After spending a season on the sidelines, excitement is growing at Brookton-Pingelly ahead of the club’s return to competition this weekend in the Upper Great Southern Football League. 

The Panthers were found guilty of breaching the salary cap and went into recess in 2023, but the club is back this year with three teams. 

Brookton-Pingelly President Adrian Fairhead is counting down the days to Saturday night’s match against the Narrogin Hawks. 

“The members and committee are extremely excited as we approach our first game since September 2022,” he said. 

“After a year out of football there are numerous people including new members willing to put their hand up to help out where possible. 

“Successful recruiting was undertaken for this season, both locally and out of town, and along with generous sponsors the club has been able to cover the registration and membership fees of every player for the 2024 season. 

“This year Brookton Pingelly will be lining up with three teams, including League, Reserves and D Grade. 

“It is worth pointing out that in the juniors alone we have 26 players registered to play in D Grade.  

“We have some club stalwarts, some new faces and some old faces reappearing again.” 

The President is adamant the Panthers can make an impact on their return. 

“I believe we will be very competitive in the UGSFL this year,” Fairhead said. 

For a club which has faced numerous obstacles, the future now looks positive. 

“The communities of Pingelly and Brookton are fully behind the footy club. 

“We sincerely want to thank everyone for their time and belief, as well as those who’ve assisted financially. 

“I would also truly like to spotlight the BPFC committee members of 2023 and 2024. 

“They are a highly motivated group of achievers who collectively have made meetings a pleasure and my job easier and all of them are instrumental in getting the club back on its feet.” 

Brent Sheridan, Manager Country Football Development – South at the West Australian Football Commission, has paid tribute to the Panthers. 

“The club had to confront a number of challenges, including a significant penalty, and while it was disappointing for everyone that they didn’t play last year, it is exciting for not only the Brookton and Pingelly communities, but also the Upper Great Southern Football League to have the club back in the fold this season,” he said. 

“It is a credit to Adrian and his committee for the tireless amount of work they have undertaken over the last 12 months to get the club back in a position to take the field in 2024.”