SWFL 2022: West Australian Football Commission confirm they are investigating the South Bunbury Football Club

The WA Football Commission has confirmed it is investigating the South Bunbury Football Club. It comes after a series of off-field issues at the 125-year-old club, including a recent $200 fine after one of its male players used a racist slur. The WAFC confirmed to the South Western Times on Thursday they had launched an inquiry into the club. The announcement comes after seven weeks of turmoil at the club following them being found guilty of racial vilification during a men’s league match on May 14. The South Western Times understands the WAFC’s integrity department was engaged by the West Australian Country Football League and South West Football League and are working with the leagues and South Bunbury as part of the investigation process. The inquiry comes after club was fined $200 after an “unknown” male player called Carey Park forward Hayden Yarran a “yowie” in a round seven SWFL clash. The incident prompted South Bunbury women’s coach Max Jetta — who had led the side to each of their premierships — to quit due to the impact it had on his mental health. From there, an unprecedented mass exodus of senior female players occurred, with captain and stand-in coach Bond the latest of at least 10 to depart. The team became so depleted it was forced to forfeit its round 12 match at the weekend and hours later the league confirmed the club had withdrawn the women’s team from the 2022 season. The racial vilification incident even prompted Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman to write to South Bunbury Football Club president Leigh Wright and express his concerns. “I am deeply concerned about the claims of racist and sexist behaviour at the South Bunbury Football Club,” Mr Templeman told the South Western Times. “I have written to the president of the club to express my concerns and to convey my belief that sport should be inclusive and that women and First Nations players should feel welcome and safe. “I believe leadership should step up, address the concerns raised by players and coaches and implement any required changes.” Despite the confirmation by WAFC, South Bunbury Football Club President Leigh Wright has denied an investigation is underway.