Tom Wildie
Tom Wildie is a general multi-platform reporter at ABC News in Perth. Tom has Bachelor of Arts from Curtin University in WA.
Latest by Tom Wildie
Dean Cox resists lure of West Coast coaching job, opts to stay in Sydney
By Tom Wildie
West Coast club legend Dean Cox rules himself out of the running for the Eagles vacant coaching role, opting instead to stay in Sydney with the Swans.
Former West Coast Eagle sues AFL for 'medical negligence' following concussion retirement
By Tom Wildie
Retired footballer Brad Sheppard is suing his former club, the West Coast Eagles, the AFL as well as two doctors over claims of 'medical negligence'.
This Perth Scorchers player is breaking down barriers stopping young Indigenous people playing cricket
By Tom Wildie
Cricket hasn't just provided Mikayla Hinkley with a sporting career, it's also allowed her to connect with her Indigenous heritage and become a role model for aspiring athletes.
Analysis
analysis:The men most likely: Who can propel the West Coast Eagles up the AFL ladder?
By Tom Wildie and Greig Johnston
The West Coast Eagles are searching for a new coach after reaching the inevitable decision to end Adam Simpson's 11-year tenure, and they face a much tougher call picking his successor.
Updated
Aussie cyclist Matt Richardson has a triple gold medal ambition ahead of the Paris Olympics
By Tom Wildie
Matthew Richardson is a former gymnast who had to give up the sport because of a devastating elbow injury, but he's now making serious waves in the velodrome and looking for Olympic gold.
Updated
West Coast coach downplays discontent from 'disgruntled' players after report of text messages
By Tom Wildie
Adam Simpson is adamant he still has the support of West Coast's players after some reportedly sent text messages saying they want him replaced — with the Eagles coach describing it as "not ideal but not uncommon".
Dockers skipper angling to wear purple arm protector on return from injury if 'boring' AFL will allow it
By Tom Wildie
Fremantle captain Alex Pearce will wear a protective plastic arm guard when he returns to action from a broken arm, possibly as early as next week against Hawthorn, but says whether it's in Dockers purple remains to be seen.
The accidental rower who's got his sights set on the Olympic Games
By Tom Wildie
Concussion brought an end to Riley Rees-Turner's promising footy career, but in a radical pivot the 23-year-old is now targeting the Los Angeles Olympics in rowing — a sport undergoing a huge change for the 2028 Games.
Analysis
analysis:Some have said the travel factor for WA sporting teams is overstated. This researcher says otherwise
Travel is a hot-button issue in the AFL this season, with both WA sides doing what they can to mitigate the burden. Now a researcher, embedded with Super Rugby side the Western Force, explains just how draining the flights can be.
WA has just recorded another huge surplus, but not everyone's happy with the state budget
By Gian De Poloni and Tom Wildie
WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti and Premier Roger Cook have unveiled their first budget, ahead of the 2025 state election. Look back at how it all played out.
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Financial insecurity in women's sport drives decision for Perth Glory captain to retire
By Tom Wildie
Perth Glory A-League Women's captain Natasha Rigby cites financial insecurity and instability as having played a large role in her decision to retire from the game aged just 31.
Death of former AFL player Harley Balic reportedly to be looked at in drug probe
By Tom Wildie
The death of 25-year-old Fremantle player Harley Balic will reportedly be looked at as part of a probe into the AFL's illicit drugs policy, with former coach Ross Lyon speaking emotionally about Balic as "a pretty special young man".
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A Tokyo disappointment left Kurtis Marschall doubting his future, but he's back and aiming to join an exclusive club
By Tom Wildie
It was the "lowest of lows" in pole vault, the moment Kurtis Marschall's career hit rock bottom. Three years after the Tokyo Olympics, the Australian wants redemption in Paris.
Updated
'You definitely need an understanding wife': How an international cricketer conquered ultramarathons
By Tom Wildie
As former South African international Johan Botha's cricketing career was winding down, he was bitten by the ultramarathon bug. Now he's targeting some of the world's longest runs.
Updated
Analysis
analysis:The Eagles and Dockers must improve this season. But the pass marks for their coaches are very different
By Tom Wildie and Sharrod Wellingham
West Coast claimed its second AFL wooden spoon last year, while Fremantle took a big backward step. Both WA clubs need to do better in 2024, but they still face contrasting hopes and expectations.
Axed from Super Rugby not so long ago, the Western Force have almost come full-circle
By Tom Wildie
As the 2024 Super Rugby season begins, the Western Force — a club that was unceremoniously dumped just a few short years ago — enter the new campaign looking to stamp their authority on the competition.
How stadiums are making Perth's biggest events more accessible for all
By Tom Wildie
Going to sporting events and live concerts are some of life’s great pleasures, but for people with sensory or accessibility issues, it can be daunting.
Updated
Perth's Alexandre Sarr is on the verge of basketball stardom. The NBA draft could make it official
By Tom Wildie
He's only 18 and still learning to drive on the streets of suburban Perth — but Alexandre Sarr has NBA talent scouts very excited indeed.
Updated
'It's something I really want': Bancroft says he's 'ready' to replace Warner as Test opener
By Tom Wildie
Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft says he'll be disappointed if his Sheffield Shield form is ignored when selectors name David Warner's replacement.
Western Force players tackle roadside weeds in preseason training with a difference
By Tom Wildie
Western Force coach Simon Cron believes his side is on the cusp of big things, and as part of the team's preseason training players spent five days clearing firebreaks for a community devastated by bushfires in 2021.
Updated
'I was nowhere': Jake Waterman opens up on overcoming chronic bowel condition to push for AFL selection again
By Tom Wildie
An inflammatory bowel disease left West Coast Eagle Jake Waterman wondering if he would ever "feel normal" again, let alone play footy. As he prepares for a comeback, he speaks to Tom Wildie about overcoming the doubt.
Updated
When Bryce Cotton was a boy his mum was told to start planning his funeral. Then he started playing basketball
By Tom Wildie
Bryce Cotton is arguably the best player to have ever graced the courts of the NBL, but were it not for a childhood illness he may never have picked up a basketball.
'My heart can't take it': Emotional Khawaja won't wear 'political' shoes, but will fight ICC ruling
By Garrett Mundy and Tom Wildie
Usman Khawaja says he will not wear shoes bearing the words "all lives are equal" during the Perth Test against Pakistan, but he says he will fight the ICC's ruling on the shoes.
Updated
'Right time to close this chapter': WA Cricket CEO resigns after 14 titles and tricky off-field times
By Tom Wildie
Long-serving and highly decorated WA Cricket chief executive Christina Matthews announces her resignation after 12 years in the role, saying she is "proud to be stepping aside with the game in excellent health".
'Fun, exciting, painful': Min Woo Lee's coach Ritchie Smith reflects on tutoring Australia's man of the moment
By Tom Wildie
Min Woo Lee has shot into the public eye following his brilliant win at the Australia PGA Championship a week ago, but he has never been the easiest player to train, according to his coach.
Updated