From Player to President: Andrew Pearce’s Cobras Legacy

In community footy, the scoreboard rarely tells the whole story. The actual engine room of a club runs off passion, sweat, and volunteers. Last weekend, the Perth Footy Live team was lucky enough to be hosted by the Cockburn Cobras and Club President Andrew Pearce.

Pearce has been a key part of the club for nearly 20 years, but for the last 10, he has been leading the charge.

This earned him the well-deserved title of 2024 Perth Football League Administrator of the Year.

For Pearce, the Cobras are more than just a club, they’re home.

“It all stems back to 2007 when I came down as a 19-year-old. The good times, the people, it all just locked me in,” Pearce reflects.

What started as casual involvement quickly evolved into something more permanent. From helping out around the club to gradually stepping into leadership roles, Pearce’s journey is a textbook example of how community clubs rely on everyday legends.

“You slowly get into the volunteering role and then all of a sudden, it becomes almost routine,” he says. “It’s just what you do.”

But his “routine” isn’t small. From managing logistics, supporting coaches, wrangling players, liaising with the league, and running game days, Pearce is the club’s pulse. And despite all he’s done, he’s still the first to deflect the credit.

“Bailey of our vice president. He’s been around for a couple of years now. Thommo, he’s been around longer than me, I think 25 plus years. He’s our major sponsor as well, Classic Hire, which keeps us going, which is fantastic. Rohan as well played his 400th game a couple of years ago, just a stalwart of the club and was also president prior me and always continued to help out.”

Pearce knows what it’s like to pull on the jumper, too. Before becoming President, he played for years and found himself transitioning off the field when others stepped back.

“There was a bit of a gap at the top when I finished playing. No one really putting their hand up… so I thought, why not? That was 10 years ago.”

A decade on, he’s still going strong and still just as committed to making the club thrive for future generations.

While he jokes about things like misplaced gravy trays in the recycling bin and players leaving their gear behind, Pearce is serious about the importance of sharing the load.

“We’re always looking for volunteers. Especially for the women’s team, we still need a team manager. There’s so much happening and every extra hand helps.”

And make no mistake, the women’s program is a serious point of pride for him. Since its debut in 2022, the team has gone from strength to strength.

“They won a flag in their first year. Played finals every year since. Now we’re seeing the juniors come through, it’s a full pathway now, and it’s only getting stronger.”

Pearce’s leadership isn’t just about footy, it’s about creating a place where people want to be. Whether it’s supporting young players, encouraging women’s footy, or fostering long-standing relationships with volunteers and sponsors, he’s built a culture that feels like family.

“The fun we had back in the day, that’s what hooked me in. And that’s what I want the next generation to feel, whether you’re playing, coaching, or just grabbing a beer at the bar.”

Then there’s Will Power, who’s worn every hat imaginable, from Colts player to club registrar to current secretary and reserves captain.

“It’s a big honor. I’ve played here for seven years, started in Colts. I started volunteering straight after that, registrar for four years, now secretary.”

Together, the whole club is helping to shape a culture built on connection, contribution, and shared pride in the jumper.

“Thursday night dinners, better than KFC. Everyone’s there, the girls, the guys, the committee. That’s real club culture.”

What Pearce, along with fellow club leaders like Power, shows us is simple: grassroots footy runs on people. From the Thursday night committee meetings to the game-day clean-ups, these volunteers are the reason clubs like Cockburn thrive.

So next time you cheer from the sidelines or sink a cold one in the clubroom, remember: someone like Andrew Pearce was there hours before you arrived, and will be there hours after you leave.

Jack Penniment.