West Coast Eagles fans overwhelming support the return of the banner as Nic Naitanui praises community

West Coast have answered long-held calls from fans by announcing they will finally bring back the pre-game banner.

The West Australian ran a series of reports last year that diehard supporters were demanding the club bring back the tradition, which had been scrapped for home games in favour of an inflatable tunnel since moving to Optus Stadium in 2018.

Those calls were answered on Saturday, when the Eagles announced the traditional player entrance would return.

In a statement, new chief executive Don Pyke said the decision was driven by wanting to connect his club with the community.

“We see the banner as part of the culture and match day experience for fans and having heard the views of many members and fans in the last few years it’s coming back,” Pyke said.

“We see other opportunities to connect with our cheer squad and community groups who will be utilised to make and present the banner on match days and also have input into the message on it.”

Pyke was joined by club legend Nic Naitanui at a fan day at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday, where he revealed the retired ruckman was instrumental in the change, even going as far as going into the Eagles boss’ office and asking him to bring it back.

Naitanui spoke out against ditching the banner after it was scrapped, stating in 2018 he was a “traditionalist” and always dreamed of running through it as a kid.

“I like some of the things in footy that make footy, footy,” he said at the time.

“I’m probably going to get into trouble for saying this, but I like the banner.”

Naitanui said on Saturday he was passionate about the club maintaining a strong community connection.

“When I first got to West Coast I think it brought the community back to the club,” he said.

“I would go into Subiaco and in the warm up room every second week there would be a crew of people spending a few hours making the banner … for me that was pretty big.

“Hopefully we can open up the shed again, bring people back in and get people making the banner.”

Fans overwhelmingly welcomed the announcement on social media on Saturday.

“Yes! That’s great and shows the club is listening to the fans and going all out to bring back the West Coast Eagles’ fabulous culture and our pride in our great club,” Marie Brigg wrote on the club’s Facebook page.

“It’s about time, love the players running through the banner especially on milestone games and watching the cheer squad walk past with such pride for their club,” Paul Astone wrote.

Blake Joshua wrote: “Another step in the right direction.”

“Finally they are listening to their members,” wrote Melissa Di Biase.

“That’s great, glad to hear they are listening to the fans,” said Tracey Snelling.

“That is the best news ever! Very happy to hear that the banner is back in 2024! Cannot wait to see what is going to happen this year!” said Max White.

The West Australian first reported in May hundreds of supporters were campaigning to bring the tradition back, with an exclusive poll even revealing 94 per cent of the public wanted it revived.

At the time, players such as Jeremy McGovern even revealed they wanted its return, with chairman Paul Fitzpatrick also stating he was in support of it.

Diehard fan Pam Hynson, who alongside her husband Les made the Eagles very first banner in round one of 1987, said at the time it should be reinstated.

The club’s social media page was also flooded with messages demanding its return, with a number labelling the inflatable tunnel a “bouncy castle.”