WAFL zones must change: Perth Demons chair Adrian Barich says competition held back by zoning inequalities

Perth Football Club chair Adrian Barich says inequalities in metropolitan and country zoning are holding the WAFL back. Barich has called for all clubs to have equal access to players aged 10-17 which would give clubs with poor-performing zones the chance to be more competitive. “The heart of West Australian football beats strongest when every club has an equal opportunity to succeed. Right now, the zoning system is holding back that potential,” Barich said. “Too many clubs are at a disadvantage, unable to tap into the talent they deserve. “It’s time to reimagine the story of WA football—every club should have equal access to young players, especially those aged 10-17. “By restructuring the zones based on player numbers, we can ensure a fair and balanced competition, where every team can thrive. “This is more than just about fairness; it’s about restoring hope, passion, and the chance for every team to chase greatness.” Barich’s comments follow a forecast of potential major changes to WAFL recruiting zones by new Football WA chair Ian Callahan. Callahan said the effect of WA’s rapidly growing population on metropolitan zones would be one of the organisation’s major focus points and nothing would be off the table, including a radical redrawing of WAFL club’s traditional city and country zones. He said all stakeholders would be consulted before any change was adopted. “It is an emotive issue,” he said. “Contrary to what we have done in the past where we have just had incremental change, we have to look at major change because the growth in some of the corridors in Perth is extreme.” The Demons zone is broadly recognised as having a disadvantage with changes aimed at improving their access to talent. Other clubs will face similar challenges as population demographics change. “Perth’s zones are problematic because they are mainly lower socio-economic apart from the South Perth area, so we need to change those and distribute them better,” Callahan said. Perth’s metropolitan zone stretches from Belmont and Victoria Park through Cannington, Maddington, Thornlie, Gosnells and Kelmscott. The Demons country area draws from Avon, Mortlock and Central and North Midlands leagues. Barich, a sports presenter with Channel 7 and inaugural West Coast Eagle and former Demon, who is in his third year as chair, said the zoning system was failing its stakeholders. “The WAFL zones are meant to be a foundation for developing local talent, offering players coaching, resources, and opportunities to compete,” he said. “But right now, the system is failing many of them. Some areas are flooded with resources and talent, while others — especially in country areas — are so vast that players fall through the cracks. “It’s not just about geography; it’s about opportunity. For those in lower socio-economic areas, the odds are stacked even higher, with limited access to the resources that can help them succeed.” Barich said the history of zones should not be overlooked. “While pushing for changes, we must acknowledge the traditions and connections these zones have to their communities. History is important, but we must balance it with fairness and a focus on the future of the game,” he said. Barich also called on WA Football to address a decline in Indigenous players at both WAFL and AFL level. The number of Indigenous players on AFL lists has fallen to just 63 ahead of the 2025 season, down from an all-time high of 86 in 2020. “This is a worrying trend that speaks to a deeper inequality in the system—one that’s holding back incredible talent,” Barich said. “It’s a lost opportunity for the entire game. It’s time for a fair go.” See all the WAFL clubs’ reactions to the zoning review in tomorrow’s The West Australian.