AFL legend will tell why he rejected Eagles

AFL legend David Parkin will be in Bunbury next week sharing his football stories and secrets to success.

Parkin, a four-time premiership coach, will be the main attraction at an intimate fundraiser for the Harvey Bulls Football Club on Monday evening.

The appearance at Josephine’s Restaurant will continue Parkin’s significant connection with the Bulls — he also helped the club raise funds to construct their clubrooms which were opened 12 years ago.

Forrest MHR Nola Marino, who was president of the club between 1997 and 2007, will MC the event and said it would provide people with an opportunity to get up close and personal with Parkin.

‘‘People are inevitably impressed by him. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from, David will have an impact,’’ she said.

‘‘That’s the way he is. He is a very powerful motivator and encourages the best out of people and businesses.’’

Among the items set to be discussed by Parkin are why he didn’t coach the West Coast Eagles, his time with Carlton, Hawthorn and Fitzroy and his relationship with the media during that period.

The tough defender played 211 games for Hawthorn in the 1960s and 70s. He won the club’s best-and-fairest award in 1965 and captained their 1971 grand final triumph as part of a five-year stint as Hawks’ skipper.

Later he made a successful transition to coaching, delivering Hawthorn a premiership in 1978 before masterminding back-toback flags with Carlton in 1981 and 1982.

After three years coaching Fitzroy, he returned to take the reins at Princess Park for a decade between 1991 and 2000, in which he won the AFL premiership in 1995.

Limited tickets to the event, which is sponsored by Harvey Beef and Harvey Fresh, are still available.

Tickets cost $125 and include a three-course meal.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Harvey Bulls president MichaeZappia on 0437 800 080.