- Cook Government to formalise John Todd’s legacy at Optus Stadium
- Coaches’ Room to be renamed in honour of legendary player and coach
- Follows Cook Government offer to the Todd family for a State Memorial Service
The Cook Government will formally honour the legacy of sporting titan John Todd by renaming a premium function space at Optus Stadium after the legendary football figure.
The John Todd Coaches’ Room is a fitting dedication for the Aussie Rules figure, who was the first Western Australian to coach 700 senior games, including two years as the senior coach of the West Coast Eagles.
The highly decorated and admired football icon passed away on Tuesday, 4 June at the age of 86, after a celebrated career as both player and coach.
John Todd’s contributions to the sporting world in WA are unparalleled, spanning decades of service and leadership. Recognised as one of the most influential figures in our State’s football history, John Todd’s impact resonates across WA.
In 2003, he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
The John Todd Coaches’ Room is a premium function space positioned between the two coaches boxes on Level 3. It will serve as a space for fostering connections and celebrating achievements, symbolic of the values he instilled in the players and teams that he coached.
John Todd’s family have previously accepted the Cook Government’s offer to hold a State Memorial Service. Details concerning the service will be confirmed at a later date.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“The immortalisation of John Todd at a venue that is synonymous with football in WA and across Australia is very meaningful.
“John Todd was one of the most influential figures in WA football and that is why I can’t think of a more fitting person to be honoured in this way.
“Along with the millions of patrons who come to Optus Stadium during the year, tens of thousands who also take part in the back of house tour will walk through this space and see the name John Todd on the wall for years to come.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“John Todd was a well-respected member of the football community and a football icon who has already been inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame and WA Hall of Fame.
“I am very pleased that Optus Stadium will honour his legacy in this special way.”