Featured artwork: Marcus Beilby 

In 2020, Council commissioned Marcus Beilby to create a major new work. Beilby is a renowned local artist known for his meticulous photorealistic painting practice.

Beilby has lived in the Town of East Fremantle for many years. He works slowly, exhibits infrequently, and his paintings reward close inspection as well as distant viewing, revealing extraordinary detail alongside strong compositional form.

A video about Beilby's process can be viewed on Youtube. 

Last game of the East Fremantle Football Club at the East Fremantle Oval, 2021

The commissioned painting, Last game of the East Fremantle Football Club at the East Fremantle Oval, 2021, documents a poignant moment just prior to the redevelopment of East Fremantle Oval/East Fremantle Community Park.

The artwork captures the energy and atmosphere of the game.

Locals move across the grassed areas while children, squinting into the sunlight, watch the action unfold. The work took two years to complete, reflecting Beilby’s commitment to detail and accuracy.

Beilby intended the painting to serve as a visual time capsule, preserving the cultural and emotional significance of the ground for future generations. He has described the commission as one he regards with fondness, nostalgia and pride.

In 2026, the artwork was loaned to Holmes à Court Gallery, where it was presented as the seminal piece in Beilby’s solo exhibition The Real and The Remembered.

Artwork scale and installation 

The scale of the artwork was determined by the need to document as much detail as possible of Western Australia’s oldest established football arena.

Originally, the painting was intended to hang in a prominent public position at East Fremantle Community Park within Carnaby’s Café, Bar and Restaurant but the viewing distance can be tight.

Due to additional concerns regarding the long-term safekeeping of a high-profile artwork in a busy public venue, with the blessing of the artist it was decided that the original painting would be housed within the Council Chambers.

A high-quality printed canvas reproduction has been installed at Carnaby’s Café, allowing the public to engage with the work on site. A children’s I Spy observation and colouring in activity is available to engage the public whilst enjoying a treat.

Unveiling 

The print on canvas artwork was officially unveiled on Monday 4 May 2026, in an event attended by Beilby, East Fremantle Elected Members, residents and football identities. Public Art Panel Chair, Councillor Jenny Harrington, spoke on the occasion, reflecting on the glory days of Shark Park and its enduring importance to the community.

Statistics of the last game were

East Fremantle: 4.1 9.2 15.3 20.3 (123)

West Perth: 2.9 5.14 7.22 9.23 (77)

East Fremantle goals: 

• Dixon 5
• Monaghan 3
• Boekhorst, Marsh
• Lester-Smith
• O’Reilly 2
• Kommer, Jansen, English, Holmes
• Best – Baskerville, Dixon, Tassone, Boekhorst, Eardley, Marsh, O’Reilly, English.
  

West Perth goals:

• Black
• Knott
• Keitel 2
• Shane Nelson
• Peirce
• Delaporte
• Best – Shane Nelson, Black, Potente, Hobley, Murray, Guadagnin.

Learn more 

Download a children's I Spy observation and colouring in activity.

More information about the last game can be found via the WAFootball website.