JOONDALUP-based Aussie Rules club West Perth is pitching the game to local Brits.
The Falcons will next month incorporate the Union Jack into its guernsey for the league’s international round to reflect the region’s high percentage of UK-born residents.
The jumper, which is being provided to the Falcons with the support of the WA Football Commission, is a bold move for the club, which moved in 1994 to Arena Joondalup from its traditional European roots at Leederville Oval, where the team was nicknamed the Garlic Munchers.
“We expect this decision to play in the British flag will create discussion,” West Perth chief executive Gerry O’Dea said.
“In my view, this is a move we need to take. I understand the concerns about promoting a flag, but this is a one-off jumper at no cost to the club.
“We will get excellent exposure for having the courage to wear the jumper and promote our district.
“We have made a lot of noise lately about the multicultural make-up of our district, with a large percentage born in the UK – our Little Britain title must be embraced.”
The club’s district stretches from Hillarys to Two Rocks, with the fastest growing multicultural demographic in the state.