WA Football Hall of Fame to Honour Media Pioneer Alan East
Alan East, a trailblazing figure in West Australian football media, will be posthumously inducted into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame on Monday night, recognising his remarkable contributions over a career spanning more than four decades.
A Distinguished Career in Football Journalism
East began his journey as a cadet journalist at The West Australian in the 1960s, later gaining experience as a general reporter and sub-editor in Collie and London. In 1973, he transitioned to become a football writer at The West Australian, and the following year, he took over the editorship of the WAFL Football Budget, marking the start of his deep involvement in the sport's media landscape.
Founding Westside Football and Publishing Legacy
In 1979, after being named chief football writer and assistant sports editor at the Sunday Times, East co-founded Westside Football with Peter Poat, a weekly newspaper dedicated solely to football. This publication served as a vital promotional tool for the sport for 18 years, covering key events such as the formation of the West Coast Eagles in 1987 and the Fremantle Dockers in 1995, while also launching the careers of numerous aspiring journalists.
East's influence extended beyond newspapers into book publishing. From the late 1980s, he was involved in writing, editing, and publishing several football books, including titles like Jakovich – Zealous and Bold and Lewie-Lewie. His most significant work, The Sandover Medal Men, published in 2005, is a hardcover volume that profiles every Sandover Medal winner up to that point, cementing his legacy as a historian of the game.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Alan East remained actively engaged in football writing and journalism until his passing in January 2018 at the age of 74. His induction into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame honours not only his professional achievements but also his enduring impact on promoting and documenting football in Western Australia, inspiring future generations in sports media.
