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Private Investigator Claire O'Donnell Announces Bid for WA Football Board

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 23:13 GMT by The West Australian

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Meet the Candidates: Private Investigator Claire O’Donnell Runs for WA Football Board

As the West Australian Football (WA Football) Board prepares for its upcoming election, a fresh face has emerged that promises a blend of investigative rigor, community passion and a long‑standing love of the game. Claire O’Donnell, a seasoned private investigator based in Perth, has announced her candidacy for the board, arguing that her unique skill set and grassroots experience will help address the sport’s most pressing governance challenges.

From the crime scene to the football field

Claire’s professional background may surprise first‑time readers. For the past two decades she has operated a private investigative firm that specialises in fraud, corporate misconduct and forensic data analysis. Her experience ranges from working with police on complex criminal cases to providing forensic support for civil litigation. “I’ve spent a lot of time looking under the surface,” she says. “I’ve learned to see patterns that aren’t obvious, to question the status quo and, most importantly, to hold people to high standards of integrity.”

That investigative lens, however, does not exclude a deep connection to football. Claire grew up in Perth’s east‑side suburbs and played junior football with the Swan River Junior Football Club. After graduating with a degree in criminology from the University of Western Australia, she returned to her community as a volunteer coach for the club’s under‑12 girls’ side. “I love coaching and I love the game, but I’ve also seen the gaps in governance and the lack of resources that can hinder the development of young talent,” she explains. “That’s why I’m running.”

Why a private investigator on the board?

O’Donnell is not the only candidate with a professional background outside the sport. Still, she believes that investigative expertise brings a fresh perspective to the board’s responsibilities, which include strategic planning, financial oversight, development of the game at all levels, and the enforcement of code‑of‑conduct policies.

Her stated priorities include:

1. Integrity & Accountability
   In an era where sporting organisations are under scrutiny for financial mismanagement and misconduct, Claire wants to implement transparent reporting mechanisms and robust compliance checks. “We’ll introduce a third‑party audit system and a whistle‑blowing hotline to ensure that all clubs, whether they’re senior or junior, adhere to the same high ethical standards,” she says.

2. Data‑Driven Decision Making
   Leveraging her forensic data skills, Claire proposes the creation of a digital dashboard that aggregates club performance, financial health, and developmental metrics. “If we can see real‑time data on player registrations, resource allocation and match outcomes, we’ll make smarter, evidence‑based decisions,” she notes.

3. Equity for Women’s and Youth Football
   Claire highlights the growing need to bridge the funding gap between men’s and women’s clubs. “We’ll push for equal media coverage, sponsorship deals, and access to state‑of‑the‑art training facilities for girls and youth teams,” she asserts. She also plans to collaborate with the Western Australia Women’s Football League to develop a unified pathway program that links grassroots, school, and senior levels.

4. Risk Management & Player Safety
   With a background in forensic safety assessments, Claire intends to review the league’s concussion protocols and match‑day medical preparedness. “Player safety must be quantified and monitored. I want to bring a proactive approach to mitigating risk on the field,” she emphasises.

5. Community Engagement
   Claire pledges to strengthen the relationship between the board and local clubs by establishing a quarterly town‑hall series. “We’ll hear directly from club presidents, coaches and parents to ensure their concerns shape board priorities,” she says.

How to support Claire’s campaign

Claire’s campaign is modest but focused. She has set up a dedicated website (claireodonnellfootball.com.au) where supporters can learn more about her platform, read her full résumé and register to vote. The website also features a section where clubs can sign up for the quarterly town‑hall meetings she intends to host. For those who wish to contact her directly, she offers a dedicated email address (info@claireodonnellfootball.com.au) and a LinkedIn profile that details her professional achievements.

The WA Football Board election will be conducted electronically on 27 March 2025, with ballots mailed to club representatives and submitted online via a secure portal. The board will convene in April to elect its members. According to WA Football’s constitution, any eligible resident of Western Australia who is a registered member of the governing body can vote, either in person or by proxy.

A broader context: the evolving governance of WA football

WA Football has recently undergone a series of reforms aimed at modernising its structure and improving its governance framework. In 2023, the organisation published a “Road to 2030” strategy, which emphasises talent development, financial sustainability, and increased participation among women and Indigenous communities. The strategy also calls for the adoption of best practices from other Australian football governing bodies, including enhanced oversight of club finances, transparent decision‑making processes, and stronger community ties.

Claire O’Donnell’s candidacy is a direct response to these reforms. Her investigative background dovetails with the board’s need for accountability, while her passion for grassroots football aligns with the strategic emphasis on inclusive growth. Her platform has already attracted early endorsements from several local clubs, including the Perth City Football Club and the Swan River Junior Football Club, both of which recognise the value of a board member who can “see beyond the scoreboard.”

Looking ahead

The upcoming election will be a defining moment for WA Football. With a growing player base, increasing media attention and heightened scrutiny of sports governance, the board’s composition will shape the direction of the game for years to come. Claire O’Donnell brings a distinct blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to the sport, positioning her as a strong contender for a role that demands integrity, innovation and community focus.

As the deadline approaches, supporters of transparent governance and grassroots development are encouraged to review Claire’s platform, attend her town‑hall meetings, and exercise their right to vote. Whether you are a club president, a parent, or a lifelong football fan, the decisions made by the WA Football Board will have a lasting impact on the future of the game in Western Australia. If you share Claire’s vision of a more accountable, data‑driven, and inclusive football community, consider casting your ballot for a private investigator with a passion for the sport.