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1986 WAFL season

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1986 WAFL season
Teams8
PremiersTemplate:WAFL Sub
6th premiership
Minor premiersTemplate:WAFL Sub
7th minor premiership
Sandover MedallistMark Bairstow (Template:WAFL SF)
Bernie Naylor MedallistMick Rea (Template:WAFL Per)
Attendance
Matches played88
Total attendance731,709 (8,315 per match)
← 1985
1987 →

The 1986 WAFL season was the 102nd season of the various incarnations of the West Australian Football League. It was the last season before the introduction of the West Coast Eagles in the VFL which would relegate the WAFL to a second level league from 1987, and already all WAFL clubs were in severe financial difficulties[1] as attendances were stagnant at best since 1970 and the financial power of wealthy VFL clubs drew most top players away and left below-market transfer fees[2] as WAFL clubs’ inadequate main income source.

There was also controversy over an attempt to play the Round 7 match between West Perth and Claremont on Mother’s Day (11 May) which was vigorously opposed by young families and the game was played on the Saturday,[3] and the WAFL admitted mid-season that changes to its schedules with more matches in major rural centres and matches at night at the WACA[a] were needed to counter the competition’s dwindling appeal.[4] WAFL chairman Roy Annear initially proposed to play two games a season in large towns like Geraldton, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie,[4] although in modern times games in rural areas have been spread out to smaller centres at a lower frequency.

On the field, 1986 saw financially crippled Perth,[5] whose reserves had in 1985 made the Demons’ first finals appearance in any grade since 1978,[6][7] build upon this under Mal Brown to reach the preliminary final. The loss of players to the VFL, however, prevented Perth building upon this in subsequent seasons and they have remained almost continuously a cellar-dweller since. East Fremantle and Subiaco, clearly the best teams in 1985, were even more dominant in 1986, though there was an unexpected end when hot favourites East Fremantle were thrashed in the Grand Final. Claremont, disappointing in 1984 and 1985, were spectacular early in 1986 before injuries to key players and form lapses saw a catastrophic fall from second with seven straight defeats.[8]

Swan Districts, who had achieve a mini-dynasty from 1980 to 1984 with 88 wins from 118 matches, declined from third to their fourteenth wooden spoon, as injuries to key players and loss of form by veteran Kevin Taylor[9][10] could only rarely be covered. South Fremantle, possessing the severest financial problems in the WAFL, also suffered from clouds over Don Haddow’s coaching future[11] and disputes with the Fremantle Council over Fremantle Oval producing proposals the Bulldogs move to a multi-sport stadium in Cockburn.[12] The Bulldogs suffered their worst season since 1972 and held no opponent under 100 points until the closing round.

Clubs

Club Coach Captain Best and fairest Leading goalkicker
Template:WAFL Cla Graham Moss Steve Malaxos Darrell Panizza John Scott (72)
Template:WAFL EF Ron Alexander Brian Peake Paul Harding Colin Waterson (64)
Template:WAFL EP Greg Brehaut (sacked after Round 7)
Gerard McNeill		 Kevin Bryant (retired after Round 10)
Russell Sparks		 Craig Starcevich Phil Bradmore (40)
Template:WAFL Per Mal Brown Robert Wiley Robert Wiley Mick Rea (90)
Template:WAFL SF Don Haddow Mark Bairstow Mark Bairstow Craig Edwards (52)
Template:WAFL Sub Haydn Bunton, Jr. Neil Taylor Laurie Keene Stephen Sells (74)
Template:WAFL SD John Todd Don Langsford Peter Sartori Don Holmes (37)
Template:WAFL WP John Wynne Les Fong Dan Foley Dan Foley (46)

Home-and-away Season

Round 1 (Easter Weekend)

Round 1
Saturday, 29 March Template:WAFL Per 13.15 (93) drew with Template:WAFL WP 13.15 (93) Lathlain Park (crowd: 8121) [13]
Saturday, 29 March Template:WAFL EF 12.11 (83) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 18.9 (117) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 10118) [14]
Monday, 31 March Template:WAFL EP 22.12 (144) def. by Template:WAFL SD 21.20 (146) Perth Oval (crowd: 10405)
Monday, 31 March Template:WAFL Cla 33.18 (216) def. Template:WAFL SF 10.9 (69) Claremont Oval (crowd: 7855)
  • Swan Districts’ comeback from 52 points behind at half-time to win constitutes a WA(N)FL record and equals Collingwood’s 1970 record against St. Kilda.[15] Former East Fremantle rover Kevin Taylor leads Swans‘ comeback with 25 kicks, 13 marks and 5.4 (34).[16]
  • Claremont record their highest score and biggest win over South Fremantle,[17] as the Tigers’ brilliant centreline led by the returning Steve Malaxos completely decimates the Bulldogs.[18]

Round 2

Round 2
Saturday, 5 April Template:WAFL Sub 28.20 (188) def. Template:WAFL EP 11.7 (73) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8818) [19]
Saturday, 5 April Template:WAFL SD 17.12 (114) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 22.12 (144) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 9614)
Saturday, 5 April Template:WAFL WP 17.17 (119) def. by Template:WAFL EF 18.17 (125) Leederville Oval (crowd: 8824) [20]
Sunday, 6 April Template:WAFL Per 18.13 (121) def. Template:WAFL SF 15.19 (109) Rushton Park (crowd: 7147)
  • Eight goals from John Scott – who had played most of 1985 at full-back – gives Claremont a second strong victory to suggest the Tigers will rebound from a poor 1985.[21]
  • Subiaco, by scoring 12.4 (76) to 1.1 (7), achieve the largest margin at quarter-time in open-age WA(N)FL football, though it was beaten in the underage 1944 season.[22]
  • For the first time, the WAFL played a match at Rushton Park, Mandurah – from 1997 to become the home of ninth Westar Rules/WAFL club Template:WAFL PT.

Round 3

Round 3
Saturday, 12 April Template:WAFL SF 22.17 (149) def. Template:WAFL WP 20.10 (130) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 6827) [23]
Saturday, 12 April Template:WAFL Sub 26.21 (177) def. Template:WAFL Per 16.14 (110) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8430)
Saturday, 12 April Template:WAFL Cla 20.17 (137) def. by Template:WAFL EP 21.14 (140) Claremont Oval (crowd: 6021)
Saturday, 12 April Template:WAFL SD 14.16 (100) def. by Template:WAFL EF 26.16 (172) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 7807)
  • Despite eight goals from Rea and the loss of Phil Scott before the game and Neil Taylor after quarter-time, Subiaco’s ability to rove to the Demon rucks allows them a convincing victory.[24]
  • East Perth narrowly avoid a second fadeout defeat as they nearly fail to hold onto a 51-point lead during the middle of the second quarter, thanks to veteran Kevin Bryant’s steadiness.[25]

Round 4

Round 4
Saturday, 19 April Template:WAFL WP 20.16 (136) def. Template:WAFL SD 15.12 (102) Leederville Oval (crowd: 8203) [26]
Saturday, 19 April Template:WAFL Sub 26.13 (169) def. Template:WAFL SF 18.21 (129) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8571)
Saturday, 19 April Template:WAFL Per 20.8 (128) def. Template:WAFL Cla 14.12 (96) Lathlain Park (crowd: 6477) [27]
Saturday, 19 April Template:WAFL EP 20.13 (133) def. by Template:WAFL EF 24.5 (149) Perth Oval (crowd: 6988) [28]

After having won only 27 matches between 1980 and 1985, Perth claim a prized scalp as they exploit Claremont’s weakness at centre half-forward, whilst Craig Smith adds to his reputation as a WAFL “tagger” by shutting down Malaxos.[5]

Round 5 (Anzac Day)

Round 5
Friday, 25 April Template:WAFL WP 14.17 (101) def. by Template:WAFL EP 15.18 (108) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 17529)
Saturday, 26 April Template:WAFL Per 22.8 (140) def. Template:WAFL SD 21.13 (139) Lathlain Park (crowd: 7659)
Saturday, 26 April Template:WAFL Cla 18.17 (125) def. Template:WAFL Sub 9.15 (69) Claremont Oval (crowd: 9050)
Saturday, 26 April Template:WAFL EF 27.15 (177) def. Template:WAFL SF 16.21 (117) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 11005)
  • Despite losing their two top rovers, East Perth, with deputy rover Keith Wynne scoring 5.2 (32) and Starcevich controlling the ruck, hold the initiative for three quarters despite six goals from Dan Foley – four in a third quarter when West Perth looked like running away with the match.[29]
  • 9.2 (56) from Chris Stainowsky allows Perth to come back from 44 points behind to a thrilling victory, after Swan Districts played almost flawless football in the first half.[30]
  • Claremont’s gamble to play David O‘Connell at centre half-forward due to the suspension of Scott and concede a ruck advantage to Subiaco pays off as the fleet-footed Mitchell, Peter Davidson and Panizza run Subiaco off their feet on the ball and O‘Connell kicks five goals to end the Lions’ unbeaten record.[31]

Round 6

Round 6
Saturday, 3 May Template:WAFL WP 17.6 (108) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 25.20 (170) Leederville Oval (crowd: 8217)
Saturday, 3 May Template:WAFL SF 10.9 (69) def. by Template:WAFL SD 25.15 (165) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 6174) [11]
Saturday, 3 May Template:WAFL Per 18.17 (125) def. Template:WAFL EP 15.12 (102) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8215)
Saturday, 3 May Template:WAFL Cla 21.14 (140) def. Template:WAFL EF 12.11 (83) Claremont Oval (crowd: 8505)
  • Perth, kept in the match by unheralded wingmen Joe Sanostefano and Glen Moir, come back to run over the Royals as their forward trio of Rea, Ryder and Stasinowsky take change with seven last-quarter goals between them.[32]
  • Another brilliant display by Malaxos and Mitchell drives Claremont to an outstanding victory, showing their Subiaco victory as no fluke. At one point Mitchell, being treated by a trainer for a calf injury, runs off and makes a handball that produces a goal with the next kick.[33]

Round 7

Round 7
Saturday, 10 May Template:WAFL SD 16.10 (106) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 16.13 (109) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 7390)
Saturday, 10 May Template:WAFL EP 15.18 (108) def. by Template:WAFL SF 17.25 (127) Perth Oval (crowd: 4622) [34]
Saturday, 10 May Template:WAFL WP 20.11 (131) def. Template:WAFL Cla 19.14 (128) Leederville Oval (crowd: 5885)
Saturday, 10 May Template:WAFL EF 26.16 (172) def. Template:WAFL Per 12.9 (81) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 7112) [35]
  • Peter Sartori at centre half-forward leads a nine-goal last quarter that nearly produces a remarkable comeback before Warren Dean kicks the winner for Subiaco with thirty seconds remaining.[36]
  • In a last quarter that ran thirty-eight minutes, after veteran George Michalczyk is carried from the field on concussion West Perth produce an amazing comeback to steal the match with 7.4 (46) to 0.3 (3) as the Bewick brothers, Foley, Greg Evans, Peter Menaglio and John Gastev suddenly slip into action as Claremont stop to a walk.[37]

Round 8

Round 8
Saturday, 17 May Template:WAFL WP 19.11 (125) def. Template:WAFL Per 14.17 (101) Leederville Oval (crowd: 6993) [38]
Saturday, 17 May Template:WAFL SD 23.21 (159) def. Template:WAFL EP 12.12 (84) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 8081)
Saturday, 17 May Template:WAFL SF 9.12 (66) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 25.17 (167) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5920) [39]
Saturday, 17 May Template:WAFL Sub 21.11 (137) def. Template:WAFL EF 16.16 (112) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 11640) [40]
  • A second win for Subiaco over their 1985 conquerors is marred by the investigation of Shark rover David Bushell for pushing Subiaco trainer Barry Winzer. It was not reported by any umpire, but Winzer suffered major injuries to his cheek, left knee, chest and neck and Bushell was suspended for five matches on 28 May.[41]
  • The return from injury of veteran strongman Garry Sidebottom allows Swan Districts to form a combination reminiscent of their 1982/83/84 premiership days, as he and Holmes combine for fourteen goals, leaving Swans six points from fourth with a strong percentage.[42]

Round 9

Round 9
Saturday, 24 May Template:WAFL Per 23.15 (153) def. Template:WAFL SF 15.14 (104) Leederville Oval (crowd: 5928) [43]
Saturday, 24 May Template:WAFL EP 10.18 (78) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 23.15 (153) Perth Oval (crowd: 6158) [44]
Saturday, 24 May Template:WAFL Cla 16.32 (128) def. Template:WAFL SD 9.10 (64) Claremont Oval (crowd: 10298)
Saturday, 24 May Template:WAFL EF 21.20 (146) def. Template:WAFL WP 10.18 (78) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 7142) [45]

Claremont’s 32 behinds is the most in a match at Claremont Oval,[46] but it is the Tiger defence led by Guy McKenna, Larry Kickett and Geoff Miles that dominates – holding a powerful Swan attack to 2.5 (17) in the first half in perfect conditions.[10]

Round 10 (Foundation Day)

Round 10
Saturday, 31 May Template:WAFL SD 15.15 (105) def. by Template:WAFL Per 21.18 (144) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 10218) [47]
Saturday, 31 May Template:WAFL WP 22.18 (150) def. Template:WAFL EP 14.13 (97) Leederville Oval (crowd: 8127) [48]
Monday, 2 June Template:WAFL Sub 14.26 (110) def. Template:WAFL Cla 7.20 (62) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 21088)
Monday, 2 June Template:WAFL SF 8.10 (58) def. by Template:WAFL EF 23.14 (152) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 9275) [49]
  • Superb tagging of Malaxos and Mitchell permits the Lions to hold Claremont to ten behinds in the second half, as the return of Scott forces Tiger forward David O‘Connell away from centre half-forward.[50]
  • East Fremantle record its biggest open-age victory over its derby rivals,[b] surpassing a 90-point margin from 1934.[51]

Round 11

Round 11
Saturday, 7 June Template:WAFL WP 20.16 (136) def. Template:WAFL SD 19.13 (127) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8294)
Saturday, 7 June Template:WAFL SF 12.9 (81) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 25.14 (164) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 4320)
Saturday, 7 June Template:WAFL Cla 23.13 (151) def. Template:WAFL Per 14.16 (100) Claremont Oval (crowd: 7670)
Saturday, 7 June Template:WAFL EP 15.13 (103) def. by Template:WAFL EF 24.19 (163) Perth Oval (crowd: 4880) [52]
  • Without Rea and with the previously problematic Tiger attack back at its best, Perth suffer a convicing defeat despite being only seven points behind late in the second quarter.[53]
  • An unexpected move of Paul Mifka onto Sartori at half-time saves West Perth from a loss that would have looked embarrassing later, as he matches the big Swan’s mobility whilst Phil Bradmore dominates at the other end.[54]

Round 12

Round 12
Saturday, 14 June Template:WAFL WP 17.14 (116) def. Template:WAFL SF 16.14 (110) Leederville Oval (crowd: 4130)
Saturday, 14 June Template:WAFL Per 15.13 (103) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 19.12 (126) Lathlain Park (crowd: 4771) [55]
Saturday, 14 June Template:WAFL EP 11.13 (79) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 19.11 (125) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4295)
Saturday, 14 June Template:WAFL EF 21.15 (141) def. Template:WAFL SD 14.13 (97) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 4519) [56]

South Fremantle produce their best effort to date in 1986, with Edwards and Bairstow outstanding – but a third-quarter lapse allows the Falcons to win and enter the four for the first time in 1986.[57]

Round 13

Round 13
Saturday, 21 June Template:WAFL Sub 27.18 (180) def. Template:WAFL SD 12.8 (80) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8002) [58]
Saturday, 21 June Template:WAFL SF 15.16 (106) def. Template:WAFL EP 14.17 (101) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 4781) [59]
Saturday, 21 June Template:WAFL Cla 13.26 (104) def. by Template:WAFL WP 16.13 (109) Claremont Oval (crowd: 8807)
Saturday, 21 June Template:WAFL Per 19.10 (124) def. Template:WAFL EF 12.14 (86) Lathlain Park (crowd: 7218)
  • Perth end a sequence of nineteen consecutive scores over 100 by East Fremantle against them, the most such consecutive scores by one club against another.[60] The Demons’ feeling they could upset the depleted Sharks – without Brennan and Neesham as well as Bushell – is justified as the Sharks are never in the hunt apart from a third-quarter burst.[61]
  • West Perth again win a thriller over the Tigers – this time holding on after scoring 7.5 (47) 0.3 (3) in thirty minutes centres around three-quarter time.[62] Derek Kickett and Goulding both score 1.5 (11) for the inaccurate Tigers, who lose Steve Malaxos to a knee injury for the rest of the home-and-away season.

Round 14

Round 14
Saturday, 28 June Template:WAFL SD 16.20 (116) def. Template:WAFL SF 12.13 (85) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 3861) [63]
Saturday, 28 June Template:WAFL EP 17.14 (116) def. by Template:WAFL Per 20.14 (134) Perth Oval (crowd: 4212) [64]
Saturday, 28 June Template:WAFL EF 12.18 (90) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 16.18 (114) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 6414)
Sunday, 29 June Template:WAFL Sub 14.15 (99) def. Template:WAFL WP 7.11 (53) Kalgoorlie (crowd: 7139) [65]
  • Claremont’s ability to absorb East Fremantle’s physical pressure ensures it takes second position from the Sharks, whose play possesses courage but no planning or method.[66]
  • Superb displays by Brian Taylor, Laurie Keene and the Lions’ defence, plus five goals by Phil Scott, place Subiaco four wins clear at the top, and leave West Perth a game from fourth.
  • This was the first WAFL match in Kalgoorlie, and the attendance, given the showery weather during travel to the game by rail,[67] was hgiher than any previous figure for a football match in rural WA and produced a gate of $30,500 or $3,500 higher than the WAFL target.[68]

Round 15

Round 15
Saturday, 5 July Template:WAFL Per 20.18 (138) def. Template:WAFL WP 6.15 (51) Lathlain Park (crowd: 9031)
Saturday, 5 July Template:WAFL EP 17.20 (122) def. Template:WAFL SD 13.6 (84) Perth Oval (crowd: 4837) [69]
Saturday, 12 July Template:WAFL Cla 15.12 (102) def. Template:WAFL SF 12.17 (89) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 5630) [70]
Saturday, 12 July Template:WAFL EF 17.13 (115) def. Template:WAFL Sub 14.16 (100) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 10298)
  • Despite Perth coach Brown being charged with misconduct, the Demons crush West Perth in slippery conditions[71] to be temporarily second as Wiley – in the unfamiliar role of centreman – plus Barich and Santostefano take advantage of the Falcons’ lack of commitment.[72]
  • East Perth end a sequence of twenty games conceding over 100 points, which broke Perth’s previous record of nineteen in 1982 and 1983 and still stands.[73]
  • Subiaco’s run of eight wins ends on a violently windy afternoon as the Lions cannot goal against the wind until sixteen minutes into the final quarter, whilst Peake – after his State-of-Origin heroics at full-forward – and Waterson score eleven between them.[74]

State of Origin Match

Western Australia vs Victoria
Tuesday, 8 July (1:45 pm) Western Australia def. Victoria Subiaco Oval (crowd: 39863) [75]
4.4 (28)
9.5 (59)
15.10 (100)
21.11 (137) 		Q1
Q2
Q3
Final 		4.5 (29)
7.7 (49)
12.10 (82)
20.14 (134) 		Umpires: Johnson (WA), Castle (VIC)
Simpson Medal: Brad Hardie
Television broadcast: ABC1
Peake 7.2
Buckenara 5.2
MacNish 3.1
Rioli 2.1
Michael Mitchell 2.0
Baker, Wilson 1.1
Blackwell, Hardie 0.1 		Goals 5.4 Weightman
5.2 Royal
4.2 Taylor
3.1 Brereton
1.0 Alvin, Bews, Healy

This match has often been regarded as the greatest State of Origin match ever played.[76]

Round 16

Round 16
Saturday, 19 July Template:WAFL SF 23.15 (153) def. Template:WAFL Per 19.10 (124) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5202) [77]
Saturday, 19 July Template:WAFL Sub 13.22 (100) def. Template:WAFL EP 12.8 (80) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 6711) [78]
Saturday, 19 July Template:WAFL SD 17.9 (111) def. Template:WAFL Cla 16.11 (107) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 4995)
Saturday, 19 July Template:WAFL WP 9.13 (67) def. by Template:WAFL EF 15.17 (107) Leederville Oval (crowd: 6680)

Returns to form by Taylor and Kimberley allow Swans to grasp an exciting last-minute victory after having been fifteen points behind with ten minutes remaining in an always-close match.[79]

Round 17

Round 17
Saturday, 26 July Template:WAFL Per 20.16 (136) def. Template:WAFL SD 20.14 (134) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 6011)
Saturday, 26 July Template:WAFL EP 14.12 (96) def. Template:WAFL WP 11.6 (72) Perth Oval (crowd: 6111) [80]
Saturday, 26 July Template:WAFL Cla 13.10 (88) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 13.22 (100) Claremont Oval (crowd: 8504)
Saturday, 26 July Template:WAFL EF 29.21 (195) def. Template:WAFL SF 9.5 (59) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 8622) [81]
  • 33 kicks, sixteen handballs and four goals by Gerard Neesham was regarded as the finest individual performance of the season, and leads East Fremantle to a second record open-age win over South.[b] Darren Bennett, in his first match for 1986, kicks five goals.
  • Veteran Wiley, who had shown superb skills tackling and in attack, denies lowly Swan Districts a late victory in a brilliant match via an amazing low smother where he dived onto a boot, and then a similar tackle on a Swan defender to allow a crucial goal.[82]

Round 18

Round 18
Saturday, 2 August Template:WAFL WP 22.16 (148) def. Template:WAFL SD 15.15 (105) Leederville Oval (crowd: 4915) [83]
Saturday, 2 August Template:WAFL SF 17.13 (115) def. Template:WAFL Sub 15.15 (105) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 4559)
Saturday, 2 August Template:WAFL Per 22.20 (152) def. Template:WAFL Cla 16.11 (107) Lathlain Park (crowd: 7502) [84]
Saturday, 2 August Template:WAFL EP 17.11 (113) def. by Template:WAFL EF 21.16 (142) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 5435)

South Fremantle provide a huge upset to move off the bottom as the brilliant Bairstow and erratic Winmar (who had been in the reserves during June) plus a surprisingly solid defence hold the Lions out all afternoon.[85]

Round 19

Round 19
Saturday, 9 August Template:WAFL SF 24.18 (162) def. Template:WAFL WP 16.11 (107) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5872) [86]
Saturday, 9 August Template:WAFL Sub 11.18 (84) def. by Template:WAFL Per 21.10 (136) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 9802)
Saturday, 9 August Template:WAFL Cla 14.10 (94) def. by Template:WAFL EP 22.11 (143) Claremont Oval (crowd: 5190)
Saturday, 9 August Template:WAFL SD 13.16 (94) def. by Template:WAFL EF 26.15 (171) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 5444) [87]
  • Rea’s power and Ryder’s pure speed exploid deficiencies in Subiaco’s armour as the Lions do not run hard enough to compete without key defenders Wilkinson and Crutchfield.[88]
  • A 12.3 (75) third quarter – East Perth’s highest single-quarter score since 1974 – gives the Royals an easy win over a disappointing Claremont, for whom only 30-kick Daniel Panizza plays to potential.[89]

Round 20

Round 20
Saturday, 16 August Template:WAFL SD 12.14 (86) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 22.22 (154) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 5244)
Saturday, 16 August Template:WAFL EP 21.18 (144) def. Template:WAFL SF 13.8 (86) Perth Oval (crowd: 6850) [90]
Saturday, 16 August Template:WAFL WP 18.24 (132) def. Template:WAFL Cla 12.11 (83) Leederville Oval (crowd: 6922[91])
Saturday, 16 August Template:WAFL EF 24.16 (160) def. Template:WAFL Per 7.10 (52) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 9367)
  • A Perth team minus Rea and Watson fails completely to counter East Fremantle in Peake’s three hundredth senior match. It is half-forward Peter Wilson, however, who is the star with four goals and numerous electrifying bursts, whilst George Christie was superb in a back pocket.[92]
  • 34 kicks from Neil Taylor and seven goals each from Sells and Breman allows Subiaco to crush Swans, scoring 14.12 (96) to 1.5 (11) in the first half. Garry Sidebottom ends his career by being crushed by Clint Brown and leaving the field injured with Swan Districts still goalless twelve minutes into the second quarter.[93]
  • West Perth’s convincing win over Claremont is the Tigers’ fifth straight loss and leaves the former pacesetters in danger of losign their finals berth should the Falcons defeat Subiaco.
  • South Fremantle equal East Perth’s earlier-season record of conceding 100 points for twenty consecutive games; they would end the sequence in the last round.[73]
  • At the East Perth versus South Fremantle match the East Perth banner remained on the ground early in the match and produced confusion whereby John Worsfold kicked the ball through the East Perth goal and it was initially registered as a goal to the Royals, then to the Bulldogs – before the correct score of a behind to East Perth was added.[94]

Round 21

Round 21
Saturday, 23 August Template:WAFL Sub 27.17 (179) def. Template:WAFL WP 12.9 (81) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 9916)
Saturday, 23 August Template:WAFL SF 21.16 (142) def. Template:WAFL SD 12.12 (84) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5147) [95]
Saturday, 23 August Template:WAFL Per 16.15 (111) def. by Template:WAFL EP 21.21 (147) Lathlain Park (crowd: 6910)
Saturday, 23 August Template:WAFL Cla 13.11 (89) def. by Template:WAFL EF 27.14 (176) Claremont Oval (crowd: 5768)
  • With Breman, Sells and Dean combining for eighteen goals as Bunton keeps all three close to the goal square, along with an unstoppable centreline and a powerful half-forward line of Georgiades and Langdon, Subiaco deny West Perth’s dream of a finals berth in crushing style.[96]
  • A powerhouse display with Bennett scoring 11.6 (72) after missing more than a season with injury allows East Fremantle to crush an uncommitted Tiger outfit.[97]

Ladder

Template:WAFL Ladder/1986

Finals series

First Semi-Final

First Semi Final
Saturday, 30 August Template:WAFL Per 24.18 (162) def. Template:WAFL Cla 13.11 (89) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 21,037)

Despite the return of Mitchell and Malaxos, Claremont are uncompetitive against the Demons, who rebound from two bad losses to never lose control.[98]

Second Semi-Final

Second Semi Final
Saturday, 6 September Template:WAFL Sub 12.11 (83) def. by Template:WAFL EF 20.13 (133) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 25,535) [99]

East Fremantle’s Darren Bennett becomes the first player to kick ten or more goals in a WA(N)FL final,[100] and makes the Sharks red-hot favourites to equal Port Adelaide’s 27 flags in the major Australian Rules leagues.

Preliminary Final

Preliminary Final
Saturday, 13 September Template:WAFL Sub 26.12 (168) def. Template:WAFL Per 15.7 (97) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 23,503) [101]

Grand Final

Main article: 1986 WAFL Grand Final
1986 WAFL Grand Final
Saturday, 20 September Template:WAFL EF def. by Template:WAFL Sub Subiaco Oval (crowd: 38,389) [102]
1.2 (8)
3.7 (25)
6.9 (45)
8.13 (61) 		Q1
Q2
Q3
Final 		6.3 (39)
13.4 (82)
17.8 (110)
19.16 (130) 		Umpires: Kim O‘Driscoll, Mike Ball
Simpson Medal: Mark Zanotti (Template:WAFL Sub)
Bennett 2, Wilson 2, Waterson 2, Green, Mainwaring Goals Breman 4, Keene 3, Sells 3, Macnish 3, Dwayne Lamb 2, Dean, Carpenter, Brian Taylor, Neil Taylor
Harding, Neesham, Rowland, O‘Sullivan, Mainwaring, Wilson, Solin Best Zanotti, Dwayne Lamb, P. Lamb, Carpenter, Scott, Featherby, Macnish, Dargie
Peter Wilson by field umpire O‘Driscoll for striking Rod Willett in the third quarter Reports Stephen Sells by goal umpire Lester Cox for striking Scott Rowland in the second quarter

Subiaco crush a powerful East Fremantle side to complete a rags-to-riches story over three seasons under Haydn Bunton, Jr., going from one win in 1982[c] and four in 1983 to premiers.

Notes

a The WACA had not as of 1986 been used for any WA(N)FL match since Perth ceased playing its home games there at the end of the 1958 season.
b In Round 17 of 1944 East Fremantle beat a winless under-19 South Fremantle team by 201 points.
c Ironically, their one win during 1982 was against East Fremantle.

References

  1. ^ Hess, Rob and Stewart, Bob; More Than a Game: The Real Story of Australian Rules Football, p. 230 ISBN 0522847722
  2. ^ See Denham, Greg and Stocks, Gary; ‘New Draft Puts WAFL Clubs “on Death Row”’; The West Australian, 12 July 1988, pp. 100, 98
  3. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘WAFL Back off Sunday Plan’; The West Australian, 6 May 1986, p. 100
  4. ^ a b Marsh, David; ‘More Games in WA Towns’; The West Australian, 30 June 1986, p. 80
  5. ^ a b Christian, Geoff; ‘Perth on the Move’; The West Australian, 21 April 1986, p. 101
  6. ^ WAFL Reserves Ladder Positions (download)
  7. ^ WAFL Colts Ladder Positions (download)
  8. ^ Casey, Kevin (1995); The Tigers’ Tale: the origins and history of the Claremont Football Club, pp. 158-159. ISBN 0646264982
  9. ^ See Christian, Geoff; ‘Tunbridge Ready to Make League Debut’; The West Australian, 13 June 1986, p. 76
  10. ^ a b Marsh, David; ‘Tigers’ Defence Makes a Point’; The West Australian, 26 May 1986, p. 76
  11. ^ a b Marsh, David; ‘Toothless Bulldogs No Match for Swans’; The West Australian, 5 May 1986, p. 101
  12. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘South Consider Options: The Bulldogs Look to New Sports Center’; The West Australian, 10 May 1985, p. 210
  13. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Smith Gives Demons More Grit’; The West Australian, 31 March 1986, p. 68
  14. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘What a Difference a Year Makes for Lions’; The West Australian, 31 March 1986, p. 68
  15. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: Won from Half-Time Deficit
  16. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Taylor-Made Victory for Swan Districts’; The West Australian, 1 April 1986, p. 96
  17. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: South Fremantle v Each Opponent
  18. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Records Tumble as Claremont Crush South’; The West Australian, 1 April 1986, p. 96
  19. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Sad Royals Mauled’; The West Australian, 7 April 1986, p. 84
  20. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Sharks Can Thank Peake, Buhagiar’; The West Australian, 7 April 1986, p. 84
  21. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Great Scott: Tigers’ Ace is Back on Top’; The West Australian, 7 April 1986, p. 84
  22. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: Largest Margins at Quarter-time
  23. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Bulldogs Regain Their Bite’; The West Australian, 14 April 1986, p. 82
  24. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Subiaco Unperturbed by Injuries or Perth’; The West Australian, 14 April 1986, p. 83
  25. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Bryant the Driving force for Royals’; The West Australian, 14 April 1986, p. 83
  26. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘West Perth’s Wingmen Clip the Swans’; The West Australian, 21 April 1986, p. 100
  27. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Scruffy Looks but Tidy Manner’; The West Australian, 21 April 1986, p. 101
  28. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Sharks Survive a Torrid Battle’; The West Australian, 21 April 1986, p. 99
  29. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Starcevich Stars in Royals’ Win’; The West Australian, 26 April 1986, p. 192
  30. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Scorned Stainowsky Turns Hero’; The West Australian, 28 April 1986, p. 83
  31. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Master Moss Calls the Tune’; The West Australian, 28 April 1986, p. 83
  32. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Perth’s Year of Living Dangerously’; The West Australian, 5 May 1986, p. 101
  33. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Malaxos, Mitchell Magic: They Were too Much for East’; The West Australian, 5 May 1986, p. 101
  34. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Worsfold Zest Heartening for South’; The West Australian, 12 May 1986, p. 76
  35. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Perth Are No Match for Slick Sharks’; The West Australian, 12 May 1986, p. 77
  36. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Dean, Sartori Star in Drama’; The West Australian, 12 May 1986, p. 77
  37. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Michalczyk Dead, then Suddenly Falcons Work a Miracle’; The West Australian, 12 May 1986, p. 76
  38. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘When Bradmore Flies, Falcons Fly’; The West Australian, 19 May 1986, p. 85
  39. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Stylish Goulding Is too Much for South’; The West Australian, 19 May 1986, p. 85
  40. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Lions Handle the Pressure’; The West Australian, 19 May 1986, p. 84
  41. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Bushell Gets Five Weeks’; The West Australian, 29 May 1986, p. 108
  42. ^ Hagdom, Kim; ‘Big Garry’s Back in Football – and How’; The West Australian, 19 May 1986, p. 84
  43. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘The Writing on the Wall Told All’; The West Australian, 26 May 1986, p. 76
  44. ^ Thomson, Michael; ‘Lions End It in One Term’; The West Australian, 26 May 1986, p. 76
  45. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Peake Shines in a Dull Match’; The West Australian, 26 May 1986, p. 76
  46. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: Claremont Oval
  47. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘The Wheel Turns for Perth, Swans’; The West Australian, 2 June 1986, p. 76
  48. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Talented Midfielders Thrash Royals’; The West Australian, 2 June 1986, p. 76
  49. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘South Thrashed in Record Style’; The West Australian, 3 June 1986, p. 112
  50. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Subiaco Prove a Point’; The West Australian, 3 June 1986, p. 112
  51. ^ South Fremantle: Biggest Losses
  52. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Sharks too Skilful – Clash Stirs Royals’; The West Australian, 9 June 1986, p. 81
  53. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Malaxos, Davidson Seal Perth’s Fate’; The West Australian, 9 June 1986, p. 80
  54. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Defence Decisions Bring Rewards’; The West Australian, 9 June 1986, p. 81
  55. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘First Half Sizzle – Second Half Fizz’; The West Australian, 16 June 1986, p. 97
  56. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Sharks Deal an Early Blow’; The West Australian, 16 June 1986, p. 97
  57. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Virile South a Handful for Falcons’; The West Australian, 16 June 1986, p. 97
  58. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Slick Lions March On’; The West Australian, 23 June 1986, p. 101
  59. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Some Healthy Signs from Close Match’; The West Australian, 23 June 1986, p. 101
  60. ^ WAFL Footy Facts Team v Team: Consecutive 100+ Scores
  61. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Perth’s Confidence Was Not Misplaced’; The West Australian, 23 June 1986, p. 100
  62. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘A New Trick from the Falcons’ Bag’; The West Australian, 23 June 1986, p. 100
  63. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘The Credit Goes to Sartori’; The West Australian, 30 June 1986, p. 81
  64. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Early Risers Almost Catch Demons Napping’; The West Australian, 30 June 1986, p. 81
  65. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Subiaco Deal Falcons a Final-Four Blow’; The West Australian, 30 June 1986, p. 81
  66. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Tigers Survive Critical Challenge’; The West Australian, 30 June 1986, p. 81
  67. ^ See Kalgoorlie-Bouler Airport (012038) June 1986 rainfall
  68. ^ Marsh, David; ‘More Games for Country’; The West Australian, 1 July 1986, p. 79
  69. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Ruckmen Spark Overdue Win for East Perth’; The West Australian, 7 July 1986, p. 93
  70. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Face Is Familiar but...’; The West Australian, 14 July 1986, p. 81
  71. ^ Perth Regional Office (009034) July 1986 rainfall
  72. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Perth’s Regeneration Is Complete’; The West Australian, 7 July 1986, p. 93
  73. ^ a b WAFL Footy Facts: Consecutive Games Conceding Over 100 Points
  74. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Sharks Deal Lions Sharp Jolt’; The West Australian, 14 July 1986, p. 81
  75. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘What a Great Finish – WA Clinch Title in Thriller’; The West Australian, 9 July 1986,pp. 118, 126
  76. ^ Cave, Jason (17 March 2008). "The greatest State of Origin game ever, WA v Victoria '86". The Roar.
  77. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Ryan Discipline Makes Its Mark’; The West Australian, 21 July 1986, p. 81
  78. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Nothing to Smile About at Subiaco’; The West Australian, 21 July 1986, p. 81
  79. ^ Marsh, David; ‘The Re-Making of Swans’; The West Australian, 21 July 1986, p. 81
  80. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Falcons Fold to Lively Royals’; The West Australian, 28 July 1986, p. 79
  81. ^ Hagdom, Kim; ‘Neesham Runs His Rivals Ragged’; The West Australian, 28 July 1986, p. 79
  82. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Perth Profit From Wiley’s Thirst for Hard Work’; The West Australian, 28 July 1986, p. 80
  83. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Swans Fall to Speed and Precision’; The West Australian, 4 August 1986, p. 96
  84. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Tigers Pay for Watson Move’; The West Australian, 4 August 1986, p. 97
  85. ^ Thomson, Michael; ‘Subiaco Waited and Waited But...’; The West Australian, 4 August 1986, p. 96
  86. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Bulldogs Find a Formula for Success’; The West Australian, 11 August 1986, p. 84
  87. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Swans Revival Suffers a Setback’; The West Australian, 11 August 1986, p. 85
  88. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘A Story of Muscle and Pace: Rea and Ryder Humble Subiaco’; The West Australian, 11 August 1986, p. 85
  89. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Moss Has a Week to Find a Remedy’; The West Australian, 11 August 1986, p. 84
  90. ^ Stocks, Gary; ‘Big Glen Bartlett Takes Up the Challenge’; The West Australian, 18 August 1986, p. 104
  91. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Hooked on the West Perth Habit’; The West Australian, 18 August 1986, p. 104
  92. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Wilson Bruises Perth Ego’; The West Australian, 18 August 1986, p. 105
  93. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Taylor the Brains Behind the Battle’; The West Australian, 18 August 1986, p. 104
  94. ^ ‘Stab Pass off the Wrong Foot’; The West Australian, 18 August 1986, p. 104
  95. ^ Marsh, David; ‘Bairstow’s Personal Triumph’; The West Australian, 25 August 1986, p. 81
  96. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Lions Thrive on New Tactic in Attack’; The West Australian, 25 August 1986, p. 80
  97. ^ Casellas, Ken; ‘Sharks’ Trio Wipe ‘85 Blues’; The West Australian, 25 August 1986, p. 80
  98. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Devastating Demons Deliver Warning’; The West Australian, 1 September 1986, pp. 100, 97
  99. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Sharks Look too Hot’; The West Australian, 8 September 1985, pp. 80, 76
  100. ^ Atkinson, Graeme and Hanlon, Michael; 3AW Book of Footy Records: All the Great Players, Matches, Goals, Kicks, Brawls and Sensations from More Than 100 Years of Aussie Rules in Australia; p. 138. ISBN 1863210091
  101. ^ Christian, Geoff; ‘Subiaco Must Do a Bit of Thinking’; The West Australian, 15 September 1986, p. 100
  102. ^ ‘Lions Go from Penery to Opulence’; in The West Australian; 22 September 1986; pp. 75, 80
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