In a major off-field coup, the Perth Demons have dramatically strengthened their WAFL coaching panel for the 2025 season, welcoming back two of their most decorated AFL sons.
A Homecoming for Premiership Heroes
The Demons have officially secured the services of Sharrod Wellingham and Sam Butler, both of whom are AFL premiership players. This strategic move forms a powerful new support system for senior coach Mark Stone and is complemented by the addition of former Claremont and State coach Michael Broadbridge.
For Wellingham, this appointment marks a significant return to his football roots. He was originally drafted to Collingwood from the Perth colts with pick 10 in the 2006 AFL rookie draft. His illustrious career spanned 171 games with Collingwood and West Coast, culminating in a premiership with the Magpies in 2010.
Butler is also a familiar face at the club, having played WAFL for Perth. He enjoyed a stellar 166-game career with West Coast and was a key member of their legendary 2006 premiership team.
Building on a Breakthrough Season
This high-profile recruitment drive follows a landmark 2025 season for the Demons, where the team finished fourth and, most importantly, broke a 28-year finals win drought that had stretched back to 1997.
Wellingham revealed that persistent approaches from Perth's head of football, Brad Dodd, convinced him to return. His first night back at the club during a pre-season session for younger players was a poignant moment. "Walking through the hallways again and seeing the photos of past champions and reading all the names," Wellingham said, "it drove it home to me that I was back where it all started."
The Demons have also been active on the player front, securing a mix of exciting talent. New recruits include VFL players Indhi Kirk (son of Sydney Swans legend Brett Kirk) and Freddy Brayshaw (son of broadcaster James Brayshaw). They will join a formidable midfield featuring Sandover medallist Charlie Constable and Geelong premiership player Brandan Parfitt.
A New Era of Belief for the Demons
The signings have generated immense optimism within the club. Perth president Adrian Barich emphasised the value the new coaches bring. "Sharrod and Sam return as proud former Demons, and alongside Michael, they bring premiership experience, football intelligence and cultural leadership," Barich stated.
He added that after the club's breakthrough 2025 season, which included the first finals win this century, the arrival of such esteemed figures gives members and supporters real belief that the Demons are building a future they can be truly proud of.
With a reinforced coaching panel brimming with premiership pedigree and a playing list gaining depth and experience, the Perth Demons are clearly positioning themselves as a serious WAFL contender for the years ahead.
