The governance of football in Western Australia has a fresh face and renewed experience following the results of a secret board election. Executive psychologist Melanie Fisher has been elected as a new director, while PricewaterhouseCoopers managing partner Martina Crowley has secured a second term on the WA Football Commission board.
A New Director with a Focus on Organisational Health
The election, decided by a postal vote and announced at Thursday night's WA Football forum, saw four candidates contest two available positions. Fisher, whose career has centred on driving organisational change within large, complex and male-dominated sectors like mining, policing, and aviation, successfully won her seat.
She replaces director Amber Banfield, who chose not to stand for a third term. The other candidates in the race were City of South Perth's acting director of corporate services Danielle Cattalini and private investigator Claire O'Donnell.
In comments made prior to the election, Fisher highlighted football's role beyond the field. "Football is more than a game, it’s a powerful vehicle for social connection, community pride and individual growth and can improve the mental health of our whole communities," she told The West Australian.
Continuity and 'Unfinished Business' for Returning Director
Martina Crowley, who first joined the board in 2024, was motivated to seek re-election by a sense of "unfinished business" and a desire to help future-proof the code. As chair of the commission's finance and funding committee, she played a key role in developing a new three-year strategic plan.
"I feel like I’ve got a lot more to offer and we’ve just set our strategy for the next three years. I was very active in the development of that so it’d be great to be around to deliver it," Crowley stated. She identified governance, the broader impact of football, and future-proofing the sport as critical ongoing priorities.
Strategic Challenges on the Horizon for WA Football
The newly configured board steps into a pivotal period for the sport in the state. WA Football and the State Government are in advanced discussions over crucial funding, with the 10-year anniversary of the code's move to Optus Stadium approaching. The organisation has also faced a decline in AFL royalties.
Significant strategic changes are already underway, including modifications to WAFL zoning rules. The board is set to unveil its new three-year strategy in 2026, with a stated focus on achieving sustainable growth.
Further challenges loom, notably the entry of the Tasmania Devils into the AFL in 2028. The new club will receive substantial list-building concessions, which will present fresh competitive and strategic dynamics for all existing clubs, including the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers.
Under the commission's rules, board members face re-election every three years and are limited to three terms unless an ordinary resolution agrees otherwise. Chair Ian Callahan, vice-chair Dixie Marshall, and WAFL stalwart Phil Lamb are all due for re-election for a potential third term at the end of next year.
