Footy greats in stadium plea
The State Government has been confronted by the biggest names in WA football over fears the game's heritage will not be adequately honoured at the new Burswood stadium.
Colin Barnett was this week adamant the naming of the stadium would not be sold to the highest corporate bidder, but concerns remain among WA football greats that much of the game's history will not be recognised in other parts of the facility. The WAFL 200 Club, an official group featuring past stars, has been lobbying the Barnett Government to ensure honours bestowed on the game's greats at Patersons Stadium will be transferred to Burswood.
The club is expected to soon formalise a submission for tributes at the stadium, including a precinct of statues similar to the MCG's Parade of Champions.
WA football legend Barry Cable believed the WA public would want to see their heroes from eras spanning more than a century properly honoured at Burswood. Cable said he was worried the corporate dollar would be put before the game's heritage and feared only players from the modern era would be recognised.
There are 19 football identities honoured in and around Patersons Stadium. "West Australia has a rich history of 120 years of footy," Cable said. "You look at players, girlfriends, wives, mothers, fathers, grandparents and sponsors from those times who helped make our game what it is and we as a State should see that our history is preserved.
"It should be kept in a position where it can be shown to the younger generation so they can appreciate and understand why the game is where it is today."
_The West Australian _understands a delegation of past greats, including WAFL 200 Club executive members Graham Moss, Ross Glendinning and Les Fong, have been invited by the Government to attend a briefing at the Burswood site next month.
"We want to protect the heritage that's been built by all our forebears, but we're concerned that heritage will not be carried forward," WAFL 200 Club president George Michalczyk said.
A spokeswoman for the Premier said yesterday the Government was working to ensure appropriate recognition of football's heritage in the new stadium, "along with other sports and sportspeople".
