Timeline
Take a journey through the fascinating evolution of football in Western Australia.
The game has come a long way since the days when goals were indicted by a pile of clothes on an unmarked paddock.
Our timeline provides a snapshot of football through the ages, highlighting the key events, players and moments that have shaped the game in this State.
A very fair success for a first attempt
Football quickly evolves from informal kickabouts to structured League and Cup competitions. Senior, junior and referee’s associations are established. Pioneer administrators Robert White and Aleck Peters are recognised. The State teams make their first appearances.
The prospects for the coming season are very bright
As Western Australia recovers from WW1, regional football takes off. An attempt to establish a home for football fails. Victoria Park and Caledonian dominate the scene. Harold Boys, Wally Gardiner and Syd Hinton emerge as our first internationals.
A breakaway movement is NOT the remedy
The face of football is changed by European migrants. Women’s football takes it tentative first steps. Ron Adair captains Australia. John McInroy sets new goalscoring records. Unrest with the games’ administration sparks the formation of semi-professional football.
A radical change in our international relations
Western Australia branches out into Asia. Organised women’s football arrives. Interest in the junior game explodes. Sandra Brentnall creates Australian football history. A sustained period of growth and stability is followed by upheaval.
The sleeping giant has awakened
A new level of professionalism enters football. West Australian’s leave their mark on the world stage. Perth Glory take the national league by storm. Perth SC sweep all before them. A single administration oversees all aspects of the game.
A new and exciting era
Participation numbers sky rocket. Samantha Kerr emerges as one of the world’s greats. New attendance records are set, then smashed. Football finally finds a home.
