2002

New CEO
Ron Webster appointed Executive Officer after unexpected resignation of Bob Stow.

Financial strains
Clubs finding it difficult to meet the ever-escalating cost of running an amateur sporting club.  Increases in insurance, ground hire, a moderate umpires pay rise adding to the already burdening workers compensation account plus the 10% GST applied to all cost has put many clubs, their officials, players and supporters at breaking point when they have to increase membership and match day fees.  The WAAFL Board of Management is regularly called upon with schemes of arrangements to enable clubs to operate.  With the possibilities of cost increases for the 2003 season, the WAAFL is working towards pruning the budget where possible, new sponsorship arrangements, fundraising initiatives as well as outright cuts.  All this has to be done without lowering the high standard required by the clubs to participate and the League’s Board and staff to operate efficiently.

State football
State and representative football had mixed success.  The colts team, coached by Jeff Miller, performing creditably in their games.  The senior team found tough opposition in their outings against WACFL and SAAFL under the direction of coach Gerard McNeil supported by Ross Glendinning. 

Umpires
Amateur Football Umpire Coaching Panel consisted of Trevor Garrett (Field), Paul Smith (Goal), Des Quilley (Boundary), Stewart Tempest (Fitness) , ably supported by Dennis Miller, again maintained a high level of performance by panel umpires. Club Umpires were assisted by Bruce Wheatland, who was also the Schools Co-ordinator, with a significantly high standard evident during the season. The high schools umpire scheme is in its sixth season with over 80 students from 7 schools sharing boundary umpiring duties each week. A major concern is the requirement to retain and recruit umpires in all areas for our needs.

PREMIERS, LADDERS & MEDALLISTS

AWARDS

Champion Club (West Australian Newspapers Trophy)
Warnbro Swans

Champion Colts Club (T. K Naylor Award)
University A

SEASON STATS

Clubs: 47