Overview

• Barham said he informed the board on Monday and will step down from the board entirely in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
• The club confirmed Welsh, a former Bombers player and current vice-president, will assume the presidency effective immediately.
• The move follows reports of internal unrest, including talk of a major board challenge, while Barham framed his exit as a decision made in the club’s best interests.
• Player uncertainty continues, with free agent Sam Draper leaving, PerthNow reporting Jordan Ridley wants out to reunite with Draper at Brisbane, and captain Zach Merrett expressing a desire to depart despite being contracted through 2027.
• PerthNow reports an allegation that Barham abused an elderly club champion, a claim not corroborated in the other coverage provided.