1922

Humble Start

On the 19th March 1922 at the Western Australian National Football League (WANFL) headquarters, when at the instigation of W.R (Billy) Orr then Secretary of the WANFL (now West Australian Football Commission), the Mercantile Football Association was formed.

Prior to this, social football matches had been played between teams from various business houses. It was agreed at this meeting that a properly organised competition should be conducted.

At that meeting W.R Orr was elected President. Mr P Hood (from Chas Moore & Co) was elected as Honorary Secretary.

At the meeting there were representatives from Sandovers, Malloch Bros, Foy & Gibson, Commonwealth Bank, Wigg & Son, and Chas Moore & Co. The meeting decided that Wigg & Son amalgamate with Chas Moore & Co and Sandovers with Brennan Bros with two delegates from each club.

The inaugural clubs were Malloch Bros (Blue and white hoops), Foy & Gibson (Black and gold), Commonwealth Bank (Blue and gold bands), Moores & Wiggs (Navy with red V), and Sandovers & Brennan Bros (Green and white).

At a later meeting, an amalgamated team from Faulding and WD & HO Wills were admitted making the sixth team for the Association.

Most teams were department stores. Chas Moore & Co, Foy & Gibson, Brennan Bros, Sandovers and Mallochs were industrial suppliers. Wigg & Son were stationers and paper merchants. Fauldings were wholesalers and WD & HO Wills cigarette distributers.

As teams were linked with Perth business houses, an application to join the Association from Osborne Park Football Club was rejected as it was not representative of a “mercantile” house.

A Finance Committee was formed comprising Mr W.D Bevis (Foy & Gibson), Mr Bolt (Commonwealth Bank) and Mr W.J Lulham (Malloch Bros).

• Affiliation fees per team was ten and six pence (10/6d = $1.05).

• The registration of players for each team ceased after the first round of matches for the season.

• All players had to be employees of that business or company to play in the Association.

• Delegates at meetings had the right to approve or not approve applications for registration as a playing member of a team.

• Umpires applications were called for and a fee of 15 shillings (15/- = $2.50) per match set. Each team to pay half of the umpire’s fee.

• Winning teams had to notify the Association by Monday after the match of the result.

• All scores and match results were read and passed on the motion of delegates at meetings.

• Any player who appeared in bare or stocking feet were subject to a five shilling (5/- = 50c) fine.

• Footballs varied in price with the “Match” costing 13’6 ($1.35), the “YAL” 15’6 ($1.55) and the “Western” 21’ ($2.10).

In brilliant weather, the first round of fixtures commenced 6th May 1922, the same day as the WANFL. The following matches were played:

• Sandovers vs Foys (Zoo Ground)

• Moores/Wiggs vs Commonwealth Bank (Victoria Park)

• Fauldings/Wills vs Mallochs/Brennans (Royal Show Grounds - South)

The grounds played during the year were Royal Show Grounds (South and North), Victoria Park, Forrest Park and Zoo Grounds.

Several clubs had their teams listed in The West Australian Friday’s edition. In the first round, the Malloch - Brennan listed players were instructed to catch the 2.05pm train from Perth for their match against Fauldings-Wills at the Royal Show Grounds - South.

After the third match, delegates successfully moved that one of the three umpires be replaced.

The first forfeited match was recorded after the eighth round by Faulding-Wills. The field umpires fee of seven and sixpence (7/6 = 75c) was debited to the offending club.

From mid-June, the Association changed the match time. The first two quarters being 25 minutes each and the last two quarters being 20 minutes each.

At the end of the season, Messrs Hugo Fisher donated a cup for the premiership team. Hugo Fisher Pty Ltd were sports goods manufacturers in Perth who also manufactured the ‘Fischer’ football.

A newspaper strike from 22nd August 1922 to 22nd September 1922 prevented any further information about the season being printed.

League Minutes (including inaugural Meeting 19th March 1922)