Rick’s Rookies West Coast Eagles Membership

If you have a mini West Coast Eagles fan in the family, this is the membership for you. We joined our son up a few years ago and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences for him and our family.The basic format has remained the same over the years. The cost won’t break the bank and for what members have access to during the year – the price is very reasonable.

Children receive a gift pack with an Eagles backpack, lanyard, membership card, some years they get an autograph book, or something similar like stickers, tattoos, stationary and they get a signed birthday card from their favourite player – which no matter how many times our son receives a card from Nic Naitanui, his face lights every time.

But it’s the events that are the draw card. There are some great ones during the year with really interactive opportunities with the players and not just quick meet and greets.

The Coaching Clinic is usually held in the Term 1 school holidays and is a winner every year. Not only do kids meet their heroes, but they also get to do football drills with them too! Heaven for a young footy novice. The question we get asked the most is “Do they all show up?” and refreshingly the answer is yes! They do. Even the seasons Nic Nat has been injured he has rocked up in great spirits!

Courtesy Rick the Rock Facebook Page

Ricks Rookies club is super popular and there are often more children than time, so groups don’t get to visit every station or every player. However, it would be hard for any child (or adult for that matter) to be disappointed at this event.

It truly is amazing and the players are not only generous with their time, coaching and humour, but with their unbelievable level of patience with the kids and occasionally a few overwhelmed adults (yes, they sometimes sneak in a cheeky selfie which is almost as shameless as writing a review in the hopes that your child can run out on the field with the players one day…kidding…sort of…not really…insert wink emoji).

The other beauty is Ricks Birthday/End of Year Celebration at Bounce in Cannington which is usually held after the footy season has ended. A similar interactive deal with players who seem to enjoy themselves as much as the kids, probably because the year is done and they can finally relax.

My son loves this event for that very reason. They are very chilled.The kids have the freedom to just hang out and be silly with the players and Rick while parents and siblings (direct quote: “annoying ‘tag-along’ little sisters”) stay up on the viewing platform and out of their hair. They then get signatures from the whole team below the grandstand, though there is no parent access at this event.Other benefits of the membership are priority tickets sales to games, occasionally free tickets (for members only) and discounts to the Eagles store.This is a really cost effective way for families who can’t afford or aren’t too interested in waiting a million years on the wait list for an actual Eagles membership.The events are managed professionally and efficiently and there is always an awesome, upbeat vibe. Everyone seems to go with the flow and enjoy the day and it’s a really positive atmosphere especially for the kids who seem to have a ball. The staff we have encountered over the years have been friendly and approachable and are most definitely a credit to the club and the Ricks Rookies initiative. For our 2019 membership we paid $55 which is worth every cent and more for the lasting memories it’s created for our son and “tag along” daughter.Little ones and teens don’t miss out on all the fun either! All age groups are covered from 0 to 17 years. Click on the links to check out what’s on offer and join up. (Prices correct 2019)

Baby Eagles 0-1 years = $35

Ricks Rascals 2-4 years = $45

Ricks Rookies 5-12 years = $55

Ricks Rising Stars 13-17 years = $55

For Dockers fans Freo have a similar package with their Purple Army Junior Membership for Under 15’s = $55. They also have some cool add on upgrades: with the Dockers Tots, Birthday Club and their Purple Paws (Cute!)