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one force player? this needs to change:
Top 50 most influential men and women in WA sport
by: Complied by Ben Papalia From: The Sunday Times May 06,
THEY are the movers, shakers and breakers of WA sport, the 50 most influential men and women as chosen by a panel of Sunday Times and PerthNow experts.
The top-50 list includes powerbrokers off all shapes, sizes and platforms, from politicians to top administrators and the sport stars themselves.
They all influence sport in our State in their own dynamic way.
The prerequisites were simple: anyone who helps to shape WA’s sporting landscape through opinions or actions, on or off the field, and generates discussion around the water cooler on a Monday morning.
What do you think should have been number 1? Did we miss anyone out? Tell us what you think of the list in the comment section below.
* 50 Ben Cousins – Former AFL player
The 2005 Brownlow medallist’s onfield heroics remain firmly in the memory of West Coast Eagles fans. But it’s the latest instalments in his drug-fuelled fall from grace that now dominates talk around the office water cooler.
* 49 Lauren Mitchell – World champion gymnast
A role model for young gymnasts, the 20-year-old last year became the first Australian to win a world championship gold medal and is our only genuine gymnastics medal hope for the London Olympics.
* 48 Paul Kelly – Perth Glory CEO
An ally of owner Tony Sage, Kelly has assumed a stronger role at Glory since last year’s club review and staff cleanout. Plays a crucial role in safeguarding the future of WA’s only A-League club by trying to ensure financial sustainability.
* 47 Gary Miocevich – Perth Motorplex director
The Kwinana facility replaced the beloved Claremont speedway and attracts thousands of fans each week. Be it speedway, drag racing, or sprintcars, Miocevich has maintained the legacy created by WA speedway hall-of-famer Con Migro.
* 46 Troy Kirkham – Auskick/ WAFC junior football manager
Ten of thousands of WA kids play AFL at grassroots level each weekend. That’s where future superstars are bred.
* 45 Nigel Satterley – Founder of Satterley Property Group
One of WA’s richest men with major influence in business. A former No.1 ticket holder at the West Coast Eagles, his property group sponsors sport in WA and helps develop urban sporting grounds.
* 44 Adam Gilchrist – Retired cricketer
Is utilising his cricketing fame in India to leverage WA and national business interests. A busy philanthropist in India and Australia, the most exhilarating cricketer of the modern age remains a role model for young players.
* 43 John Sackson – WA Rugby League CEO
If the WA Reds, as expected, re-enter the NRL in the next three years it will primarily be the result of Sackson and the West Australian Rugby League’s hard work.
* 42 Neil Randall – WAFC commissioner
The former Subiaco president and Lions premiership player is also the State president of the Australian Hotels’ Association and holds plenty of political prowess in the WA’s footy circles.
* 41 Jamie Dwyer – Kookaburras co-captain
Dragged hockey back into the spotlight in 2004 when he scored the winning goal that claimed the country’s first men’s hockey Olympic gold medal at Athens. Based in Perth, the five-time World Player of the Year is already involved in coaching.
* 40 Sally Carbon – Australian Sports Commission board member
Brings WA sporting issues to the national table. Has served on the WA Sports Council and the strategic directions board for the WA Education Department.
* 39 Daniel Ricciardo – Formula One driver
The boy from Duncraig has put Perth on the map in Formula One circles. The 22-year-old drives for the Toro Rosso team and is the poster boy for young go-karters each weekend.
* 38 Dennis Cometti – AFL commentator
The Channel 7 footy caller has been consistently ranked the No.1 commentator in the game. A former coach of West Perth, his authoritative voice can be heard on millions of televisions across the nation each weekend.
* 37 David Pocock – Western Force captain
The Wallaby could potentially make or break the Western Force. If the world’s best flanker re-signs with the club it is tipped other big names will follow. A philanthropist, was named WA’s Young Australian of the Year last year and has also released a book.
* 36 Steve Hooker – Pole vaulter
Became the first Australian in 60-years to win an Olympic field event at Beijing four years ago. One of the highest profile track and field athletes in the world, Hooker is striving to defend his gold medal in London.
* 35 Danny Green – Boxer
The three-time world champion brings world title fights to Perth. Fans love the Green Machine - just look at his merchandise sales and he is arguably Australia’s No. 1 boxing promoter.
* 34 Colin Young -AFL player manager
Corporate Sports Australia’s Perth-based manager is responsible for negotiating new contracts for many of WA’s big name AFL players, both in Perth and over east.
* 33 Rosanna Capolingua – Healthway chairwoman
Healthway provides major sponsorship to many sporting bodies in WA. Without it some clubs would simply perish.
* 32 Darren Glass – West Coast Eagles captain
Stood tallest when the Eagles needed him most. After a series of off-field scandals Glass was appointed to lead the club’s recovery. His influence helped to steer the Eagles through a change of culture and inspired a new generation of Eagle which could bring AFL success back to WA and its fans.
* 31 Matthew Pavlich – Fremantle captain
Fremantle’s record-breaking captain has been at the forefront of every Dockers high and low for more than a decade. Pavlich’s popularity among the Freo faithful is punctuated by his loyalty to the club despite limited success.
* 30 Ric Charlesworth – Sports high performance consultant
Owner of arguably the most impressive resume in Australian sport: doctor of medicine, federal MP, state cricketer and world’s best hockey player. The Kookaburras' coach is now regarded as one of the world’s most respected motivators and mentors.
* 29 Christina Matthews – WACA CEO
Has a big job ahead, but has the administration credentials and runs on the board. Will have a big say on Perth’s future international and Twenty/20 Big Bash fixtures, as well as the WACA redevelopment.
* 28 Lance Franklin – AFL footballer
The Perth recruit and now Hawthorn spearhead is widely considered the league’s No.1 player. With his own clothing label and new-range of footballs, the reigning Coleman medallist is a favourite with young and old.
* 27 Gwyn Dolphin – Eventscorp executive director
Appointed in January, his resume is impressive, including roles with Ferrari, Manchester United and Puma. Has made developing and bringing major sports events into WA a priority.
* 26 Julie Bishop – Member for Curtin/ Federal Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Holds major influence in national and state politics and gives WA sport a voice in Canberra. A renowned sports and fitness fanatic, she is a West Coast Eagles' board member.
* 25 Karl Langdon – Media commentator
The 6PR footy caller hosts Sports Central each weeknight writes a column for The Sunday Times, co-hosts country football show Off The Boot on WIN, covers speedway and hosts a boat, dive and fishing radio show.
* 24 David Williams – WACA chairman
Williams’ ongoing eight-year involvement on the WACA board has kept the state’s cricketing body humming along nicely.
* 23 Frank Cooper – WAFC chairman
Elected n 2010 and came to power during a period of change. Has the new stadium to deal with, the future of Patersons Stadium to think about and a pile of issues to chair.
* 22 Dennis Lillee – WACA president
The former Test wicker record-holder played a massive role in sealing the multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the WACA Ground. He also continues to mentor up-and-coming Australian fast bowlers, while providing support to the Warriors.
* 21 Murray McHenry – WAFC deputy chairman
Yes he’s more influential than his own chairman. The former Eagles' director is a a powerbroker in WA football and has a big say in what happens behind the scenes.
* 20 Richard Goyder – AFL commissioner
The Wesfarmers' boss and former Fremantle board member has become WA’s first voice on the AFL Commission for a decade.
* 19 Nic Naitanui – AFL footballer
He’s arguably the most marketable footballer in Eagles’ history and is fast becoming the game’s most popular player, with a huge influence over WA's AFL market. The dreadlocked superstar is also an AFL ambassador whose influence stretches overseas. Still just 22, his pulling power is immeasurable.
* 18 Ross Lyon – Fremantle coach
The former St Kilda coach braved a storm as new Fremantle coach but has quickly earned respect from players and officials for his work ethic and methodical approach. Hopes are high the Dockers have finally found the coach to take them to their first premiership.
* 17 Nick Tana – Allia Venue Management chairman
Tana owns Allia Venue Management which manages nib Stadium. The former Perth Glory owner, soccer powerbroker and influential businessman has just agreed on a stadium upgrade and leasing agreement with the State Government.
* 16 Dr Jack Bendat – Perth Wildcats owner
Perth Wildcats owner and one of WA’s most respected philanthropists. Has saved the Wildcats from extinction in a turbulent time for basketball in this country.
* 15 Steven Lawrence – WAIS executive director
As the chairman of the National Elite Sports Council, Lawrence is the most influential institute head in the country, mixing with the likes of the Federal Sports Minister Kate Lundy and Australian Olympic Committee boss John Coates. From his position, Lawrence helps decide the list of priority sports for federal high-performance funding.
* 14 John Worsfold – West Coast Eagles coach
The single most significant figure in the 26-year history of WA’s most followed sporting team. Worsfold added further to his legend, which already included two premierships as captain and one as coach, last season when he salvaged his coaching career by taking the Eagles from the wooden spoon into the top four.
* 13 Kate Lamont – Tourism WA chairwoman
WA’s tourism industry has a major say in which sporting events come to WA. The departments under her guidance control major government funding.
* 12 Wally Edwards – Cricket Australia chairman
The former WACA vice-president was elected as Cricket Australia chairman last year and has a big job ahead. Australia’s cricketing landscape is changing with new game formats, media rights deals and domestic administration all under the microscope.
* 11 Steve Rosich – Fremantle CEO
During his four-year reign the Dockers have gone from strength-to-strength financially and strategically. A successful chartered accountant, Rosich has helped boost Fremantle’s standing within the AFL community. A $30 million upgrade of Fremantle Oval is next on his agenda.
* 10 Alan Cransberg – West Coast Eagles chairman
The managing director of Alcoa assumed the West Coast chairmanship with favourite son John Worsfold’s tenure under a huge cloud. Few doubted Cransberg would have made the tough call on the coach if he had to, but Worsfold saved him the dilemma by guiding the Eagles to the top-four last season.
* 9 Steve Harris – Fremantle president
The controversial ad man wasted little time after taking the reins at Freo, overhauling the club’s brand, changing the Dockers' logo and jumper and almost the song. One of the select few who orchestrated the stunning Ross Lyon coup.
* 8 Trevor Nisbett – West Coast Eagles CEO
The Eagles’ boss has been with the club for almost its entire history, as football manager from 1989 and as chief executive since 1999, and is one of the most authoritive voices in WA football. Despite a series of drug scandals that rocked the club around the middle of last decade, the Eagles have remained a financial powerhouse of the competition and continue to attract enviable backing from corporates and members.
* 7 Terry Waldron – Sport and Recreation Minister
At the forefront of sport in the state. Has a huge say in which direction sporting programs go and how new major sporting initiatives are devolved. Like Barnett, has a say in funding allocations and will play a crucial ongoing role in our new billion dollar stadium.
* 6 Ron Alexander – Department of Sport and Recreation director-general
The inaugural West Coast Eagles’ coach, decorated Fitzroy and WA state player, heads one of WA’s most powerful sporting bodies. Alexander oversees the development of the state’s sports infrastructure and influences grass roots strategies.
* 5 Graham Partridge – Venues West chairman
Venues West is the statutory authority responsible for the ownership and management of the state’s sporting and entertainment facilities: Perth Arena, Challenge Stadium, Perth Motorplex ... the list goes on.
* 4 Tony Sage – Perth Glory owner
The Perth Glory chairman and owner puts his money where his mouth is. Many fear WA’s only A-League club would collapse if the mining magnate pulled out.
* 3 Richard Burt – Racing and Wagering WA CEO
Controls the thoroughbred, pacing and greyhound industry in WA. It’s an industry full of deep coffers and constant change and Burt has an overarching say in any major decisions and future planning.
* 2 Colin Barnett – WA Premier
Politics and sport are regular bedfellows and the Premier is the top figure. Burswood’s new 60,000-seat stadium is the biggest-ever investment in WA sport and Barnett controls the purse strings. Barnett also has a major say in funding allocations and general influence in WA’s sporting community. Ultimately, he can make it happen, or not happen at all.
* 1 THE most influential person in sport in WA is ... YOU
Yes You, the every day sports fan.
What athlete wants to play in front of an empty stadium? You wield real power, though it is often unquantifiable.
AFL clubs are at pains to spruik the importance of memberships, merchandise sales and donations. All paid for by You.
Without You, stadiums wouldn’t be filled and food and beverages wouldn’t be sold.
Yes, Premier Colin Barnett had the official say on WA’s new $60billion stadium at Burswood, but You made it happen.
Without Your vote, it wouldn’t rate on the Premier’s radar.
The Dockers changed their logo, jumper and revamped the song because of disharmony from fans.
Every minute of each day You vote with Your TV remote, with a twist of the radio dial, with Your purchase of newspapers and digital subscriptions, with Your bum on seats.
and STFU colin - where is our world class dedicated rectangular stadium you wanker!
http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/top...-1226347549621
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