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1946 WANFL season

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1946 WAFL season
Teams8
PremiersTemplate:WAFL EF
21st premiership
Minor premiersTemplate:WAFL EF
26th minor premiership
Sandover MedallistJohn Loughridge (Template:WAFL WP)
Bernie Naylor MedallistBernie Naylor (Template:WAFL SF)
Matches played80
← 1945
1947 →

The 1946 WANFL season was the 62nd season of senior football in Perth, Western Australia.

With the background of the Pacific War almost entirely removed,[a] the WANFL entered a period of exceptional growth that was to last until the middle 1960s.[1] Attendances reached levels never seen in the pre-war WANFL, highlighted by two record crowds between grand finalists East Fremantle and West Perth. The league also restored the seconds competition – disbanded in 1941 – as a “colts” competition for players under 25.

1946 is most famous for Old Easts’ feat of a perfect season,[b] winning all twenty-one of its matches to finish the season with a winning streak of thirty-one consecutive games, easily the longest in the history of the competition. There was a controversy in the third-last round when East Fremantle played Subiaco and, owing to injuries, played colts wingman H. Townsend in the league team, although regulations did not permit a colts player to start in the league team on the same day.[2] but was dismissed on a technicality. Old Easts’ perfect season was only slightly marred by losing to third-placed VFL club Collingwood at Subiaco on October 15.[3]

1946 also saw Perth, in the doldrums since the end of World War I, begin its rise to power with the return of Merv McIntosh. The Redlegs stood third with two games remaining but lost a decisive match to Subiaco, who played open-age finals for the first time in a decade, in spite of being very weak in attack and the failure of their protest against Townsend. Swan Districts, a finalist in 1945, fell to second-last and began its bleakest period on record: until Haydn Bunton, Jr. joined the club in 1961 Swans were never to win more than seven games in a season and did not finish above any rival except Subiaco or Claremont. The Swans did, however, win their first title of any kind in the lower grade. Despite the return of Bernie Naylor, who went far beyond his 1941 promise with 131 goals, South Fremantle fell to fourth owing to injuries and business commitments – one of which caused their coach to resign while their form was at its best.

Perth and West Perth toured Sydney and Melbourne respectively during the first three weeks of August,[4] and played each other four times during the home-and-away season.

Home-and-away season

Round 1

Round 1
Saturday, 27 April (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 7.8 (50) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 11.15 (81) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2065) [5]
Saturday, 27 April (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 11.13 (79) def. by Template:WAFL WP 19.13 (127) WACA (crowd: 3120) [6]
Saturday, 27 April (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 8.12 (60) def. by Template:WAFL SF 25.12 (162) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 2533) [7]
Saturday, 27 April (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 17.13 (115) def. Template:WAFL EP 14.15 (99) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 3641) [8]

Bernie Naylor, playing for the first time since 1941 after returning from Darwin, kicks nine goals as South Fremantle, after their phenomenal recovery in 1945, crush Claremont.

Round 2

Round 2
Saturday, 4 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 14.14 (98) def. by Template:WAFL WP 15.13 (103) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 4549) [9]
Saturday, 4 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 8.9 (57) def. by Template:WAFL SD 10.6 (66) Perth Oval (crowd: 3354) [10]
Saturday, 4 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 21.18 (144) def. Template:WAFL Cla 15.7 (97) WACA (crowd: 1403) [11]
Saturday, 4 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 9.9 (63) def. by Template:WAFL EF 11.18 (84) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4033) [12]

Round 3

Round 3
Saturday, 11 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 12.25 (97) def. Template:WAFL SD 11.8 (74) Leederville Oval [14]
Saturday, 11 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 9.6 (60) def. by Template:WAFL SF 19.12 (126) Perth Oval (crowd: 4208) [15]
Saturday, 11 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 10.15 (75) def. by Template:WAFL Per 12.8 (80) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 2802) [16]
Saturday, 11 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 13.23 (101) def. Template:WAFL Cla 10.8 (68) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 2604) [17]

Claremont, who had not won since Round 8 of 1945, surprised by leading an inaccurate East Fremantle for three quarters before the exhausted Tigers collapse.

Round 4

Round 4
Saturday, 18 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 17.16 (118) def. Template:WAFL SD 10.7 (67) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 4419) [18]
Saturday, 18 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 12.7 (79) drew with Template:WAFL WP 11.13 (79) Perth Oval (crowd: 4996) [19]
Saturday, 18 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 7.10 (52) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 12.25 (97) Subiaco Oval [20]
Saturday, 18 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 7.12 (54) def. by Template:WAFL EF 13.21 (99) WACA (crowd: 2912) [21]

Round 5

Round 5
Saturday, 25 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 20.11 (131) def. Template:WAFL Sub 8.4 (52) Leederville Oval (crowd: 4625) [22]
Saturday, 25 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 6.5 (41) def. by Template:WAFL Per 13.10 (88) Bassendean Oval [23]
Saturday, 25 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 10.9 (69) def. by Template:WAFL EP 11.13 (79) Subiaco Oval [24]
Saturday, 25 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 14.16 (100) def. Template:WAFL SF 8.13 (61) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 10123) [25]

In front of the biggest recorded home-and-away attendance in WANFL history to that point[26] – though soon to be broken[27] – East Fremantle confirm that they will be even more potent than in 1945 with a superb display against their port rivals.

Round 6 (Foundation Day)

Round 6
Saturday, 1 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 13.10 (88) def. Template:WAFL SF 6.12 (48) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 3988) [28]
Saturday, 1 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 21.15 (141) def. Template:WAFL Per 14.8 (92) Perth Oval (crowd: 5084) [29]
Saturday, 1 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 10.18 (78) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 14.18 (102) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1746) [30]
Monday, 3 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 15.9 (99) def. Template:WAFL WP 10.15 (75) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 16494) [31]
  • Following the removal of government bans on weekday sport,[32] the WANFL plays on Foundation Day for the first time since 1941.
  • A record WANFL home-and-away attendance[27] sees East Fremantle prove its strength in a most “deliberate” manner as it overcomes a nine-point half-time deficit for another convincing win.
  • Claremont end their longest losing streak until 1958 and still their second-longest on record[33] with a strong third-quarter burst.
Round 7
Saturday, 8 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 9.11 (65) def. Template:WAFL SF 7.16 (58) WACA (crowd: 3213) [34]
Saturday, 8 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 21.18 (144) def. Template:WAFL Cla 16.8 (104) Leederville Oval (crowd: 3337) [35]
Saturday, 8 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 23.21 (159) def. Template:WAFL SD 9.14 (68) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1052) [36]
Monday, 10 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 9.12 (66) def. by Template:WAFL EP 17.12 (114) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 10121) [37]

The resignation of coach Neil Lewington for business reasons[38] seems to disturb South Fremantle as Perth outscore them into the wind in the final quarter.

Round 8

Round 8
Saturday, 15 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 11.9 (75) def. Template:WAFL SD 9.6 (60) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1779) [39]
Saturday, 15 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 9.16 (70) def. by Template:WAFL Per 15.13 (103) Leederville Oval (crowd: 3186) [40]
Saturday, 15 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 17.13 (115) def. Template:WAFL Cla 13.13 (91) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 3458) [41]
Saturday, 15 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 11.9 (75) def. by Template:WAFL EF 15.15 (105) Perth Oval (crowd: 8609) [42]

A number of spectators hooted at field umpire Ryan after East Fremantle win its eighteenth consecutive WANFL victory, and in the crush a woman was knocked hard and collapsed, having to be driven by ambulance to Perth Hospital.[43]

Round 9

Round 9
Saturday, 22 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 13.16 (94) def. Template:WAFL SF 14.2 (86) Leederville Oval (crowd: 6002) [44]
Saturday, 22 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 12.8 (80) def. by Template:WAFL EP 15.10 (100) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1955) [45]
Saturday, 22 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 12.5 (77) def. by Template:WAFL Per 12.15 (87) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 2570) [46]
Saturday, 22 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 16.17 (113) def. Template:WAFL Sub 7.9 (51) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 2944) [47]

West Perth kick 8.5 (53) to one goal in the first quarter but stop to a walk afterwards and feel relieved as the siren sounds. South Fremantle’s score remains their most accurate in senior WA(N)FL football.[48]

Round 10

Round 10
Saturday, 29 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 18.11 (119) drew with Template:WAFL WP 17.17 (119) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2014) [49]
Saturday, 29 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 15.14 (104) def. Template:WAFL EP 13.15 (93) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5590) [50]
Saturday, 29 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 5.10 (40) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 6.14 (50) WACA (crowd: 3834) [51]
Saturday, 29 June (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 10.9 (69) def. by Template:WAFL EF 27.14 (176) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 2253) [52]

Swans’ surprising tie with West Perth is the highest-scoring draw in WA(N)FL history and the last senior WANFL draw until the penultimate round of 1957.[53][c]

Round 11

Round 11
Saturday, 6 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 18.14 (122) def. Template:WAFL SD 12.15 (87) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 3001) [54]
Saturday, 6 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 13.10 (88) def. Template:WAFL EP 7.10 (52) Leederville Oval (crowd: 5902) [55]
Saturday, 6 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 8.9 (57) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 10.17 (77) Subiaco Oval [56]
Saturday, 6 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 8.6 (54) def. by Template:WAFL EF 11.17 (83) WACA (crowd: 1652) [57]

During one of Perth’s wettest months on record,[58] East Fremantle show their usual brilliant teamwork on a waterlogged surface to push Perth to fifth.

Round 12

Round 12
Saturday, 13 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 6.26 (62) def. Template:WAFL WP 7.7 (49) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 3399) [59]
Saturday, 13 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 6.11 (47) def. Template:WAFL SD 3.5 (23) WACA (crowd: 1372) [60]
Saturday, 13 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 17.17 (119) def. Template:WAFL Cla 4.7 (31) Perth Oval [61]
Saturday, 13 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 17.16 (118) def. Template:WAFL SF 10.9 (69) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5564) [62]

The rainiest spell in the recorded climatic history of Perth[63][64] produces extremely heavy grounds which results in:

  1. Swan Districts kicking their lowest score until 1964 and still third-lowest on record and equal lowest against Perth.[65]
  2. The aggregate score of just 9.16 (70) remains the lowest for any Swan Districts game.[66]
  3. Subiaco record the biggest win by a team scoring fewer goals in WA(N)FL history as they defend magnificently into the breeze against their powerful opponents during the final quarter.

Round 13

Round 13
Saturday, 20 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 15.7 (97) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 15.16 (106) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 3433) [67]
Saturday, 20 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 8.8 (56) def. by Template:WAFL EP 8.12 (60) WACA (crowd: 2498) [68]
Saturday, 20 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 13.17 (95) def. Template:WAFL SD 8.17 (65) Leederville Oval (crowd: 823) [69]
Saturday, 20 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 15.15 (105) def. Template:WAFL WP 8.13 (61) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4809) [70]

Despite the return of “Scranno” Jenkins after a serious knee injury, South Fremantle fall to sixth as Fred Williams seals a close match after a bad kick-in.

Round 14

Round 14
Saturday, 27 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 14.18 (102) def. Template:WAFL Per 11.14 (80) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 3946) [71]
Saturday, 27 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 7.14 (56) def. Template:WAFL Sub 5.8 (38) Perth Oval (crowd: 7211) [72]
Saturday, 27 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 8.8 (56) def. by Template:WAFL WP 12.12 (84) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 2337) [73]
Saturday, 27 July (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 10.13 (73) def. by Template:WAFL EF 15.14 (104) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1269) [74]

Round 15

Round 15
Monday, 6 May (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 11.6 (72) def. by Template:WAFL WP 18.20 (128) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 3091) [75]
Saturday, 3 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 9.8 (62) def. Template:WAFL Sub 6.14 (50) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1677) [76]
Saturday, 3 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 9.9 (63) def. by Template:WAFL SF 21.11 (137) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 2509) [77]
Saturday, 3 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 25.19 (169) def. Template:WAFL EP 9.8 (62) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5285) [78]

In very wet and slippery conditions,[79] Old Easts produce what was regarded as the best display of their twenty-five straight victories with brilliant handball and backing up, resulting in East Perth losing its place in the four to South Fremantle with a tough draw to come.

Round 16

Round 16
Saturday, 10 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 7.12 (54) def. Template:WAFL EP 7.8 (50) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 5065) [80]
Saturday, 10 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 13.12 (90) def. Template:WAFL Cla 10.13 (73) Bassendean Oval [81]
Saturday, 10 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 12.16 (88) def. by Template:WAFL EF 16.14 (110) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 6500) [82]
Wednesday, 28 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 20.11 (131) def. Template:WAFL WP 10.15 (75) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 3800) [83]
  • Bernie Naylor kicks his hundredth goal as South, despite inaccurate kicking, manage to compete with the unbeaten blue and whites despite never being in the match after conceding eight goals into the wind in heavy rain.[79]
  • Subiaco consolidate their place in the four as captain Fred Williams produces a brilliant goal in difficult conditions for Neil Althorpe in the last minute.
  • Ron Tucker kicks eleven goals in a match played on a Wednesday afternoon due to the Redleg and Cardinal tours earlier in August,[4] and Perth move to third with two matches remaining.

Round 17

Round 17
Saturday, 24 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 19.26 (140) def. Template:WAFL SF 16.6 (102) Leederville Oval (crowd: 7376) [84]
Saturday, 24 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 12.8 (80) def. by Template:WAFL SD 15.17 (107) Perth Oval (crowd: 3112) [85]
Saturday, 24 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Per 16.19 (115) def. Template:WAFL Cla 9.19 (73) WACA (crowd: 1382) [86]
Saturday, 24 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 10.19 (79) def. Template:WAFL Sub 7.14 (56) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 2739) [87]

Despite a protest against H. Townsend, who owing to Old Easts’ bad run with injuries started the league game after playing for the colts,[2] East Fremantle – if below their best – kick 5.5 (35) to 1.2 (8) in the final quarter for their twenty-seventh straight victory, during which apart from the initial game no opponent had got closer than sixteen points.

Round 18

Round 18
Saturday, 31 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 12.16 (88) def. Template:WAFL SD 4.4 (28) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2692) [88]
Saturday, 31 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 12.11 (83) def. Template:WAFL EP 6.11 (47) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 3267) [89]
Saturday, 31 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 7.5 (47) def. Template:WAFL Per 5.9 (39) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 5627) [90]
Saturday, 31 August (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Cla 8.16 (64) def. by Template:WAFL EF 11.9 (75) WACA (crowd: 669) [91]
  • Subiaco seal their first senior finals berth since 1936 with a fine comeback in very windy and chilly conditions after scoring only 1.3 (9) until half-time
  • Despite Johnny Compton kicking 4.10 (34), Claremont extend Old Easts all game but cannot capitalise often enough to break their winning streak.

Round 19

Round 19
Saturday, 7 September (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SD 11.16 (82) def. by Template:WAFL SF 14.19 (103) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2883) [92]
Saturday, 7 September (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EP 10.6 (66) def. by Template:WAFL WP 19.22 (136) Perth Oval (crowd: 2883) [93]
Saturday, 7 September (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL Sub 6.19 (55) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 10.8 (68) Subiaco Oval [94]
Saturday, 7 September (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 20.19 (139) def. Template:WAFL Per 15.9 (99) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 3732) [95]
  • Perth fail in the virtually impossible task of beating East Fremantle to stay in the four, as Old Easts recover the form they showed before the interstate match to never be seriously challenged.
  • South Fremantle, despite Naylor kicking six behinds from nine shots, get over a persistent Swan Districts to take the Redlegs’ place.

Ladder

1946 Ladder
Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA PP Pts
1 Template:WAFL EF (P) 19 19 0 0 2133 1309 162.9 76
2 Template:WAFL WP 19 12 5 2 1888 1567 120.5 52
3 Template:WAFL SF 19 10 9 0 1879 1654 113.6 40
4 Template:WAFL Sub 19 10 9 0 1243 1329 93.5 40
5 Template:WAFL Per 19 9 10 0 1525 1565 97.4 36
6 Template:WAFL EP 19 7 11 1 1489 1664 89.5 30
7 Template:WAFL SD 19 4 14 1 1320 1758 75.1 18
8 Template:WAFL Cla 19 3 16 0 1369 2000 68.5 12
Source: WAFL Footy Facts
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for.
(P) Premiers

Finals

First Semi Final

First Semi Final
Saturday, 14 September (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL SF 14.13 (97) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 16.4 (100) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 12,514) [96]

An unexpected move of skipper Fred Williams to full-forward results in an upset win for the Maroons, who kick a surprising 9.0 (54) with the wind in the first quarter and hold off the red and whites in the last.

Second Semi Final

Second Semi Final
Saturday, 21 September (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL EF 9.21 (75) def. Template:WAFL WP 10.11 (71) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 17,369) [97]

East Fremantle maintain their perfect record with a goal soccered by Green with twenty seconds remaining after a hectic finish that had seen Old Easts kick 1.13 (19) since half-time.

Preliminary Final

Preliminary Final
Saturday, 28 September (2:45 pm) Template:WAFL WP 12.14 (86) def. Template:WAFL Sub 5.7 (37) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 15,426) [98]

In a disappointing spectacle after the thrilling semi-finals, Subiaco’s lack of teamwork means it never has a chance.

Grand Final

1946 WANFL Grand Final
Saturday, 5 October
(2:45 pm)
Template:WAFL EF def. Template:WAFL WP Subiaco Oval (crowd: 21,000) [99]
1.4 (10)
6.7 (43)
7.12 (54)
11.13 (79)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Final
4.2 (26)
6.5 (41)
7.8 (50)
10.13 (73)
Umpires: F.V. Ryan
Simpson Medal: John Loughridge (Template:WAFL WP)
Prince 4, French 3, McDonald 3, Green Goals Pola 4, Schofield 2, Kingsbury 2, Hutchinson, Larcombe
Alan Ebbs, Jack Clark, Doig, Gabrielson, F. Clarke, McDonald, Jeffreys Best Loughridge (best on ground), Pola, Kingsbury, Harman, Clamp, Fleming
Ken Ebbs (ankle) Injuries

In a brilliant match, East Fremantle’s steadiness in a crisis during the final quarter gives it a record undefeated season as West Perth fail to get the equalising goal at the finish.[100]

Collingwood Tour Match

East Fremantle v Collingwood
Tuesday, 15 October
(2:45 pm)
Template:WAFL EF 9.10 (64) def. by Collingwood 11.16 (82) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 16,100) [3]

Despite not being happy with the rule interpretations of local umpire Ryan, Collingwood manage to keep ahead of the unbeaten WANFL premiers all game – yet are still impressed by the quality of Old Easts’ play.

Notes

a A few significant players such as Ray Scott, Fred Buttsworth and Tim Barker remained in the forces until 1947, whilst some others such as Ray Schofield returned while the season was ongoing.
b No other senior WANFL team (until 2018 when Subiaco did it) had ever achieved even a perfect home-and-away season, though East Perth in the under-age competition of 1944 equalled the feat of East Fremantle in 1946. Since 1901, the only other clubs with one loss in a season have been Claremont in 1987 and Subiaco in 2008.
c The intervening 948-game gap constitutes the longest non-occurrence of draws in any major Australian Rules competition.

References

  1. ^ See Barker, Anthony J.; Behind the Play: A History of Football in Western Australia, pp. 87-131, 163. ISBN 0975242709
  2. ^ a b ‘Subiaco Protests’; The Daily News, 26 August 1946, p. 2
  3. ^ a b ‘Collingwood Wins – Early Lead Held: Perfect Handball Displayed’; The West Australian, 16 October 1946, p. 5
  4. ^ a b “Follower” (anonymous author); ‘League Football – East Perth Now Fourth’; The West Australian, 29 July 1946, p. 4
  5. ^ ‘A Strong Finish: Subiaco Improves’; The West Australian, 29 April 1946, p. 4
  6. ^ ‘Teamwork Tells: West Perth Superior’; The West Australian, 29 April 1946, p. 4
  7. ^ ‘A Balanced Side: South Fremantle’s Efficiency’; The West Australian, 29 April 1946, p. 4
  8. ^ ‘Pace and System – Heady Play by East Fremantle’; The West Australian, 29 April 1946, p. 4
  9. ^ ‘A Great Recovery: West Perth Brilliant’; The West Australian, 6 May 1946, p. 4
  10. ^ ‘Creditable Form: Swan Districts Improves’; The West Australian, 6 May 1946, p. 4
  11. ^ ‘A Strong Rally: Perth Beats Claremont’; The West Australian, 6 May 1946, p. 4
  12. ^ ‘Subiaco Defeated: E. Fremantle Forwards Alert’; The West Australian, 6 May 1946, p. 4
  13. ^ “Follower” (anonymous author); ‘Football Surprises – West Perth Win at Fremantle’; The West Australian, 6 May 1946, p. 4
  14. ^ ‘A 23-point Win: West Perth Kicks Poorly’; The West Australian, 13 May 1946, p. 4
  15. ^ ‘An Easy Victory: South Fremantle Strong’; The West Australian, 13 May 1946, p. 4
  16. ^ ‘A Keen Game – Perth Beats Subiaco’; The West Australian, 13 May 1946, p. 4
  17. ^ ‘Strong Rucking – East Fremantle Hard-Pressed’; The West Australian, 13 May 1946, p. 4
  18. ^ ‘Second Half Win: S. Fremantle in Form’; The West Australian, 20 May 1946, p. 5
  19. ^ ‘Honours Even: An Exciting Finish’; The West Australian, 20 May 1946, p. 5
  20. ^ ‘Claremoent Fails: Subiaco’s Superiority’; The West Australian, 20 May 1946, p. 5
  21. ^ ‘Still Unbeaten: E. Fremantle Fast’; The West Australian, 20 May 1946, p. 5
  22. ^ ‘A Runaway Win: West Perth Too Strong’; The West Australian, 27 May 1946, p. 5
  23. ^ ‘Perth’s Victory: Seven Goals to Tucker’; The West Australian, 27 May 1946, p. 5
  24. ^ ‘An Even Tussle – East Perth Steady’; The West Australian, 27 May 1946, p. 5
  25. ^ ‘Good Teamwork: East Fremantle’s Success’; The West Australian, 27 May 1946, p. 5
  26. ^ ‘League Football: East Fremantle Impresses – Record Crowd’; The West Australian, 27 May 1946, p. 5
  27. ^ a b "West Australian Football League: Biggest Home-and-Away Crowds". Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
  28. ^ ‘Form Reversal – Subiaco Improves’; The West Australian, 3 June 1946, p. 4
  29. ^ ‘High Scoring: East Perth Superior’; The West Australian, 3 June 1946, p. 4
  30. ^ ‘First Victory: Claremont’s Third Quarter Burst’; The West Australian, 3 June 1946, p. 4
  31. ^ ‘Record Football Crowd – Proof of Strength’; The West Australian, 4 June 1946, p. 3
  32. ^ ‘Midweek Racing – Onus on States’; The West Australian, 2 August 1945, p. 2
  33. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: Claremont – Consecutive Games Lost
  34. ^ ‘Perth’s Victory: Recovery Against Wind’; The West Australian, 10 June 1946, p. 4
  35. ^ ‘A Late Burst: West Perth Scores Heavily’; The West Australian, 10 June 1946, p. 4
  36. ^ ‘91-Point Win: East Fremantle’s Skill’; The West Australian, 10 June 1946, p. 4
  37. ^ “Follower” (anonymous author); ‘League Football – East Perth’s Win: Subiaco Forwards Fail’; The West Australian, 11 June 1946, p. 3
  38. ^ ‘Two Resignations: Coach and Captain – South Fremantle Decisions’; The West Australian, 10 June 1946, p. 4
  39. ^ ‘Captain’s Effort – Williams Inspires Subiaco’; The West Australian, 17 June 1946, p. 4
  40. ^ ‘Convincing Form – Perth Beats West Perth’; The West Australian, 17 June 1946, p. 4
  41. ^ ‘A Good Display: S. Fremantle’s Forwards Superior’; The West Australian, 17 June 1946, p. 4
  42. ^ ‘A Fine Recovery: East Fremantle Proves Its Strength’; The West Australian, 17 June 1946, p. 4
  43. ^ ‘An Ugly Scene: Crowd Menaces Umpire’; The West Australian, 17 June 1946, p. 4
  44. ^ ‘Hard and Fast – West Perth’s Close Call’; The West Australian, 24 June 1946, p. 4
  45. ^ ‘A Keen Effort: Swan Districts Beaten’; The West Australian, 24 June 1946, p. 4
  46. ^ ‘Perth startled – Claremont Fights Hard’; The West Australian, 24 June 1946, p. 4
  47. ^ ‘Decisive Win: Subiaco Fails at Fremantle’; The West Australian, 24 June 1946, p. 4
  48. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: South Fremantle – Most Accurate Scores For
  49. ^ ‘An Exciting Tie: Swan Districts’ Fine Effort’; The West Australian, 1 July 1946, p. 4
  50. ^ ‘Fast and Even: S. Fremantle Grasps Opportunities’; The West Australian, 1 July 1946, p. 4
  51. ^ ‘Low Scoring: Subiaco Finishes Well’; The West Australian, 1 July 1946, p. 4
  52. ^ ‘Forwards’s Feat: East Fremantle’s Big Tally’; The West Australian, 1 July 1946, p. 4
  53. ^ WAFL Footy Facts – Draws Archived 2014-05-13 at the Wayback Machine
  54. ^ ‘A Good Recovery: Ten Goals in Second Quarter’; The West Australian, 8 July 1946, p. 4
  55. ^ ‘Direct Methods: West Perth’s Success’; The West Australian, 8 July 1946, p. 4
  56. ^ ‘Subiaco’s Win: Forward Play Improves’; The West Australian, 8 July 1946, p. 4
  57. ^ ‘Versatile Players – E. Fremantle too Strong for Perth’; The West Australian, 8 July 1946, p. 4
  58. ^ Perth Regional Office (009034) Monthly Rainfall
  59. ^ ‘Goals Scarce: Subiaco Finishes Well’; The West Australian, 15 July 1946, p. 3
  60. ^ ‘Perth’s Success: Strength in Heavy Going’; The West Australian, 15 July 1946, p. 3
  61. ^ ‘An Easy Victory: East Perth Shows Pace’; The West Australian, 15 July 1946, p. 3
  62. ^ ‘Another “Derby” – Decisive Win for East Fremantle’; The West Australian, 15 July 1946, p. 3
  63. ^ See Indian Ocean Climate Initiative for details
  64. ^ Flannery, Tim; The Weather Makers: The History and Future Impact of Climate Change; p. 131 ISBN 0802142923
  65. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: Swan Districts – Lowest Scores For
  66. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: Swan Districts – Lowest Combined Scores
  67. ^ ‘A Great Recovery – Subiaco Determined’; The West Australian, 22 July 1946, p. 4
  68. ^ ‘Four-Point Win – East Perth’s Sound Defence’; The West Australian, 22 July 1946, p. 4
  69. ^ ‘Second Victory: Claremont’s Good Form’; The West Australian, 22 July 1946, p. 4
  70. ^ ‘Clever Teamwork: East Fremantle Outplays West Perth’; The West Australian, 22 July 1946, p. 4
  71. ^ ‘Key Strength: S. Fremantle Untroubled’; The West Australian, 29 July 1946, p. 4
  72. ^ ‘Low Scoring – East Perth Finishes On’; The West Australian, 29 July 1946, p. 4
  73. ^ ‘West Perth Wins: New Forward’s Success’; The West Australian, 29 July 1946, p. 4
  74. ^ ‘A Rugged Game – Swan Districts Keen’; The West Australian, 29 July 1946, p. 4
  75. ^ ‘League Football – West Perth Strong’; The West Australian, 7 May 1946, p. 3
  76. ^ ‘Well-Earned Win – Swan Districts in Form’; The West Australian, 5 August 1946, p. 4
  77. ^ ‘Food Centre Line: S. Fremantle Strong’; The West Australian, 5 August 1946, p. 4
  78. ^ ‘No Weak Link: E. Fremantle Brilliant’; The West Australian, 5 August 1946, p. 4
  79. ^ a b Perth Regional Office (009034) August 1946 rainfall
  80. ^ ‘Stirring Finish – Subiaco Scrapes Home’; The West Australian, 12 August 1946, p. 4
  81. ^ ‘Stamina Tells: Bassendean Game Keen’; The West Australian, 12 August 1946, p. 4
  82. ^ ‘Naylor’s Century: S. Fremantle Die Hard’; The West Australian, 12 August 1946, p. 4
  83. ^ ‘McIntosh Strong: Perth Kicking Superior’; The West Australian, 29 August 1946, p. 5
  84. ^ ‘Easy Victory: West Perth Improves’; The West Australian, 26 August 1946, p. 5
  85. ^ ‘Extra Speed – Swan Districts Strong’; The West Australian, 26 August 1946, p. 5
  86. ^ ‘Perth in Form: Nine Goals to Tucker’; The West Australian, 26 August 1946, p. 5
  87. ^ ‘A Close Call: East Fremantle Worried’; The West Australian, 26 August 1946, p. 5
  88. ^ ‘West Perth Wins – Clamp in a New Role’; The West Australian, 2 September 1946, p. 5
  89. ^ ‘A Strong Finish: S. Fremantle’s Success’; The West Australian, 2 September 1946, p. 5
  90. ^ ‘A Keen Struggle: Subiaco Wears Down Perth’; The West Australian, 2 September 1946, p. 5
  91. ^ ‘Leader Extended: Claremont Shoots Poorly’; The West Australian, 2 September 1946, p. 5
  92. ^ ‘A Stout Finish –’; The West Australian, 9 September 1946, p. 5
  93. ^ ‘A Dull Match – West Perth Untroubled’; The West Australian, 9 September 1946, p. 5
  94. ^ ‘Subiaco Beaten: Claremont’s Fine Effort’; The West Australian, 9 September 1946, p. 5
  95. ^ ‘Perth Fades Out: East Fremantle Strong’; The West Australian, 9 September 1946, p. 5
  96. ^ “Follower” (anonymous author); ‘Good Kicking: Subiaco’s Narrow Victory’; The West Australian, 16 September 1946, p. 5
  97. ^ ‘Last-Minute Win: East Fremantle Pressed’; The West Australian, 23 September 1946, p. 5
  98. ^ “Follower” (anonymous author); ‘Football Final – Subiaco Outclassed’; The West Australian, 30 September 1946, p. 5
  99. ^ “Follower” (anonymous author); ‘Stirring Football – East Fremantle’s Triumph’; The West Australian, 7 October 1946, p. 5
  100. ^ ‘The Play: Brilliant Start by West Perth’; The West Australian, 7 October 1946, p. 5