution.”
But Wembley has still had plenty of frustrations to deal with in the last couple of seasons. The club has managed to lose the last two grand finals. Both to North Shore and both by just seven points.
Shine says the two losses have had a major effect on everyone involved with Wembley.
“It’s a huge driving force throughout the club. We just want to get our hands on the flag,” he said.
This year they have a chance to capture that flag with a strong group of colts stepping up to senior football.
Josh Ball, Ryan Pontisax and Scott Lardi are only young but could have an impact as Wembley chases the elusive premiership.
But it won’t be easy with the likes of West Coast Cowan to contend with.
The side has been promoted from B Grade and could seriously give the competition a shake this season.
Shine says that while the two sides have not met recently there will be a bit of feeling between the two, which are only five minutes away from each other.
“We haven’t had much to do with them because we’ve been in different divisions for the past few years, but some of the older guys have told me there used to be a fair old rivalry with them back in the day. They are only five minutes up the road.”
West Coast Cowan has recruited strongly from last year and will be a force to be reckoned with in A Grade this season after two successful years in B and C Grade.
New co-captains Aaron Cook and Darcey Coffey have plenty of support from Daniel Barnes, who has returned to the club after a stint in the east.
This article was lifted from the 150years.com.au website here.
