Sport in Western Australia
In the previous National Soccer League, Perth Glory was a relatively successful team by winning the last titles of the NSL (2002-03 & 2003-04).
Australian rules football is the third most played sport in Western Australia, with its popularity elevated due to excellent marketing and lobbying at state and national level.
Western Australia contributes significantly to the national Australian men's and ladies' hockey teams which have both been winners of Olympic Gold Medals.
[4] Both West Coast Pirates and the WA Reds played out of Perth Oval in the under-age S. G. Ball Cup, with an aim to having a number of WA-born juniors when the bid joins the NRL[5] West Coast Pirates in the 2022 NRL expansion.
Andrew Forrest rescued the Perth-based Force and set up the World Series Rugby competition in 2018.
Western Australia’s most popular sport, with the largest number of registered participants is swimming, with competition and training carried out throughout the year.
Western Australia, along with 2 other states, hosts the annual ATP Cup at Perth Arena starting in 2020.
[7] The Western Australia Airsoft and Gel Ball Club was established in 2017, and is the main lobbying body for the sport.
The Perth Cup is the state's premier race held each New Year's Day at Ascot Racecourse.
Harness racing is held all year round at Gloucester Park, with additional meeting in country areas.
Motorsport is very popular in Western Australia with numerous national and international events being held.
Rally Australia, which is a part of the World Rally Championship (WRC) was held each year on the gravel roads in the south-west jarrah forests as well as special stages held in central Perth at either Gloucester Park or on Langley Park.
There has been a large push to have the event returned to Western Australia, as of 2016 there has not been any of the required support from the state government.
The championship is host to some of the longest running rallies in the world and has seen increasing numbers of both competitors and spectators each year.
A similar event Targa South West is held yearly in the southwest towns of Pemberton and Manjimup.
A Mediterranean climate with reliable fresh winds create ideal conditions for sailing, both off the coast in the Indian Ocean and in the Swan River.
In 2023 Former West Coast Eagles Will Schofield started the first ever WA Fistball side The ID Athletic Western Fisters, The first tournament they entered was on the 16th December 2023 in Geelong.
Perth has hosted a number of international and national sporing events, including: Two sports awards are given each year:
