Jump to content

2001 WAFL season

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Mitch Ames (talk | contribs) at 23:53, 29 December 2020 (Uncapitalise common nouns per MOS:CAPS). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

2001 WAFL season
Teams9
PremiersTemplate:WAFL EP
16th premiership
Minor premiersTemplate:WAFL Cla
12th minor premiership
Sandover MedallistRyan Turnbull (Template:WAFL EP)
Bernie Naylor MedallistPaul Medhurst (Template:WAFL Cla)
Matches played85
← 2000 (Westar Rules)
2002 →

The 2001 WAFL season was the 117th season of the various incarnations of the West Australian Football League. Following the off-season “Fong Report” by WAFC President Neale Fong which was written as a response to the problems then faced on-and off-field by AFL and domestic football in Western Australia,[1] the league reverted to calling itself the ‘WAFL’ because it was acknowledged ‘Westar Rules’ was painfully contrived and did not reflect the history or traditions of the local game.[2]

2001 also saw the abandonment of the “double-header” system of playing finals that began with the replay of the 1989 First semi-final, and also an unsuccessful experiment of giving each club four byes during the home-and-away season rather than three.

East Perth continued on from their dominance of the 2000 season to win a second successive premiership for the first time in forty-two seasons, thrashing a South Fremantle team that came from third position – after along with minor premiers Claremont completely dominating the season up to the end of May – to the Grand Final. Former West Coast Eagle regular Ryan Turnbull became the second player in four seasons to complete the Sandover/Simpson double. 2000 Grand Finalists East Fremantle, after having the best WAFL/Westar record during the 1990s, fell to second-last ahead of only financially crippled Swan Districts and were to play only one final during the rest of the decade. Peel Thunder, after advancing to four wins in 2000, advanced further despite the “Fong Report” recommending the withdrawal of their licence and at one time looked a chance for the finals, but the off-field pressure caused them to falter severely in the run home.[3]

Home-and-away season

Round 1

Round 1
Saturday, 31 March Template:WAFL PT 10.16 (76) def. Template:WAFL SD 7.15 (57) Rushton Park (crowd: 1183)
Saturday, 31 March Template:WAFL EP 8.20 (68) def. by Template:WAFL SF 22.13 (145) Leederville Oval (crowd: 1467)
Saturday, 31 March Template:WAFL WP 9.6 (60) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 19.7 (121) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1932)
Saturday, 31 March Template:WAFL Per 10.7 (67) def. Template:WAFL Sub 6.6 (42) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1707)
Bye
Template:WAFL EF
  • Peel, already fighting for its very existence, defeat Swans for the first time in a tough, scrappy match and consequently are in the top four for the first time in their short history.[4]
  • South Fremantle, after a very disappointing 2000, stun the Royals to back up outstanding form in the pre-season ‘Governor’s Challenge’, where they won all four matches.[5]
  • New captain Paul Maher sets the standard for a Perth team with ten new faces, leading them to an upset win over high-flyers Subiaco, whose tall forwards Smith, Ambrose and Donnelly do not kick a single goal between them.[6]

Round 2

Round 2
Saturday, 7 April Template:WAFL Cla 17.16 (118) def. Template:WAFL PT 16.10 (106) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1191)
Saturday, 7 April Template:WAFL EF 13.12 (90) def. Template:WAFL WP 13.10 (88) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1770)
Saturday, 7 April Template:WAFL SD 8.5 (53) def. by Template:WAFL Per 14.12 (96) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1848) [7]
Bye
Template:WAFL EP, Template:WAFL SF, Template:WAFL Sub

New skipper Marshall Stockden, replacing the retired Stephen Bilcich, gives the Sharks a splendid comeback win with a goal from a bouncing shot almost on the siren.[8]

Round 3 (Easter weekend)

Round 3
Saturday, 14 April Template:WAFL Sub 16.6 (102) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 17.13 (115) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1686)
Saturday, 14 April Template:WAFL PT 11.9 (75) def. Template:WAFL Per 10.12 (72) Rushton Park (crowd: 2040)
Monday, 16 April Template:WAFL SF 11.16 (82) def. Template:WAFL EF 11.5 (71) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5080)
Monday, 16 April Template:WAFL WP 13.11 (89) def. by Template:WAFL EP 16.14 (110) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 4010)
Bye
Template:WAFL SD
  • Sixteen-year-old Aboriginal forward Daniel Wells kicks 4.1 and gives two other goals away to give Peel a thrilling win after Perth stormed back in the third quarter.[9]
  • A chant of “Eagles”[a] by West Perth supporters backfires as Ryan Turnbull drives East Perth to a comfortable rebound from their opening debacle after a very even three quarters.[10]

Round 4

Round 4
Saturday, 21 April Template:WAFL SD 10.11 (71) def. Template:WAFL SF 20.17 (137) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1738)
Saturday, 21 April Template:WAFL PT 15.10 (100) def. by Template:WAFL WP 20.9 (129) Rushton Park (crowd: 1812)
Saturday, 21 April Template:WAFL Cla 18.15 (123) def. Template:WAFL EP 5.4 (34) Albany (crowd: 2240)
Saturday, 21 April Template:WAFL Per 10.7 (67) def. by Template:WAFL EF 14.17 (101) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1570)
Bye
Template:WAFL Sub
  • Haaron Bokhari and Paul Medhurst kick ten between them as a powerful Tiger half-back line[11] holds East Perth to their lowest score against Claremont.[12]

Round 5

Round 5
Saturday, 28 April Template:WAFL EF 9.9 (63) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 12.10 (82) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1667)
Saturday, 28 April Template:WAFL Sub 15.17 (107) def. Template:WAFL PT 11.8 (74) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1029)
Saturday, 28 April Template:WAFL WP 18.11 (119) def. Template:WAFL SD 11.5 (71) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1815)
Saturday, 28 April Template:WAFL SF 12.15 (87) def. Template:WAFL Per 3.12 (30) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1584)
Bye
Template:WAFL EP
  • Injury-plagued Travis Gaspar shows the skills of older brother Darren as South Fremantle decimate Perth in a nine-goal first quarter romp before Perth’s “flooding” tactics in defence cause the game to deteriorate as Daniel Schell kicks 5.8 (38) – mostly from easy shots.[13]
  • Eighteen-year-old Quentin Lynch, on his WAFL debut, keeps West Perth ahead of the winless Swans, who fade out in the last quarter of what was previously a high-quality match.[14]

Round 6

Round 6
Saturday, 5 May Template:WAFL SD 4.11 (35) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 15.16 (106) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1570)
Saturday, 5 May Template:WAFL EP 13.9 (87) def. Template:WAFL EF 10.10 (70) Leederville Oval (crowd: 1677)
Saturday, 5 May Template:WAFL Cla 10.14 (74) def. Template:WAFL SF 5.8 (38) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1815)
Saturday, 5 May Template:WAFL Per 9.17 (71) def. Template:WAFL WP 6.9 (45) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1610)
Bye
Template:WAFL PT
  • Minus key 2000 forwards Troy Wilson and Ashley Hutchinson, East Perth achieve a confidence-building victory over a persistent East Fremantle via consistent experimentation up forward.[15]
  • Dale Kickett, in his first match for Claremont since the 1993 Grand Final[b], forms part of a rock-solid Tiger defence that easily wins the battle of the WAFL heavyweights.[16]
  • Perth, against a Falcon side weakened by the loss of Brendon Fewster, move to third as their enthusiasm offsets lack of experience and “flooding” tactics make goals almost impossible to get.[17]

Round 7

Round 7
Saturday, 12 May Template:WAFL EF 8.13 (61) def. by Template:WAFL SD 10.8 (68) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1158)
Saturday, 12 May Template:WAFL EP 12.11 (83) def. Template:WAFL Per 2.12 (24) Leederville Oval (crowd: 1368)
Saturday, 12 May Template:WAFL WP 9.8 (62) drew with Template:WAFL Sub 8.14 (62) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1057)
Saturday, 12 May Template:WAFL SF 22.15 (147) def. Template:WAFL PT 3.3 (21) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1532) [18]
Bye
Template:WAFL Cla
  • West Perth pile on six unanswered goals in ten minutes in very wet weather,[19] but after umpire Mark Fussell does not allow a mark to Quinten Lynch on the siren the match becomes only the third draw since the 1989 First semi-final, and the first in 328 games since Round 16, 1997.[20][21] As of 2014 this remains Subiaco’s last drawn match.
  • East Perth, overwhelming a weakened Demon attack and having their own targets in Dean Buszan and Kane Marsh, end a disjointed start to 2001 and show premiership form for the first time.[22]
  • With Andrew Embley showing his readiness for an AFL recall, Swan Districts come back for their first win after being behind all day.[23]
  • Peel kick the lowest score against South Fremantle since Perth kicked 1.7 (13) in 1952.[24]

Round 8

Round 8
Saturday, 19 May Template:WAFL SD 13.4 (82) def. by Template:WAFL EP 14.11 (95) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2014)
Saturday, 19 May Template:WAFL PT 17.16 (118) def. Template:WAFL EF 14.9 (93) Rushton Park (crowd: 1302)
Saturday, 19 May Template:WAFL Sub 8.2 (50) def. by Template:WAFL SF 13.13 (91) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1578)
Saturday, 19 May Template:WAFL Per 4.15 (39) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 9.6 (60) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1383)
Bye
Template:WAFL WP
  • Peel Thunder gain a satisfying victory over East Fremantle – the club most opposed to the extension of their licence – due to the Sharks’ lack of pace, and rise to fifth despite their preceding thrashing.[25]
  • Perth are the first WANFL/WAFL/WASFL/Westar Rules team goalless at three-quarter time since East Fremantle, also at Lathlain Park, in Round 15, 1967, but after kicking three of the first four goals in the last quarter are within three points before Claremont kick four in quick succession to stay undefeated.[26]

Round 9

Round 9
Saturday, 26 May Template:WAFL EF 8.12 (60) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 18.13 (121) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1298)
Saturday, 26 May Template:WAFL Cla 19.16 (130) def. Template:WAFL SD 8.7 (55) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1406) [27]
Saturday, 26 May Template:WAFL SF 14.15 (99) def. Template:WAFL WP 12.6 (78) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1593)
Sunday, 27 May Template:WAFL EP 9.14 (68) def. by Template:WAFL PT 11.11 (77) Collie (crowd: 1088)
Bye
Template:WAFL Per

For the only time to date, the WAFL play a match in the coal-mining town of Collie, in East Perth’s country zone. The game becomes Peel’s first win over an eventual premier club, and continues East Perth’s hoodoo in matches staged in country centres, as former Thunder star Buszan scores 2.7 (19).[28]

Round 10 (Foundation Day)

Round 10
Saturday, 2 June Template:WAFL Sub 12.6 (78) def. Template:WAFL Cla 10.12 (72) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1924)
Saturday, 2 June Template:WAFL Per 15.9 (99) def. Template:WAFL PT 6.12 (48) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1721)
Monday, 4 June Template:WAFL EF 8.7 (55) def. by Template:WAFL SF 12.13 (85) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 7540)
Monday, 4 June Template:WAFL EP 20.13 (133) def. Template:WAFL WP 8.10 (58) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2890)
Bye
Template:WAFL SD
  • After the turmoil associated with the sacking of Fremantle coach Damian Drum, Daniel Bandy, relegated from the Dockers, controls the ruck and plays in a winning team for the first time in 2001 to push Perth back into the four.[29]
  • Dean Buszan’s nine goals gives East Perth a crushing win that shows them still firm premiership hopes, but relegates the Falcons to their worst start since 1992.[30]

Round 11

Round 11
Saturday, 9 June Template:WAFL PT 23.11 (149) def. Template:WAFL SD 11.12 (78) Rushton Park (crowd: 2012) [31]
Saturday, 9 June Template:WAFL SF 7.10 (52) def. by Template:WAFL EP 13.23 (101) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1457)
Sunday, 10 June Template:WAFL Sub 14.9 (93) def. Template:WAFL Per 7.11 (53) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1497)
Bye
Template:WAFL Cla, Template:WAFL EF, Template:WAFL WP
  • The free-roaming play of David Swan on a wet and muddy Fremantle Oval ensures East Perth completely eclipse the league leaders after half-time.[32]
  • The loss of out-of-form ruckman Daniel Bandy after a major collision with Lion Richard Ambrose turns an arm-wrestle into a thrashing as Andrew Wills decimates the Demons.[33]
  • Peel Thunder, despite remaining under threats of being axed from the WAFL, record what remains as of 2014 their highest score[34] and greatest winning margin.[35]

Round 12

Round 12
Saturday, 16 June Template:WAFL SD 9.13 (67) def. by Template:WAFL Per 11.8 (74) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2403)
Saturday, 16 June Template:WAFL Cla 17.9 (111) def. Template:WAFL PT 10.12 (72) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1339)
Saturday, 16 June Template:WAFL WP 9.12 (66) def. by Template:WAFL EF 14.7 (91) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1564)
Bye
Template:WAFL EP, Template:WAFL SF, Template:WAFL Sub
  • Six goals by Graham Polak on his seventeenth birthday gives 2000 runners-up East Fremantle a third win and leaves West Perth second last and seemingly out of finals contention.[36]
  • Out-of-form ex-AFL star Scott Cummings, relegated from the poorly-performing Eagles, is unexpectedly thrashed by Anthony Buselik in his eighth WAFL/Westar Rules match, and Swans fail to reap an expected benefit.[37]

Round 13

Round 13
Saturday, 23 June Template:WAFL EP 14.11 (95) def. Template:WAFL Sub 14.9 (93) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2348)
Saturday, 23 June Template:WAFL SF 8.11 (59) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 11.16 (82) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 2051)
Bye
Template:WAFL EF, Template:WAFL PT, Template:WAFL Per, Template:WAFL SD, Template:WAFL WP

Led by Ryan Turnbull and Devan Perry, East Perth win a thrilling match with two goals direct from clearances in the final minute and remain in touch with top club Claremont.[38]

Round 14

Round 14
Saturday, 30 June Template:WAFL EF 17.9 (111) def. by Template:WAFL EP 18.9 (117) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1935)
Saturday, 30 June Template:WAFL Sub 12.19 (91) def. Template:WAFL SD 10.7 (67) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1446)
Saturday, 30 June Template:WAFL Per 10.12 (72) def. by Template:WAFL WP 18.13 (121) Bruce Rock (crowd: 1178)
Bye
Template:WAFL Cla, Template:WAFL PT, Template:WAFL SF

Troy Wilson, despite playing with three pairs of socks in the boots of Dean Buszan, kicks seven goals to ward off a potential Shark upset.[39]

Round 15

Round 15
Saturday, 7 July Template:WAFL SD 10.9 (69) def. by Template:WAFL WP 11.14 (80) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1641)
Saturday, 7 July Template:WAFL PT 13.14 (92) def. Template:WAFL Sub 12.9 (81) Rushton Park (crowd: 1902)
Saturday, 7 July Template:WAFL Cla 17.11 (113) def. Template:WAFL EF 10.10 (70) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1574)
Saturday, 7 July Template:WAFL Per 9.7 (61) def. by Template:WAFL SF 10.8 (68) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1529)
Bye
Template:WAFL EP
  • A spiteful incident where Subiaco centreman Brad Campbell breaks his jaw fails to rouse the Lions enough to prevent Peel’s sixth win in seven home games, which places the Thunder only half a game behind the fourth-placed Lions.[40]
  • A flu epidemic and two byes in three rounds fails to undermine second-placed South Fremantle, who manage to all but end Perth’s finals hopes in the slippery conditions.[41]

Round 16

Round 16
Saturday, 14 July Template:WAFL EF 18.11 (119) def. Template:WAFL Per 11.13 (79) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1673)
Saturday, 14 July Template:WAFL EP 19.12 (126) def. Template:WAFL Cla 10.6 (66) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2725)
Saturday, 14 July Template:WAFL WP 17.17 (119) def. Template:WAFL PT 12.8 (80) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1588)
Saturday, 14 July Template:WAFL SF 18.16 (124) def. Template:WAFL SD 7.10 (52) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1632)
Bye
Template:WAFL Sub

West Perth maintain their perfect record against Peel thanks to the return of former big man Brett King, whose presence in the ruck allows Laurie Belotti and Simon Duckworth to solve forward woes created by the loss of Digby Morrell.[42]

Round 17

Round 17
Saturday, 21 July Template:WAFL SD 14.7 (91) def. by Template:WAFL EF 19.10 (124) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1892)
Saturday, 21 July Template:WAFL PT 9.9 (63) def. by Template:WAFL SF 22.13 (145) Rushton Park (crowd: 2349)
Saturday, 21 July Template:WAFL Sub 8.9 (57) def. by Template:WAFL WP 8.11 (59) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1962)
Saturday, 21 July Template:WAFL Per 8.7 (55) def. by Template:WAFL EP 11.11 (77) Lathlain Park (crowd: 2798)
Bye
Template:WAFL Cla

West Perth coach Andrew Lockyer has an unexpected success via leaving 1999 Simpson Medallist Christian Kelly on the bench, as his fresh legs give the Falcons a stirring win after having only four goals on the board with ten minutes remaining. Simon Duckworth helps Kelly by kicking three late goals from centre half-forward.[43]

Round 18

Round 18
Saturday, 28 July Template:WAFL EF 15.3 (93) def. by Template:WAFL PT 16.9 (105) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1244)
Saturday, 28 July Template:WAFL EP 16.13 (109) def. Template:WAFL SD 9.6 (60) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2057)
Saturday, 28 July Template:WAFL Cla 14.10 (94) def. Template:WAFL Per 12.9 (81) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1252)
Sunday, 29 July Template:WAFL SF 7.11 (53) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 14.11 (95) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1432)
Bye
Template:WAFL WP
  • Subiaco, at full strength for the first time in 2001, jump second-placed South Fremantle to stay ahead of the Thunder and Falcons in fourth. The Bulldogs do not goal until nineteen minutes into the second quarter and are 4.6 (30) when heavy rain starts at three-quarter time.[44]
  • East Perth, led by defender Andrew Waller who shuts out Bernard Carney after the latter kicked four goals in the first quarter, score 15.8 (98) to 2.2 (14) after quarter-time when a huge upset by the one-win Swans looked on the agenda.[45]
  • Despite East Fremantle recording statistically its fourth most accurate score on record, Peel record as of 2014 their only win at East Fremantle Oval.[46]

Round 19

Round 19
Saturday, 4 August Template:WAFL SD 12.11 (83) def. Template:WAFL Cla 10.2 (62) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2253)
Saturday, 4 August Template:WAFL EP 25.17 (167) def. Template:WAFL PT 8.8 (56) Leederville Oval (crowd: 1559) [47]
Saturday, 4 August Template:WAFL EF 10.13 (73) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 20.20 (140) Kalgoorlie (crowd: 4192)
Saturday, 4 August Template:WAFL WP 9.16 (70) def. by Template:WAFL SF 13.6 (84) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1536)
Bye
Template:WAFL Per
  • After being a goal behind at half-time, East Perth kick 20.7 (127) to 1.4 (10) in the second half. Their 13.3 (81) in the last quarter is the most in any quarter against Peel.[48] Dean Buszan, who shifted from Peel to East Perth under the host club agreement, kicked nine goals.
  • West Perth effective seal the four with three rounds remaining by kicking only 0.6 (6) from nine shots with the wind in the last quarter.[49]
  • Swan Districts, with only one win, lead all day to record a shock upset over Claremont in John Todd’s seven hundredth match as coach, as rejuvenated forward Scott Cummings and Craig DeCorsey provide targets previously missing and kick eight of their twelve majors.[50]

Round 20

Round 20
Saturday, 11 August Template:WAFL EF 10.6 (66) def. by Template:WAFL WP 16.12 (108) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1536)
Saturday, 11 August Template:WAFL PT 7.7 (49) def. by Template:WAFL Cla 23.20 (158) Rushton Park (crowd: 2028)
Saturday, 11 August Template:WAFL Sub 10.12 (72) def. by Template:WAFL EP 15.10 (100) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 2356)
Saturday, 11 August Template:WAFL Per 12.14 (86) def. Template:WAFL SD 12.4 (76) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1701)
Bye
Template:WAFL SF
  • Ex-Lions Matt Balchin and Paul Ridley allow the Royals to overcome the late withdrawal of Dean Buszan and take second position, Subiaco completely dominate between the midpoints of the third and last quarter but score only one goal and East Perth rebound soildly.[51]
  • Brad Wira’s return to form highlights Claremont’s thrashing of a Peel club facing an uncertain future in the WAFL and losing Derek Hall and Daniel Haines very early in the match.[52]
  • Andrew Lockyer’s policy of playing star players from the bench comes up another trump as West Perth see Regan Duckworth, Brendan Logan and Paul Stockden to cash in on a tired East Fremantle midfield and keep the Falcons’ finals hopes alive. Stockden, with three last-quarter goals, wards off a Shark surge.[53]

Round 21

Round 21
Saturday, 18 August Template:WAFL Cla 14.11 (95) def. Template:WAFL Sub 7.16 (58) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1628) [54]
Saturday, 18 August Template:WAFL WP 11.10 (76) def. Template:WAFL EP 10.14 (74) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 2593)
Saturday, 18 August Template:WAFL SF 26.10 (166) def. Template:WAFL EF 13.6 (84) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 2119)
Bye
Template:WAFL PT, Template:WAFL Per, Template:WAFL SD
  • West Perth rover Glenn Britten makes a remarkable steal from Dean Buszan to knock the ball away and create the winning goal, backed up by a six-goal third quarter and superb defence at the finish that restricts the Royals to two behinds.[55]
  • This result ended East Perth’s run of nine straight and left West Perth only percentage behind Subiaco, though with a much tougher final match.
  • Despite listing and not playing a completely unfit Travis Gaspar to make him eligible for the WAFL finals, South Fremantle have no trouble with the Sharks, leading 15.6 (96) to 4.4 (28) at half-time.[56]

Round 22

Round 22
Saturday, 25 August Template:WAFL SD 22.16 (148) def. Template:WAFL PT 8.8 (56) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1640)
Saturday, 25 August Template:WAFL EP 10.15 (75) def. Template:WAFL SF 9.8 (62) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2574)
Saturday, 25 August Template:WAFL Cla 18.8 (116) def. Template:WAFL WP 11.10 (76) Claremont Oval (crowd: 2300)
Saturday, 25 August Template:WAFL Per 6.8 (44) def. by Template:WAFL Sub 18.11 (119) Lathlain Park (crowd: 2101)
Bye
Template:WAFL EF
  • East Perth’s dominance of general play finally pays off in the last quarter and the Royals take the double chance, but face the report of veteran David Swan, who was taken to hospital after vomiting blood.[57]
  • Despite losing Scott Cummings to a back injury at quarter-time, last-placed Swan Districts crush Peel with the unheralded Ben Piggott booting six goals and Adam Hunter five. The Swans scored 8.5 (53) to 0.0 (0) in the final quarter.[58]

Ladder

2001 ladder
Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA PP Pts
1 Template:WAFL Cla 18 15 3 0 1792 1249 143.5 60
2 Template:WAFL EP (P) 18 14 4 0 1719 1371 125.4 56
3 Template:WAFL SF 18 13 5 0 1724 1201 143.5 52
4 Template:WAFL Sub 18 9 8 1 1567 1307 119.9 38
5 Template:WAFL WP 18 8 9 1 1503 1566 96.0 34
6 Template:WAFL PT 18 7 11 0 1417 1990 71.2 28
7 Template:WAFL Per 18 6 12 0 1170 1428 81.9 24
8 Template:WAFL EF 18 5 13 0 1495 1783 83.8 20
9 Template:WAFL SD 18 3 15 0 1283 1775 72.3 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
Sunday, 2 September Template:WAFL SF 15.11 (101) def. Template:WAFL Sub 10.13 (73) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4,309)

With the Bulldogs severely short of tall players due to injury, coach Peter Sumich moves Rick Mott and veteran Marty Atkins into the ruck – where they are extremely successful and overpower the Lions.[59]

Second semi-final

Second semi-final
Saturday, 8 September Template:WAFL Cla 9.7 (61) def. by Template:WAFL EP 20.13 (133) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 6,778) [60]

With East Perth’s superb win, Tony Micale becomes the fifth WAFL coach to appear in five consecutive Grand Finals,[c], and the only one to do so with multiple clubs. Claremont’s troubles began with the loss of key rover Ben Cunningham in the second quarter, after which they were overwhelmed.[61]

Preliminary final

Preliminary final
Saturday, 15 September Template:WAFL SF 14.9 (93) def. Template:WAFL Cla 12.13 (85) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4,894)

Travis Gaspar does a remarkable job of overcoming severe hamstring problems to play a decisive role as a ruckman in the Bulldogs’ victory.[62]

Grand Final

Main article: 2001 WAFL Grand Final
2001 WAFL Grand Final
Saturday, 22 September Template:WAFL EP def. Template:WAFL SF Subiaco Oval (crowd: 23,842) [63]
2.7 (19)
7.12 (54)
11.12 (78)
17.18 (120) 		Q1
Q2
Q3
Final 		3.1 (19)
5.4 (34)
5.7 (37)
5.8 (38) 		Umpires: Craig Hendrie, Mark Fussell, David Corcoran
Simpson Medal: Ryan Turnbull (Template:WAFL EP)
Perry 3, Buszan 3, Symmons 2, Munro 2, Wheatley, Barnard, Cowell, Waller, Humm, Haynes, Antonowicz Goals Gaspar 2, Chisholm, Sampi, Dodd
Wheatley, Perry, Cowell, Webster, Turnbull, Symmons Best Gaspar, Tinsley, Chisholm, Burridge, Gault, McGrath
Injuries Mott (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Burridge
Atkins (thigh)
Chisholm (shoulder)
Thompson (ankle)

East Perth’s powerful, tough rucks destroy a depleted South Fremantle team, with Turnbull leading the charge a day before his thirtieth birthday.[64]

Notes

a In reference to East Perth serving as the host club for West Coast and thus having numerous Eagles players in their team.
b Kickett had earned a nine-week suspension in the second 2000 Western Derby.
c The others were Phil Matson with East Perth from 1919 to 1923, Clive Lewington with South Fremantle from 1950 to 1954, Jack Sheedy with East Perth from 1956 to 1961, and Gerard Neesham with Claremont from 1987 to 1991

References

  1. ^ See WAFL Future Directions
  2. ^ Barker, Anthony J.; Behind the Play: A History of Football in Western Australia; pp. 358-360. ISBN 0975242709
  3. ^ Lague, Steve and Lewis, Ross; ‘Minister Leads Bid to Save Thunder’; The West Australian, 28 August 2001, p. 56
  4. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Desperate Thunder Notches Two Firsts’; The Game, p. 10, from The West Australian, 2 April 2001
  5. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Bulldogs Stun Limp Royals’; The Game, p. 10, from The West Australian, 2 April 2001
  6. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Maher Sets Standard for New-Look Resurgent Perth’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 2 April 2001
  7. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Happy Kelly Back in the Groove’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 9 April 2001
  8. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Last Kick Makes Captain’s Day’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 9 April 2001
  9. ^ Reed, David; ‘Brilliant rookie Kicks the Thunder to Victory’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 16 April 2001
  10. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Eagles Chant Backfires’; The West Australian, 17 April 2001, p. 57
  11. ^ Bennett, Alison; ‘Tigers’ Pair Make Up Lost Time’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 23 April 2001
  12. ^ "WAFL Footy Facts: East Perth – Lowest Scores v Claremont". Archived from the original on 14 May 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  13. ^ Reed, David; ‘Bulldog Gaspar Shows AFL Form’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 30 April 2001
  14. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Young Falcon Set to Swoop’; The Game, p. 10, from The West Australian, 30 April 2001
  15. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Forward Shuffle Deals Up Royal Flush’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 7 May 2001
  16. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Kickett Ready for Dockers’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 7 May 2001
  17. ^ ‘Youngsters Show the Way for Demons’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 7 May 2001
  18. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Bulldogs Make a Huge Splash’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 14 May 2001
  19. ^ Perth Metro (Mount Lawley) (009225) May 2001 rainfall
  20. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: Drawn Matches Archived 2014-05-13 at the Wayback Machine
  21. ^ Butler, Steve, ‘Forlorn Falcons Caught Short’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 14 May 2001
  22. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Settled East Perth Slots into a Groove’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 14 May 2001
  23. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Embley Ready for Eagles’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 14 May 2001
  24. ^ South Fremantle: Lowest Scores Conceded
  25. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘A Telling Blow for Thunder’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 21 May 2001
  26. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Field of Plenty for Tigers’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 21 May 2001
  27. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Medhurst Kicks Clear Among Potent Tigers’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 28 May 2001
  28. ^ Butler, Steve; ‘Hall Points to Peel Pride’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 28 May 2001
  29. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Victory Sweet for Bandy after Week of Turmoil’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 4 June 2001
  30. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Eagles Rookie Serves Up Nine-Goal Notice’; The West Australian, 5 June 2001, p. 57
  31. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Peel Sends Message to Those with Axe Raised’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 11 June 2001
  32. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Free Rein for Swan Helps Tame Bulldogs’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 11 June 2001
  33. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Setback for Bandy’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 11 June 2001
  34. ^ Peel Thunder: Highest Scores
  35. ^ Peel Thunder: Biggest Wins
  36. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Birthday Blitz by Polak’; The Game, p. 6; from The West Australian, 18 June 2001
  37. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Free Rein for Swan Helps Tame Bulldogs’; The Game, p. 6; from The West Australian, 18 June 2001
  38. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Never-Say-Die Royals Prevail’; The Game, p. 6; from The West Australian, 25 June 2001
  39. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Wilson Not too Big for Shooting Boots’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 2 July 2001
  40. ^ Reed, David; ‘Midfield Sets Up Peel Win’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian 9 July 2001
  41. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Hard-Hit Bulldogs Hang On’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian 9 July 2001
  42. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Falcons Find a New Way to Fly’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 16 July 2001
  43. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Kelly Flies off the Bench’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 23 July 2001
  44. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Harder Lions Shock South’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 30 July 2001
  45. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Waller Spurs Royals’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 30 July 2001
  46. ^ "WAFL Footy Facts: East Fremantle Oval". Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  47. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Buszan Shift Costly for Peel’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 6 August 2001
  48. ^ WAFL Footy Facts: Quarters and Halves
  49. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Bulldogs Hold Off Wasteful Falcons’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 6 August 2001
  50. ^ Reed, David; ‘Dual Thrust Lifts Swans’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 6 August 2001
  51. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Ex-Lions Give Royals Bite’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 13 August 2001
  52. ^ Reed, David; ‘Victory Eases Wira’s Pain’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 13 August 2001
  53. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Duckworth in Benchmark for Falcons’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 13 August 2001
  54. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Tigers Roar Out a Warning’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 20 August 2001
  55. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Royals Kept Out by Battle from Britten’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 20 August 2001
  56. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Shark-Hunting Bulldogs Gamble on Gaspar’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 20 August 2001
  57. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Anxious Wait for Royals’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 27 August 2001
  58. ^ Lague, Steve; ‘Piggott Makes Most of Chance to Play’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 27 August 2001
  59. ^ Lewis, Ross; Two Bulldogs Stand Tall; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 3 September 2001
  60. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Full Steam Ahead for the Runaway Royals’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 10 September 2001
  61. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Tigers’ Rover Out for Season’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 10 September 2001
  62. ^ Reid, Russell; ‘Last-Gasp Gaspar Not Daunted by Grand Final’; The Game, p. 7, from The West Australian, 17 September 2001
  63. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Royals Too Hard, Too Good’; in The Game, p. 7; from The West Australian, 24 September 2001
  64. ^ Lewis, Ross; ‘Turnbull’s Big Day’; in The Game, p. 7; from The West Australian, 24 September 2001
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2001_WAFL_season&oldid=997092961"