Last Sunday, excitement was in the air as boys and girls waited at the train station at Warwick for their journey to Optus Stadium. The Year 6 boys had already played a gruelling game that morning against Warwick Greenwood Knights and now joined some of the Year 6 girls, ready to play half-time Little League at Optus Stadium.

Parents and players were met by Bob, and then given tickets to enter the stadium. Level 5 - up the escalators and the stairs we went, and then took our places, high in the sky, and got ready to watch the preparations for the Western Derby; the first to be played at Optus Stadium.

At the 20 minute mark of the first quarter, Lizzie, Dallas and Jeremy took the boys and girls down to the practice area where they got changed into West Coast Eagles uniforms and had a pep talk with Kevin Hill from the Subiaco Football Club and Hugh Dixon from the Freo Dockers. It wasn't long before it was half time and everyone went out on the ground to play against the Jandakot Jets, the Fremantle Dockers for the day. Jeremy and Dallas were goal umpires and Lizzie ran around with the camera trying to capture as much of the action as possible. A highlight would have to be our very own Lireal Jury, rucking with her flaming hair behind her, reminiscent of her older brother in our Year 11 team.

A few goals were kicked, lots of play was had and the kids got to experience the roar of an Optus Stadium crowd. They gave everyone a wave, got changed back into their regular clothes and then joined the mums and dads to watch the second half of the Derby.

What a great experience for the kids (and the parents). Thanks to the Subiaco Football District and the West Australian Football Commission. Check out a few snaps in the gallery below.