Welcome
Through the generous support of Lotterywest, the Perth Football League welcomes you to our history as we commemorate in 2021 our 100th year.
Beginning in 1922, the League has grown from a small six team competition played amongst local businesses to be the single largest football league in Western Australia with 300 teams and 12,000 players.
The League caters for men as young as 16 and women 17 years and above to provide a quality high standard competition whilst accommodating considerable volunteer personnel and social supporters.
For many players, the League provides a superior football competition for those not wishing to endure the commitment to semi-elite football due to study commitments, career commitments or simply a lifestyle that considers football as a recreational pursuit.
The League is also the beginning point for many well known WAFL and AFL personnel, starting their careers in amateur football and becoming the football champions of tomorrow.
This site captures the premiers, award winners, clubs, characters and stories of our League.
Timeline
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League formed 19th March 1922 as the Mercantile Football Association at the instigation of WANFL Secretary W.R. (Billy) Orr. Six senior mens teams played three matches on the 6th May 1922 at the Showgrounds, Zoo Grounds and Victoria Park.”
“Renamed Perth Districts Football Association.
Teacher’s College win a hat-trick of premierships between 1924-26.”
“Renamed WA Amateur Football Association.”
“First WA state team travel to Adelaide to play in Australian amateur football carnival.”
“14 teams competed in a single division.”
“17 teams graded into A and B divisions.”
“WWII, no competition.”
“UWA first club to field more than one team.”
“C division introduced.”
“Colts (U/20) introduced.”
“University & Wembley dominate A-Grade with 17 premierships between them.”
“Renamed WA Amateur Football League.
75 teams in 8 divisions.”
“Sunday amateur division introduced.”
“100th team playing.”
“150 teams in 12 senior mens and 3 colt divisions.”
“Mt Lawley dominate the next 10 years winning 7 A-Grade premierships.”
“55 clubs, 159 teams in 12 senior mens and 4 colt grades.”
“Carlisle, Curtin, Innaloo, Melville and Mount Lawley field teams in newly established WA Womens Football League.”
“WA win Australian Amateur Football Carnival in Perth.”
“North Beach win the first of 10 A-Grade premierships over the next 12 years. Winning 7 in a row between 2004 and 2010”
“WA lose to Victoria by 173 points, triggering state football to be restricted to U23s.”
“Integrated Football for players with an intellectual disability launched.”
“Remaining Sunday Football League teams join as that league disbands.
Hall of Champions introduced.”
“Amateur reinstatement rule abolished.”
“All of Kingsway’s five teams win premierships (C1, C1 Reserves, Ian Dargie Colts, E3, Integrated)”
“16 teams join newly created WA Amateur Football League Women’s competition.”
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Rebranded Perth Football League.
Player Points System introduced.
Women’s competition grows to 25 teams.”
“COVID-19 pandemic reduces season to 9 rounds.
69 clubs, 261 teams (166 Men’s, 48 Colts, 37 Women’s, 10 Integrated) in 28 grades.”
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Competition rebounds with 69 clubs fielding 298 teams (179 Men’s, 55 Colts, 53 Women’s, 11 Integrated) in 31 grades.”
Notable Amateurs
Acknowledgements:
The League wish to express our appreciation to the contributors to this site: Nat Couch, Jess Pelletier, Cameron Palmer, Billie Armstrong, John Davies, Neil Donaldson, Chris Egan, Derek Mott, Paul Giamov, Amelia Farrington, Tenille Archer, Jordyn Lilford, Brad Willey.