Falcons fear TV blackout
West Perth have offered to remove the Channel 9 logo from their jumper for their international-round match in June in a bid to appear on Channel 7's WAFL coverage this season.
As the Falcons, their major sponsor and the WA Football Commission try to solve the wrangle that could prevent the club appearing on television this season, West Perth suggested removing the logo for the one-off game.
But they are adamant they will retain Channel 9 as their major sponsor.
West Perth will take on Subiaco at Arena Joondalup in round 14 in the game that has become one of the WAFL's best attended.
Crowds of 6044, 6195 and 5362 have attended the international-round matches at Joondalup.
Seven West Media - which owns Channel 7 and _The West Australian _- has made it clear that West Perth games will not be broadcast if the logo of the rival station remains on the jumper.
The $300,000 Channel 9 sponsorship deal will run for another two years with a two-year option.
West Perth president Brett Raponi confirmed the club and Channel 9 remained committed to each other but would not discuss the international-round proposal.
"We are trying to work through a situation which would see West Perth on TV but that would require collaboration from a lot of parties," Raponi said.
"We remain committed to Channel 9 and they remain committed to West Perth.
"They will be sponsoring the club for the next two years with a two-year option after that.
"We are in discussion with Channel 9 and the commission to get a peaceful solution."
WAFC operations manager Nick Sautner hoped a resolution was imminent.
He said West Perth's large supporter base made the club an attractive proposal to a broadcaster.
"The WAFC continues to work with West Perth to ensure their games can be covered on the Seven Network," Sautner said.
"West Perth have a proven track record of attracting large audiences on television, given their loyal supporter base. We reiterate our desire to ensure supporters continue to be given the opportunity to watch West Perth matches on free-to-air television."
·Subiaco premiership ruckman Frank Stockley will not play this season after finding out he needs a knee reconstruction.
Stockley injured the knee at training two weeks ago but initial scans indicated he would only miss the pre-season.
However, further scans revealed he had ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament.
The former West Perth player was swapped with fellow ruckman Seva Martin, who also had a knee reconstruction late last season.
"We are trying to work through a situation which would see West Perth on TV …" " West Perth president *Brett Raponi *
