AFL

Pre-match drama as live eagle escapes at Optus Stadium

By AAP Newswire

Jun 1, 2024

West Coast players. — West Coast Eagles players run through their banner ahead of the game against St Kilda. -AAP Image

Animal handlers have been left scrambling after West Coast's live eagle mascot escaped and landed among the crowd during a pre-match flight.

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As part of West Coast's pre-match tradition, "Auzzie the Eagle'' did a flight lap of Optus Stadium before Saturday's AFL clash with St Kilda.

But after originally returning to his designated landing point in the middle of the oval, the eagle quickly escaped and set about flying to various parts of the 60,000-seat stadium.

The eagle landed among the crowd several times, spending a minute or two in each spot before flying off again.Â

Auzzie went for an extra long flight pre-game but we have found her! ðŸ˜… â€” West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) pic.twitter.com/6dpqYFUPwr June 1, 2024

The ground announcer warned fans not to approach the eagle, given it's "sharp talons".

The eagle was still flying around when the players from both sides came out on to the ground, with the accompanying fireworks sparking concerns among some fans that the animal could be spooked.

After more than 10 minutes of freedom, the eagle was finally caught after spending several minutes on a railing among the crowd.Â

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press