Football: Community rallies for 'Proudie'

The community continues to rally around talented young Albany footballer Warrick Proudlove, who has been in an induced coma in a critical but stable condition in Royal Perth Hospital for almost three weeks after a serious car accident last month.

Picture by Laurie Benson: Tim Prouse, Matt Clothier, Gerard Cameron, Phil Gilbert, Greg Lloyd and Peter Watson with some of the items that will be up for auction on Saturday afternoon.

A major fundraiser is planned for Saturday at Centennial Oval to coincide with the grand final of the Foxtel Cup between Claremont and Williamstown.

Mr Proudlove plays reserves for Claremont after starting his football career with North Albany.

Proceeds will go towards Proudies Foundation, a trust set up by the Claremont Football Club and the Albany football community after the accident on July 15.

Claremont football manager Dean Horsington said the club planned to promote the foundation as much as possible at Saturday’s game. He said squad members who were not playing would rattle tins and coach Simon McPhee would promote the cause on the Foxtel broadcast.

In Albany, the White Star Hotel held a fundraiser for the Proudlove family last Thursday night, with 20 per cent of takings going towards the foundation.

Owner David Steytler said the event raised about $5000.

Bourbon Bar owner Malcom Pages has organised a fundraising night for Friday, August 19, with a signed West Coast Eagles jumper to be raffled and $5 from each Bundaberg product sold to go to the foundation. He also hopes to raise at least $5000.

Radio West breakfast presenter Dougie Terry is auctioning a live broadcast at an Albany business.

Foundation founder Andrew McGovern has contacted Channel 9’s Footy Show to get a plug on tonight’s show.

Great Southern Regional Football Development Commission chairman Peter Watson said he was impressed with the support from the Albany community and

the Proudlove family have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

The Proudies Foundation Foxtel Cup Grand Final Function starts at 12pm on Saturday at Centennial Hall.

There will be a live band, bar and food facilities, live coverage of the match and an auction of football memorabilia, including jumpers signed by the Eagles and Dockers as well as Ben Cousins, Chris Judd, Nic Naitanui, Adam Goodes and Aaron Sandilands.

Visit proudiesfoundation.com.au or call Andrew McGovern on 0417 904 153.

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