Premiership First grade Results
- INAUGURAL PREMIERSHIPS
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- TEAMS 1948-2026
- AT A GLANCE
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- 1953
- 1952
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- 1948
This section is under construction, and more results will be added. Thanks to Aaron Winder also for his work on the overall stats.
No news articles or Programs exist for 2010 season. The Premiers were South Perth making it 3 in a row (2011 they made it 4 in a row) . They won 24-20 against North Beach. No Grand Final Program exists. Clint Fraser secured the Ken Allen Medal and the Ron Hudson Medallist was Wiremu Paki from the South Perth.
No news items and limited programs exist for 2001. It was a 6 team competition with the Teams being South Perth, North Beach, Fremantle, Joondalup, Eastern (Canning) and Rockingham. In its 50th Anniversary year the North Beach went through the season undefeated. North Beach undefeated Premiers 2001 Beat Joondalup in Grand Final 28-0 Ron Hudson Award Grand Final - Darren Marshall
No competition programs exist for the 2000 competition apart from the Grand Final Program. Joondalup Giants celebrate their 10th Birthday by taking out their inaugural WARL first grade Premiership with rugby league stalwart Mick Smith as coach. The Grand final resulted in a 27 -14 win for Joondalup against South Perth.
No press articles and limited programs were sourced from 1998. Seven first grade clubs Fremantle, Canning, South Perth, North Beach, Armadale, Joondalup, and Mosman Cottesloe in 1998. Applecross after 50 years in the competition was out of first grade and had dropped back to the 10 team second division competition. Clubs had also joined up with others to field reserve grade sides as players were short across the board. The Western Reds, or the Perth Reds under Super League, had left town, and so did many of the people attached to that side of the game. The volunteers, left behind, had to pick up the pieces of a decade that had promised so much but had now descended into chaos. The local Press, whom had supported the local code from 1948, no longer carried stories in their tabloids, while Sponsors were hard to come by. The Premiers in 1998 were North Beach who beat Canning in a thriller 13-12. It was a great game played at Centenary Park Belmont and was well supported by the Western Australia public. It was the 51st Year of rugby league in Western Australia and the road looked hard ahead.
In 1997, the WA rugby League competition had been operating for 50 years. The Reds were rebranded the “Perth Reds” and were in the Super League corner, as was the Western Australia Rugby League. The First Grade Premiers in 1997 within the local competition were Fremantle who beat South Perth 12-10 at Dorrian Gardens. The Game saw the amalgamation of Canning and Armadale at first grade level at the end of June after 7 teams started the competition in April.
The premiership consisted of 8 clubs Applecross Mt Pleasant, South Perth, Fremantle, Cottesloe, Canning, North Beach, Willagee and Belmont Steelers. The Grand Final was between Canning and South Perth after Canning had upset the minor premiers Belmont Steelers 24-12 in a ferocious game at Ken Allen Field
St George legend Ted Goodwin was a massive signing for Willagee as player/coach and the WA Rugby League in 1989. Belmont Steelers again won the minor premiership in 1989 but found it hard to get over South Perth in the round games losing to them 3 out of 4 times. South Perth had put together a formidable team with ex Canterbury, Balmain and Illawarra half Mal Creevey as Captain Coach and the acquisition of South Coast Peter Guthrie at fullback. Both teams had state players throughout their sides, some youth, and a lot of experience. The Grand Final was played before a massive crowd at Cannington Central and turned into a thriller that went down to the wire. Both sides attacked at every opportunity and the game was end to end stuff. Belmont ran out winners 20-16 with Rod Schmidt, the tough running Belmont fullback, taking out the Ron Hudson medal
There are no programs or results in newspapers for 1988. Belmont in 1988 signed the biggest name ever for the WARL with the acquisition of former Australian and Queensland State of Origin Prop Dave Brown. Dave Brown took over the coaching role from Club Chairman Charlie Burkhardt and captained the team out on the field. Much of their 1987 side was intact however two New Zealand signings in half Mark Riley and winger Bevan Smith added some lightning speed in the side. They met a young South Perth side in the Grand Final and ran out convincing winners 28-12. It was the first year that the Ken Allen medal was presented, after 39 years of the Brice Trophy, and Mark Riley from Belmont was judged the best player in the WARL. Best on the ground and Ron Hudson Medal winner was Stephen Fielding. Canning won the reserves Grand Final and South Perth the third grade. The Dave Brown captained, and Russell Devonshire coached, Western Australian State team competed in the Bicentennial Carnival in Gosford and won all before it before dominating the selections in the Affiliated States team that beat Central Coast.
Willagee took out their first top grade minor premiership since entering the first grade competition in 1968 under the coaching of Peter Kennedy. It was a sensational season with South Perth’s loss to Mosman Cottesloe in the last game of the season at Nash Field ensuring Willagee would gain the honour
A ten competition in 1982 which showed the strength of the Perth Competition. In the Premiership Grand Final South Perth clashed with Mosman Cottesloe. The game was a battle with South Perth winning a tight contest 23-20 over a Mosman side who never gave up until the final whistle. Both sides scored 4 tries.The Australian Kangaroos came to play Western Australia in 1982 on the way to a record breaking UK tour. It was a great game with a massive crowd at Cannington Central and Western Australia, to a mammoth cheer from the local crowd, scored first
Mosman Cottesloe and Fremantle each scored 7 tries and 5 goals with the lead changing 12 times. The temperature that day was predicted to be 31 C and the score ended that way 31 all. After two extra 10 minute each way periods of time the teams couldn’t be separated, players were exhausted and the WARL after much discussion declared joint premiers.
A small number of programs and news articles exist for 1977. 1977 saw Cottesloe make the move from Harvey Field after sharing the ground and facilities with Cottesloe Union since 1948. They moved to Nash Field in Mosman Park and changed their name to Mosman-Cottesloe. The Grand Final was played at Wilson Park between Fremantle and South Perth with Fremantle running out winners thus claiming their second premiership in a row by 20-10
Very little programs or newspaper articles exist for 1976. In 1976 the referees association took a stand against the suspension of their President Morris Perrett for being involved in an altercation after the North Beach vs Willagee first grade fixture and all resigned after a Thursday meeting. This action resulted in 3 matches being called off and postponed. League President Jack Mckinnon was confident that replacement referees would be found before the next week’s fixtures. Fremantle won the Grand Final against Canning 13-7 with Geoff Calkin being judged best on the ground and awarded the Ron Hudson Medal.
There are limited programs for 1974. The results have been constructed by trawling thru the newspaper articles we have.Ten teams nominated for the premiership for 1974 with Nollamara-Balga Sharks joining Scarborough, Applecross Mt Pleasant, South Perth, Fremantle, Cottesloe, Victoria Park, North Beach, Willagee and Belmont. Willagee, Nollamarra-Balga and Scarborough dropped back to reserves at the start of the season. North Beach managed to get one over the 1973 Premiers South Perth when it fought back to score two tries in the last 10 minutes of the final to topple South Perth 12-5. Norths five eight Kim Harris Walker scored the match winner with only a few minutes to go. It was a brilliant try and Stuart James made sure of the conversion to put North Beach in front 12-5. Stan Morris the South Perth half back was judged best on the ground while North Beach’s Great Britain International Robert Pearman always worried the South Perth defence. Keith Harris Walker at fullback was safe and stopped many of South Perth’s penetrating runs by Adrian Mitchell and Pat Hazell
Very little information exists for 1972 Applecross Mt Pleasant were Premiers for the seventh time in eleven years when they took out the 1972 Premiership against South Perth 23-10 in front of a capacity crowd at Belmont Oval. John Baguley, son of founding father Frank Baguley, and Olympic athlete scored four tries for the premiers, while Bob King who directed play, and controlled the match from start to finish was awarded the Ron Hudson medal for best on the ground. Souths best player was Dick Kelly, although John Adams played well, but was heavily marked. Dick Kelly and Theo Peters were the try scorers for Souths with Steve Allen kicking two goals. South Perth was actually leading by one point at one stage, but Applecross stepped up a gear, and South Perth could not respond
Limited programs and news items are available for the 1971 season, North Beach celebrated their 21st birthday by taking out the Grand Final against Applecross Mt Pleasant (their 10th appearance in a row) 13-10. This was North Beach’s inaugural First Grade Premiership. Terry Coman was voted the best on the field but that’s where Applecross’s luck finished. Norths defence won them the game and the perfect goal kicking of Bob McAllister. Applecross scored two tries in the first half but in the second half Norths defence kept them scoreless
A few programs and some news items are all that could be found. Two fixture lists for July/August only - no draw. The start of a new decade and the season commenced with eight first grade sides with Scarborough back and Willagee dropping down to reserve grade. Applecross Mt Pleasant started the new decade the way they finished off the sixties with a Grand Final appearance. This time it was their old foes in Victoria Park that they faced off against. The game was marred by mistakes in the first half and Victoria Park through some quick thinking from their half Ken Dywer scored the first points. The game was a tough one and with four points in it part way through the second half it looked like Victoria Park were getting the upper hand. An interception by Brian Draffin sealed the game for Applecross just as Victoria Park looked certain to score. He raced 90 metres to score under the post and with John Lister making no mistake with the goal Applecross lead 17-8 and were home
In 1969 eight clubs contested the First Grade Premiership, Applecross Mt Pleasant, South Perth, Fremantle, Cottesloe, Victoria Park, North Beach, Willagee and Belmont. The season started with Victoria Park clashing with Applecross in the opening game, with the Victoria Park side winning a close one 11-8. Applecross’s defensive game in the Grand Final came to the fore and they held out to win by a solidary point 17-16 against North Beach, their 5th Premiership in 6 years.
The Willagee Club made its debut in the first-grade premiership in 1968 which ensured there was no bye. The season was a thriller with some fantastic games played particularly between Victoria Park and Applecross Mt Pleasant. There is very little information in the way of News articles or programs from the eras 1960-1969, Included is the final ladder , Grand final news report and extract from my book.
Very little news or programs exist for 1967. The Western Australia Senior State Team played South Sydney in 1967. The 1967 season had seven first grade sides in the premiership in Applecross Mt Pleasant, South Perth, Fremantle, Cottesloe, Victoria Park, North Beach and Belmont returning after around 5 years in reserves. The season was highlighted by the close games that were fought out, especially between North Beach and Applecross Mt Pleasant. Applecross won the second semi to move into the Grand final by 6-4 against Norths. In the Grand Final Applecross showed their class to take the game 15-5
No news items and programs have been found for 1966. There was a 6 team first grade competition in 1966. The Premiers were Applecross. The Western Australia Senior State Team played Canterbury Bankstown at Belmont Oval on the 11th September. From all accounts the Western Australia side put up a brave fight to eventually go down 15-9.The State Captain was Noel Williams
Very little information about the WARL first grade seasons exists for the period 1964-1966 apart from some important stats. In 1965 Applecross defeated Fremantle in the Grand Final however it was a close affair with only one try in it. Applecross won 5-4. 1964 - 1966 - Premiers and Minor Premiers - Applecross 1964 & 1966 Club Champions - Fremantle 1965 - Premiers and Minor Premiers - Applecross 1965 - Brice Trophy - Ian White - Fremantle 1965 - Club Champions - Victoria Park In 1965 Western Australia played St George (loss 44-4) on the 26 September at Belmont Oval before a great crowd. Reg Gasnier, Billy Smith, Graeme Langlands and John Raper starred for the St George side. The Western Australia state captain was Brice Trophy winner M Hunt from the South Perth club. There is very little information in the way of News articles or programs from the eras 1960-1969, Included is the final ladders
There are few results from Newspaper or Programs for 1964. The Premiers in 1964 were Applecross who beat Fremantle 15-6 at Belmont Oval with Col Kelly the first grade referee. There was a seven team first grade competition in 1964. Belmont districts remained in reserve grade. In 1964 the Western Australia Senior State Rugby League side played South Australia and Victoria away and an International against France at the WACA ground on the 21st August. The Western Australia Rugby League side defeated SA and Victoria but lost to France in a spirited game 20-2. The Captain of the WA side was Noel Williams (Fremantle) and the Coach was Larry Maloney (Victoria Park).
No news items or programs have been found for this year. The Premiership competition was 7 teams in 1963 with the following first grade clubs returning. Scarborough, North Beach, Applecross-Mt Pleasant, Fremantle, Cottesloe, South Perth and Victoria Park. Belmont dropped back to reserves for the 1963 season. The two grand Final teams were Fremantle and Applecross. This was the start of Applecross Mt Pleasant’s run of 11 Grand Final appearances. Fremantle ran out winners 18-14 and were the 1963 Premiers.The Western Australia Senior State team played South Australia (40-5 Win) and Western Suburbs Magpies (22-55 Loss) in 1963. An important development for the WA Rugby League in 1963 was the adoption of the Black jumper with the gold V for all State teams for the first time while keeping the emblem of the Black Swan
Few news items or programs have been found for this year The WA rugby league landscape changed in 1962 with foundation club Perth demise from the first grade competition and the addition of Scarborough. This made a 8 team competition for 1962. Scarborough were no easy beats and eventually made the semi-finals in their first year going down to Applecross 28-26 in extra time. Frank Astone who was playing centre for Scarborough missed a great opportunity to score in the second half which may well have won the game. Brian Draffin scored a brilliant try in the first half. Victoria Park won the right to go thru to the Grand Final defeating South Perth by 20-10. Victoria Park won the 1962 Premiership. A massive crowd attended WA vs Great Britain at the WACA ground
Few news items or programs have been found for this year. The competition table is incomplete. Fremantle won its first premiership in 11 years when they defeated South Perth 25-7 at Belmont Oval with Doug Cohen officiating. Despite the differences in the scores the game was very entertaining and at times fast and furious. The Western Australia Senior State team played one game in 1961 against Parramatta at Belmont Oval. The score was 40-9 to Parramatta
Few news items or programs have been found for this year. The Western Australia Senior State team played 3 games in 1960 against France, Ashfield (NSW) and Eastern Suburbs.The competition commenced the new decade with the four foundation first grade clubs still competing and North Beach, Belmont, Applecross and Victoria Park making up the eight. Victoria Park beat Applecross in the 1960 Grand Final played at Belmont Oval with Doug Cohen the officiating referee. The competition over the year was extremely even and all sides were competitive.There is very little information in the way of News articles or programs from the eras 1960-1969
There are no results from Newspaper and only a few Programs for 1959. The Western Australia Senior State team played 5 games in 1959 against NSW Country (twice), Illawarra, Group 19, and Albury for 2 wins and three losses. In the game against NSW Country at Belmont Oval. An eight team competition commenced the 1959 season with all the foundation first grade clubs and Belmont, North Beach, Applecross and Victoria Park bringing up the eight.The Grand Final between Victoria Park and South Perth was won by Victoria Park but score is unknown
No results from Newspaper or Programs for 1958 but the Grand final program was saved. South Perth was victorious in the Grand Final over a gallant Victoria Park at Belmont Oval with the score unknown. The competition consisted of seven first grade sides.The Western Australia Senior State team played Great Britain-23-69.Balmain-0-48. Nth Sydney (L) and Perth Metro played Balmain for a 51-8 Loss. The State Captain was Bill Hillier, Canning and the State Coach was Jack McKinnon from Applecross
In the Jubilee year of Rugby League in Australia the WARL First Grade competition consisted of Fremantle, South Perth, Cottesloe, Perth, Victoria Park, and Belmont. The 1957 Brice Trophy award was won by Malcolm Cole from the Belmont Club. Western Australia played North Sydney and Great Britain in 1957 at the WACA ground
No results from Newspaper or Programs for 1956. Victoria Park, who came into the First grade Premiership competition in 1951, won the Grand Final against South Perth 15-9 at Belmont Oval. They had previously featured in the Grand Final in 1953 where they had lost to South Perth but this time they made no mistake.The Western Australian Senior State team played two games in 1956 against Northern Territory on the 3rd June and 13th June winning both. Northern Territory played 2 more games on tour against Perth Metropolitan on the 2nd (a win to NT) and 4th June. This was the first State games (and Perth City games) ever against Northern Territory and paved the way for a rivalry that still exists today.
No results from Newspaper or Programs for 1955 but the Grand final program was saved. The earliest the History web site has in possession. Six teams competed in the First Grade Premiership with Palmyra and Applecross preferring to stay in the Metropolitan open first grade competition. In a thrill a minute final, this had both teams in a kicking duel for the lead, resulted in Cottesloe’s forward Mayhew scoring in the last 10 minutes to give his team a one point lead 9-8. Bob Williams was the best player on the field and had a chance to put South Perth ahead in the closing stages but missed the goal. In the Grand Final at East Fremantle Oval against Perth Cottesloe lead 10-5 at half time with the league’s best kicker Bob Sampson kicking 5 goals. After half time Mayhew scored a try and Sampson goaled and Cottesloe from then on did not let Perth into the game.
The First Grade competition in 1954 decreased by two sides with Applecross and Palmyra, both playing out of Melville Oval, dropping back into the Open first grade competition which consisted of Mt Pleasant, Hellenics, North Beach and Northern Suburbs. Canning Districts, playing out of Langley Park,but also Weston Street Reserve Mannington, moved into the First Grade Premiership which made a six team competition
The Premiership expanded out to eight sides with Fremantle and Applecross fielding stand-alone first grade sides in 1953. Reserves and thirds also consisted of an 8 team competition A Metropolitan League was established with clubs Balmoral. Hellenics, Mt Pleasant, Midland and Canning Districts participating
The competition expanded in 1951 losing Eastern Suburbs but gaining Nedlands and Victoria Park which made seven sides in the premiership. The Reserve grade competition expanded with 11 sides competing within an A and B Division with that Division comprising clubs from North Beach (future first grade Club), Northern Suburbs, Southern Districts, Canning Districts and Eastern Suburbs
Into the new decade and the Western Australia senior competition gained one new first grade side Northern Suburbs Bulldogs (although they only lasted 2 games) , A number of clubs were however formed joining future first grade club Victoria Park who joined in 1949. Eastern Suburbs changed their colours from all Black to Maroon and Gold and Applecross stuck to the Blue colours of Newtown
The First season of rugby league in Western Australia kicked off on the 17th April at the Esplanade. The teams were a combined side consisting of players from Fremantle, Cottesloe, South Perth, Perth and Palmyra. Perth Districts beat Fremantle Districts 24-17. Five teams made up the First Grade Senior competition for 1948 being Fremantle, South Perth, Cottesloe, Perth and Palmyra who withdrew after 2 games
