Eagles stars a coup for Wonthella Bowling Club

A sporting club of older folk — and supposedly of a declining membership — has pulled off a footy coup.

Four members of the reigning West Coast Eagles premiership side will be in Geraldton on Friday, December 21, for a sports night.

Northampton’s Josh Kennedy and Mark LeCras of Cervantes will be joined by Mark Hutchings and Will Schofield at the function.

“Which footy club or hotel is hosting them?” you may ask.

Try the Wonthella Bowling Club, where 75 per cent of the members are over 75.

“Families can come and meet the players, obtain signatures and photos, hear some great stories and have an opportunity to take home some Eagles treasures,” Wonthella Bowling Club president Kevin Exten said.

The treasure for Exten and his hardworking committee was signing the deal.

No Eagles have visited Geraldton in an official capacity since the club beat Collingwood in September’s AFL grand final to win their fourth flag.

Kennedy, vice-captain of the Eagles, is a two-time Coleman medallist and three-time All-Australian, while LeCras, who post-premiership announced his retirement, is the third-highest goalscorer (441) at the Eagles.

Hutchings is recognised as one of the best taggers in the AFL, and was crucial in curtailing the influence of Magpies star Steele Sidebottom on grand final day.

What loomed as a difficult year for Schofield turned out to be a fairytale finish for the 174-gamer.

“The players are looking forward to sharing stories, including preparing for and winning the grand final,” Exten said.

Bouncedown is at 7pm and a bar will operate during the function.

There will be quizzes and an auction of jumpers.

Tickets cost $30, with entry free for under-16s, and are available from the club on 9921 2970 or by emailing wonthellabowlingclub@westnet.com.au.