2015 AFL Grand Final: ‘Holy blessing’ for West Coast Eagles

The West Coast Eagles’ quest for AFL’s holy grail has received a divine boost before Saturday’s grand final.

The red and white flag of St George has been replaced by a blue and yellow eagle at the peak of St George’s Cathedral in Perth’s CBD.

The Very Reverend Canon Richard Pengelley said he was happy to do what he could to show his support for his favourite team.

“There’s a Western Australian team in the grand final, we’re the church in the heart of Perth, I think its very important that we show some patriotism,” Rev Pengelley told AAP.

“We pray for good outcomes for all sports people, but with a little sneaky one that we hope the West Coast Eagles will win this week, because we’re a little bit biased, even in our prayers.”

Originally a Collingwood supporter, Rev Pengelley ran a mentoring program through the University of Western Australia with the West Coast Eagles leadership group in 2010, which convinced him to support the team.

“I got to know Matt Priddis, Shannon Hurn and Josh Kennedy, who are really fine young men and watching them over the last few years with Adam Simpson, I think they’re really developing a healthy culture and playing good football,” he said.

“I’m an Eagles convert.”

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