1981 WAFL season
The 1981 WAFL season was the 97th season of the West Australian Football League in its various incarnations. The season opened on 11 April and concluded on 3 October with the 1981 WAFL Grand Final between Claremont and South Fremantle. It was the last WAFL season to begin in April and end in October; from 1982 the league shifted the schedule of the season forward by a week and in later years by another.
The 1981 WAFL season is famous because of its prodigious scoring, chiefly by premiers Claremont, who lead by spearhead Warren Ralph and brothers Jimmy and Phil Krakouer (in their last season before moving to North Melbourne where they would help move this attacking style of football to the code’s highest level) broke numerous scoring records for a match and a season. During 1981, the 1979 record score by Swan Districts was broken twice, with the last round record by South Fremantle still remaining as the highest score in senior WAFL history. The average score of 123 points per team per game is the highest in WAFL history and as much as ten points higher than the VFL/AFL maximum during 1982, whilst tailender Perth set the unenviable record of conceding 157 points per match,[1] allowing under 100 only on a very wet day against East Perth.
Home-and-away Season
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
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Round 7 |
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| Saturday, 23 May |
Perth 22.16 (148) |
def. |
Subiaco 17.12 (114) |
Lathlain Park (crowd: 5018) |
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| Saturday, 23 May |
Claremont 24.12 (156) |
def. |
Swan Districts 16.14 (110) |
Claremont Oval (crowd: 16154) |
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| Saturday, 23 May |
East Perth 24.12 (156) |
def. |
East Fremantle 17.10 (112) |
Perth Oval (crowd: 9808) |
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| Sunday, 24 May |
West Perth 17.14 (116) |
def. by |
South Fremantle 18.18 (126) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 11180) |
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- Perth put on 12.6 (78) to 1.2 (8) in 29 minutes around half-time to defeat Subiaco for the fourteenth straight meeting after the Lions led by 22 points with the wind. Alan Johnson dominates in the centre and Subiaco’s weakness in key forward positions is too great a handicap.[11]
- The WAFL’s first Sunday match since 1976, despite a first wet football day,[12] proves a great success, with Stephen Michael’s superb ruckwork winning a tight game for the Bulldogs.[13]
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Round 8
Round 9
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Round 9 |
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| Saturday, 6 June |
West Perth 5.10 (40) |
def. by |
Swan Districts 18.17 (125) |
Leederville Oval (crowd: 7534) |
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| Saturday, 6 June |
Perth 10.14 (74) |
def. by |
East Perth 13.8 (86) |
Lathlain Park (crowd: 4038) |
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| Saturday, 6 June |
South Fremantle 16.19 (115) |
def. |
Claremont 13.17 (95) |
Fremantle Oval (crowd: 9920) |
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| Saturday, 6 June |
Subiaco 14.13 (97) |
def. |
East Fremantle 14.5 (89) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4122) |
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- The absence of Les Fong and Cory Bewick from the forward line allows Swans defender Craig Holden to dominate West Perth’s attack. Backed up by a magnificent effort in atrocious conditions upfield (led by Neesham and Blackaby) Swans hold West Perth to the lowest score of the season.[15]
- Maurice Rioli’s wet-weather skill and a better-suited forward line for the wet conditions – with Hardie and Monteath kicking four goals each – allows South Fremantle to come from ten points down early in the last quarter to a twenty-point win.[16]
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Round 10
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Round 10 |
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| Saturday, 13 June |
Subiaco 15.7 (97) |
def. by |
Swan Districts 14.18 (102) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8236) |
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| Saturday, 13 June |
South Fremantle 22.15 (147) |
def. |
East Perth 11.11 (77) |
Fremantle Oval (crowd: 11908) |
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| Saturday, 13 June |
Perth 10.14 (74) |
def. by |
Claremont 23.18 (156) |
Lathlain Park (crowd: 5563) |
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| Saturday, 13 June |
West Perth 37.17 (239) |
def. |
East Fremantle 9.7 (61) |
Leederville Oval (crowd: 7716) |
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- Gary Buckenara kicks six magnificent goals but a poor second quarter denies Subiaco an upset despite scoring the first six goals of the match.[17]
- After a wet-weather debacle the previous week, West Perth’s attack led by former Footscray full-forward Phil Bradmore, achieves a club record score[18] and winning margin[19] (equalled and broken in 1987).
- At one point, West Perth kicked 16.6 (102) without East Fremantle scoring.[20]
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Round 11
Round 12
Round 13
Round 14
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Round 14 |
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| Saturday, 18 July |
West Perth 23.8 (146) |
def. |
South Fremantle 19.19 (133) |
Leederville Oval (crowd: 8205) |
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| Saturday, 18 July |
Subiaco 22.17 (149) |
def. |
Perth 14.8 (92) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4289) |
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| Saturday, 18 July |
Swan Districts 16.16 (112) |
def. by |
Claremont 17.12 (114) |
Bassendean Oval (crowd: 14019) |
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| Saturday, 18 July |
East Fremantle 9.17 (71) |
def. by |
East Perth 12.11 (83) |
East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 4211) |
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- In another superb pressure match, Claremont claim top position by kicking 3.1 (19) to 2.5 (17) against the win after scores were level early in the final quarter.[26]
- A brilliant 10 goals without a miss in the last quarter in “unsettled” weather gives West Perth a superb triumph and allows them to hold fourth place.[27]
- In a lacklustre game in changeable weather, East Perth come from behind to stay in the battle for fourth position and tailender East Fremantle are luck a $2000 bet was turned down.[28]
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Round 15
Round 16
Round 17
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Round 17 |
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| Saturday, 8 August |
Swan Districts 30.17 (197) |
def. |
Subiaco 10.14 (74) |
Bassendean Oval (crowd: 9237) |
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| Saturday, 8 August |
East Perth 20.11 (131) |
def. |
South Fremantle 16.22 (118) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 11022) |
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| Saturday, 8 August |
Claremont 39.20 (254) |
def. |
Perth 12.9 (81) |
Claremont Oval (crowd: 5820) |
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| Saturday, 8 August |
East Fremantle 21.17 (143) |
def. |
West Perth 16.11 (107) |
East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5175) |
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- East Perth’s Grant Campbell gives a classic display to lead his team to a 40-point lead at quarter-time before Bulldog ruckman Michael is equally brilliant in a belated charge.[31]
- Swan Districts kick 26.13 (169) to 7.7 (49) after quarter-time as the refusal of Subiaco’s Neil Taylor to man Phil Narkle allows the latter and his brother to create havoc as Subiaco coach Ken Armstrong makes the mistake of using Douge in the centre.[32]
- Claremont kick their highest score,[33] and the highest in the WAFL to that point, to thrash the Demons who kick only 3.5 (23) after half-time.
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Round 18
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Round 18 |
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| Saturday, 15 August |
Subiaco 25.13 (163) |
def. |
West Perth 9.15 (69) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4858) |
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| Saturday, 15 August |
Perth 18.13 (121) |
def. |
South Fremantle 15.13 (103) |
Lathlain Park (crowd: 4897) |
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| Saturday, 15 August |
Claremont 23.24 (162) |
def. |
East Perth 8.13 (61) |
Claremont Oval (crowd: 10172) |
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| Saturday, 15 August |
Swan Districts 24.24 (168) |
def. |
East Fremantle 8.15 (63) |
Bassendean Oval (crowd: 6123) |
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- The brilliance of the Krakouer brothers slightly weakens East Perth’s hold on fourth position as the Royals score only 3.12 (30) to 20.18 (138) after quarter-time despite Ralph kicking only a single goal.[34]
- Without champion Buckenara and arguable “rookie of the year” Ray Reeves, Subiaco settle West Perth’s fate for 1981 as they seize the game at the start with Bill Valli returning with great effect.[35]
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Round 19
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Round 19 |
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| Saturday, 22 August |
South Fremantle 21.22 (148) |
def. |
Swan Districts 16.17 (113) |
Fremantle Oval (crowd: 12142) |
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| Saturday, 22 August |
East Perth 19.14 (128) |
def. |
Subiaco 16.7 (103) |
Perth Oval (crowd: 10220) |
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| Saturday, 22 August |
West Perth 12.9 (81) |
def. by |
Claremont 35.15 (225) |
Leederville Oval (crowd: 7145) |
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| Saturday, 22 August |
East Fremantle 20.19 (139) |
def. |
Perth 17.18 (120) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 3218) |
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- Four opening goals in as many minutes stuns Swans, who suffer their sixth loss in eight matches against South since the start of 1980. Ruckman Michael and half-back Simon Outhwaite dominate for the Bulldogs.[36]
- With their win, East Fremantle makes sure Perth would finish bottom of the WA(N)FL ladder for the first time since 1935.
- East Perth seal the four with a skilful burst after the seventeen-minute mark of the last quarter, in the process showing the lack of class and anticipation in Subiaco’s key forwards.[37]
- Claremont became the only WAFL team to win three consecutive games by over 100 points.[38]
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Round 20
Round 21
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Round 21 |
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| Saturday, 5 September |
South Fremantle 40.18 (258) |
def. |
West Perth 12.6 (78) |
Fremantle Oval (crowd: 6157) |
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| Saturday, 5 September |
Perth 18.16 (124) |
def. by |
Subiaco 26.15 (171) |
Lathlain Park (crowd: 4984) |
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| Saturday, 5 September |
Claremont 22.16 (148) |
def. |
Swan Districts 20.13 (133) |
Claremont Oval (crowd: 18106) |
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| Saturday, 5 September |
East Perth 17.15 (117) |
def. |
East Fremantle 12.10 (82) |
Perth Oval (crowd: 5660) |
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- South Fremantle set a still-standing record for the highest score in the WAFL, beating Claremont’s record from Round 17. The Bulldogs become the first team to lead by 100 points at half-time in open-age WA(N)FL football.[40]
- Despite the early loss of Phil Krakouer and a 35-point deficit midway through the third quarter, Claremont overcome a strong Swan Districts defence for a twelfth stright victory in front of a record Claremont Oval crowd via brilliant running and handball.[41]
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Ladder
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| | TEAM | P | W | L | D | PF | PA | % | PTS |
| 1 | Claremont | 21 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 3352 | 2128 | 157.52 | 76 |
| 2 | Swan Districts | 21 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 3036 | 2019 | 150.37 | 64 |
| 3 | South Fremantle | 21 | 13 | 8 | 0 | 2942 | 2400 | 122.58 | 52 |
| 4 | East Perth | 21 | 11 | 10 | 0 | 2425 | 2523 | 96.12 | 44 |
| 5 | Subiaco | 21 | 9 | 12 | 0 | 2413 | 2582 | 93.45 | 36 |
| 6 | West Perth | 21 | 8 | 13 | 0 | 2298 | 2973 | 77.30 | 32 |
| 7 | East Fremantle | 21 | 5 | 16 | 0 | 2156 | 2837 | 76.00 | 20 |
| 8 | Perth | 21 | 3 | 18 | 0 | 2151 | 3311 | 64.97 | 12 |
| Key: P = Played, W = Won, L = Lost, D = Drawn, PF = Points For, PA = Points Against |
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Finals series
First Semi Final
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First Semi Final |
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| Saturday, 12 September |
South Fremantle 19.14 (128) |
def. |
East Perth 13.10 (88) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 32,860) |
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Despite a heavy knock, Bruce Monteath kicks 6.2 (38) of 6.4 (40) to avoid a potential upset by the Royals. He had no recollection of equalling the WA(N)FL record of nine goals in a final.[42] |
Second Semi-Final
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Second Semi Final |
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| Saturday, 19 September |
Claremont 14.24 (108) |
def. |
Swan Districts 12.9 (81) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 33,478) |
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A wayward Claremont win with surprising ease owing to Swan Districts’ roving weakness in windy conditions combined with the overlooked power of Claremont’s defence.[43] |
Preliminary Final
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Preliminary Final |
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| Sunday, 27 September |
Swan Districts 15.15 (105) |
def. by |
South Fremantle 28.10 (178) |
Subiaco Oval (crowd: 33,940) |
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South Fremantle gain the opportunity to defend their 1980 premiership with a brilliant twenty-goal second half after being sixteen points behind late in the second quarter. Rover Noel Carter rivals his last-round eleven-goal display and Monteath is again superb – this time at centre half-forward.[44] |
Grand Final
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1981 WAFL Grand Final |
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| Saturday, 3 October |
Claremont |
def. |
South Fremantle |
Subiaco Oval (Crowd: 50,517) |
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4.5 (29)
7.7 (49)
11.13 (79)
16.15 (111) |
Q1
Q2
Q3
Final |
1.3 (9)
7.15 (57)
10.20 (80)
12.24 (96) |
Simpson Medal: Gary Shaw (Claremont)
Maurice Rioli (South Fremantle)
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| Malaxos 5, Blackwell 3, Ralph 3, Daniels, Jimmy Krakouer, Panizza, Shaw, Watson |
Goals |
Monteath 4, Carter 3, McKay, Hardie, Rioli, Randall, Vasoli |
| Moss, Phil Krakouer, Shaw, Pearce, Morton, Blackwell, Malaxos, Harper |
Best |
Rioli, Barrett, Monteath, Carter, Vasoli, Michael |
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References
- ↑ WAFL Footy Facts: High Average Against
- ↑ Casellas, Ken; ‘Claremont Plan Thwarts South’; The West Australian, 13 April 1981, p, 80
- ↑ Sheterline, John; ‘Valli Sparks Revival’; The West Australian, 13 April 1981, p, 81
- ↑ Young, Doug; ‘Swans Dump Perth by 162 Points’; The West Australian, 21 April 1981, pp. 111-112
- ↑ Swan Districts: Most Scoring Shots
- ↑ Perth: Biggest Losses
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘Subiaco Finish All Over Claremont’; The West Australian, 21 April 1981, pp. 111-112
- ↑ Casellas, Ken; ‘Roving Sewell Foils Defence’; The West Australian, 27 April 1981, p. 68
- ↑ Sheterline, John; ‘Doug Simms Stands Out in Attack’; The West Australian, 4 May 1981, p. 100
- ↑ Sheterline, John; ‘East Perth Gamble Backfires’; The West Australian, 18 May 1981, p. 69
- ↑ Casellas, Ken; ‘Perth Maintains Their Hoodoo’; The West Australian, 25 May 1981, p. 65
- ↑ Perth Regional Office (009034) May 1981 rainfall
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘Michael Again the Master as South Win By 10 Points’; The West Australian, 25 May 1981, p. 72
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘West Perth Stage Superb Fightback’; The West Australian; 2 June 1981, pp. 95, 100
- ↑ Casellas, Ken; ‘Holden Excels as Attacking Backman’; The West Australian, 8 June 1981, p. 81
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘South overcome Invading Troops’; The West Australian; 8 June 1981, p. 80
- ↑ Sheterline, John; ‘Buckenara at His Best’; The West Australian, 15 June 1981, p. 72
- ↑ Australian Football: West Perth Highest Scores
- ↑ Australian Football: West Perth Biggest Wins
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘Adamson and Menaglio Shine’; The West Australian, 15 June 1981, p. 73
- ↑ Casellas, Ken; ‘Monteath Move Pays Dividends’; The West Australian, 29 June 1981, p. 71
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘Left-Foot Side Kick Sinks Subiaco’; The West Australian, 29 June 1981, p. 70
- ↑ Young, Doug; ‘Subiaco Are on the Move’; The West Australian, 6 July 1981, p. 84
- ↑ Banks, Ron; ‘West Perth Get an Armchair Ride’; The West Australian, 13 June 1981, p. 97
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘Plenty Hangs on Big Clash at Bassendean’; The West Australian, 13 July 1981, pp. 96, 104
- ↑ Christian Geoff; ‘Claremont Show True Grit’; The West Australian, 20 July 1981, p. 68
- ↑ Young, Doug; ‘West Perth Were All Smiles at the Finish’; The West Australian, 20 July 1981, p. 69
- ↑ Sheterline, John; ‘East F‘tle Lucky Not to Lose $2000’; The West Australian, 20 July 1981, p. 69
- ↑ Young, Doug; ‘West Perth Rot Sets in Early’; The West Australian, 27 July 1981, p. 55
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘East Perth Centreline Sets Up Chances’; The West Australian, 3 August 1981, p. 64
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘Campbell, Michael Turn It on for Fans’; The West Australian, 10 August 1981, p. 77
- ↑ Sheterline, John; ‘Blackaby shows His True Worth’; The West Australian, 10 August 1981, p. 77
- ↑ Claremont: Highest Scores
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘Krakouers Ignite the Flame’; The West Australian, 17 August 1981, p. 89
- ↑ Young, Doug; ‘Subiaco Are Not a Spent Force’; The West Australian, 17 August 1981, p. 88
- ↑ Young, Doug; ‘South’s Slick Start Stuns Swans’; The West Australian, 24 August 1981, p. 73
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘East Perth’s Skill Tells in the Crisis’; The West Australian, 24 August 1981, p. 73
- ↑ WAFL Footy Facts: Streaks
- ↑ Young, Doug; ‘Claremont Forced to Struggle’; The West Australian, 31 August 1981, p. 108
- ↑ WAFL Footy Facts: Largest Margins at Half-Time
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘Claremont Show Great Character’; The West Australian, 7 September 1981, p. 97
- ↑ Sheterline, John; ‘Monteath’s Goals Were Only a Blur’; The West Australian, 14 September 1981, p. 70
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘24 Carat Gold (and Blue): Too Many Guns in Claremont Arsenal’; The West Australian, 21 September 1981; pp. 75, 80
- ↑ Christian, Geoff; ‘South Are on Target – Now for Claremont in the Grand Final’; The West Australian, 28 September 1981, pp. 76, 80
External links
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