If you are a West Coast Eagles fan, Next Cup Café at Mineral Resources Park is a little different to your average coffee stop. You are not just coming for a coffee and something to eat. You are sitting right in the middle of the Eagles’ training base, with the chance to watch players going through drills, kicking goals, heading in and out of the gym and, if you are lucky, stopping for a chat or selfie.
I visited on a sunny winter’s day and found a spot on the elevated balcony overlooking the main oval. It is a great vantage point, with players training below while the café goes about its usual business.
Around lunchtime, the players break for lunch in a private dining area next to the public café. Some wander out for coffee, and it was lovely to see how naturally they interacted with supporters. The young team members I saw were friendly, relaxed and very well practised at dealing with fans, but the nicest part was that they seemed to genuinely enjoy the interaction.
If meeting players is part of the appeal, Wednesday is generally the better day to visit as this is when the Eagles usually hold open training. Players are more readily available for autographs and there are more opportunities to say hello to your favourite player. I visited on a Tuesday, which is not officially an open training day, so any player encounters were more of a bonus.
The café itself is open to the public and serves wraps, sushi, toasties, pastries, coffee and tea. There is plenty of seating inside, as well as tables and chairs on the balcony overlooking the oval.
Part of what makes this location interesting is the history of the ground itself. Mineral Resources Park occupies the old home ground of the Perth Football Club, the mighty Demons. That gives the site a personal connection for me, as my own dad played for Perth in the late 1950s.
During the redevelopment, the old grandstand was retained, along with the wonderful old caricature of the demon kicking a football on the side of the building. I loved seeing that still there. With so much of Perth changing, it is nice to find a little piece of football heritage from days gone by preserved within such a modern facility.
Next to the café is a small museum-style display of Eagles memorabilia, including the club’s four premiership cups. One of the quirkier pieces is a bottle of dirt from the hallowed turf of the MCG!
There is also the Eagles SuperStore which is vast array or branded merchandise available. There is gear for men, women, babies, and even outfits for dogs! With stacks of novelty items too it is a handy place to look for gifts.
One area that many visitors may miss is behind the SuperStore. There are interactive displays along the walls, plus a viewing window looking down into the large gymnasium.
From there you can sometimes catch a glimpse of players doing weights and other conditioning exercises. It is also a reminder that what happens on game day is only a small part of the work these players put in!
Next Cup Café is worth visiting even if you are simply after a coffee somewhere a little different. If you are an Eagles supporter you are sure to get a kick out of it. Pun intended!
Next Cup Café
- Location: Mineral Resources Park, Lathlain
- Cuisine: Café food including wraps, sushi, toasties, pastries, coffee and tea
- Seating: Indoor seating and an elevated balcony overlooking the main oval
- Good to know: Wednesdays are generally the best day to visit if you want to experience open training and have more opportunities to see players up close. Training arrangements can change, so it is worth checking the Eagles’ schedule before making a special trip.
https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/
https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/club/mineral-resources-park
