A true team player, Bailey Banfield is known for his positivity, resilience and encouragement of others. Drafted as a rookie at the end of 2017 from Claremont Football Club, Bailey made his AFL debut for the Fremantle Dockers in the opening round of the 2018 season.
Since then, he has built an impressive on-field record and is a much-admired role model to younger players and fans of the club.
Bailey has been actively involved with Starlight as a player ambassador since 2018 and we are thrilled to now welcome him as a national Starlight Ambassador.
“A big part of the Freo culture is giving back to our community so to be able further my involvement with Starlight as an Ambassador is such an exciting and rewarding opportunity for me,” he said.
Bailey has personally supported Starlight over many years generously giving his time to meet Starlight kids and families helping to put much-needed smile on kids’ faces.
He is also a passionate advocate for the annual Starlight Purple Haze game helping to raise vital funds for seriously ill children in Western Australia. “Starlight’s purpose is all about happiness, so anything I can do to help just by having fun with the kids and being a bit of a goose is pretty special. It’s incredible to see first-hand the impact Starlight has, so I love being able to contribute in any way I can.”
Bailey also jumped at the chance to get involved with our Livewire program at Perth Children’s Hospital supporting teens and young people. He says life as a professional athlete has taught him the importance of building resilience to help cope with challenging times.
“I’ve been doing some work with the Livewire team, connecting with teenagers. Hospital can be a stressful, lonely place for young people so to be able chat, play board games and help bring some light into some dark times is really fulfilling,” he said.
We are so thankful for Bailey’s enthusiasm and energy helping to bring happiness to children and young people and we extend a very warm welcome to team Starlight!
About: Bailey Banfield grew up in Broome, Western Australia before moving to Perth. He played for Claremont in the West Australian Football League and was part of Colts premiership sides in 2015 and 2016 and won the Claremont League Best and Fairest Award in 2017. He has played professionally in the AFL with the Dockers since 2018 and is also employed at the Fremantle Football Club as a Sustainability Officer. Bailey was welcomed as a Starlight Ambassador in 2024.