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{{short description|Australian rules football season}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2017}}
{{Use Australian English|date=December 2017}}
{{Infobox Australian rules football season
{{Infobox Australian rules football season
| competition = wafl
| competition = wafl
Line 6: Line 9:
| caption =
| caption =
| teams = 8
| teams = 8
| premiers = {{WAFL EP}}
| premiers = {{WAFL|EP}}
| count = 9
| count = 9
| minor premiers = {{WAFL EP}}
| minor premiers = {{WAFL|EP}}
| mpcount = 8
| mpcount = 8
| matches =
| matches =
| attendance =
| attendance =
| highattend =
| highattend =
| top goal scorer = [[Alan Watts (footballer)|Alan Watts]] ({{WAFL EP}})
| top goal scorer = [[Alan Watts (footballer)|Alan Watts]] ({{WAFL|EP}})
| sandover medal = [[Jim Davies (footballer)|Jim Davies]] ({{WAFL SD}})
| sandover medal = [[Jim Davies (footballer)|Jim Davies]] ({{WAFL|SD}})
| prevseason = [[1943 WANFL season|1943]]
| prevseason = [[1943 WANFL season|1943]]
| nextseason = [[1945 WANFL season|1945]] (Open-Age)
| nextseason = [[1945 WANFL season|1945]] (Open-Age)
}}
}}
The '''1944 WANFL season''' was the sixtieth season of the various incarnations of the [[West Australian Football League|Western Australian National Football League]]. Consequent upon the improved fortunes [[Allies of World War II|of the Allies]] in the [[Pacific War]],<ref name="Tigers">Casey, Kevin (1995); ''The Tigers’ Tale: the origins and history of the Claremont Football Club''; Claremont Football Club; pp. 55-56. ISBN 0646264982</ref> the league’s decision to restrict football to those under nineteen as of 1 October become somewhat controversial, but the WANFL after much debate during the early weeks of the season decided it would not raise the age limit or even as West Perth suggested allow four 1943 players over the limit to play.<ref>‘Football: Age-Limit Question – League President’s Views’; ''[[The West Australian]]'', 19 May 1944, p. 2</ref> This meant that a large number of players who had been mainstays in the 1942 and 1943 seasons were no longer eligible to play, and as in 1943 a number of players still eligible were erratically available due to service in the war.
The '''1944 WANFL season''' was the 60th season of the various incarnations of the [[West Australian Football League|Western Australian National Football League]]. Consequent upon the improved fortunes [[Allies of World War II|of the Allies]] in the [[Pacific War]],<ref name="Tigers">{{cite book|last=Casey|first=Kevin|year=1995|title=The Tigers’ Tale: the origins and history of the Claremont Football Club|publisher=Claremont Football Club|pages=55-56|isbn=0646264982}}</ref> the league's decision to restrict football to those under nineteen as of 1 October become somewhat controversial, but the WANFL after much debate during the early weeks of the season decided it would not raise the age limit or even as West Perth suggested allow four 1943 players over the limit to play.<ref>{{cite news|title=Football: Age-Limit Question – League President’s Views|work=[[The West Australian]]|date=19 May 1944|page=2}}</ref> This meant that a large number of players who had been mainstays in the 1942 and 1943 seasons were no longer eligible to play, and as in 1943 a number of players still eligible were erratically available due to service in the war.


The 1944 season is notable for the first [[perfect season]] in the history of Western Australian league football, by East Perth. Under the coaching of former forward Cecil Rowland an exceptionally powerful core of players was developed from 1942 and 1943 mainstays including Frank Allen, Ken Wimbridge, Ray Perry, John “Todge” Campbell and Ron Brentnall, joined by outstanding talents in full-forward Alan Watts, key position player Jim Washbourne and injury-plagued but talented rover Norm Gibbney.<ref name="Royals">East, Alan (editor); ''The Royals – 100 Years of Tradition: A History of the East Perth Football Club''; pp. 54-57. Published 2006 by East Perth Football Club, Limited</ref> So well-equipped were the Royals that they did not suffer during the finals from the loss of best-and-fairest Campbell, ruckman Brentnall and Ron Frankish – instead fitting Northam defender Jack Leadbitter and Wesley rover Ernie England for their only games of the season and losing nothing in efficiency.<ref name="Royals"/> At the other end of the ladder, South Fremantle, already last in 1943, lost their only class players in [[Frank Treasure]] and [[Eric Eriksson (Australian footballer)|Erik Eriksson]] and became the first team since [[Midland Junction Football Club|Midland Junction]] in 1917 to lose every match. The red and whites in fact never led during the second half in any of their nineteen matches, and officials were so desperate that a meeting of former players was called mid-season to revive the club’s on-field fortunes<ref>See ‘Easy Task for E. Perth’; ''The Daily News'', 30 June 1944, p.9</ref> – to no effect.
The 1944 season is notable for the first [[perfect season]] in the history of Western Australian league football, by East Perth. Under the coaching of former forward Cecil Rowland an exceptionally powerful core of players was developed from 1942 and 1943 mainstays including Frank Allen, Ken Wimbridge, Ray Perry, John “Todge” Campbell and Ron Brentnall, joined by outstanding talents in full-forward Alan Watts, key position player Jim Washbourne and injury-plagued but talented rover Norm Gibbney.<ref name="Royals">{{cite book|editor-last=East|editor-first=Alan|title=The Royals – 100 Years of Tradition: A History of the East Perth Football Club|pages=54-57|year=2006|publisher=East Perth Football Club, Limited}}</ref> So well-equipped were the Royals that they did not suffer during the finals from the loss of best-and-fairest Campbell, ruckman Brentnall and Ron Frankish – instead fitting Northam defender Jack Leadbitter and Wesley rover Ernie England for their only games of the season and losing nothing in efficiency.<ref name="Royals"/> At the other end of the ladder, South Fremantle, already last in 1943, lost their only class players in [[Frank Treasure]] and [[Eric Eriksson (Australian footballer)|Erik Eriksson]] and became the first team since [[Midland Junction Football Club|Midland Junction]] in 1917 to lose every match. The red and whites in fact never led during the second half in any of their nineteen matches, and officials were so desperate that a meeting of former players was called mid-season to revive the club's on-field fortunes<ref>See {{cite news|title=Easy Task for E. Perth|work=The Daily News|date=30 June 1944|page=9}}</ref> – to no effect.


Apart from South Fremantle’s winless season, Claremont suffered a huge loss when Claremont Oval, which had been their home ground since 1927, had its grandstand completely burnt down in a fire at 5:11 a.m. on 28 July.<ref name="claremontfire">‘Claremont Fire – Oval Grandstand Lost: Football Club Suffers’; ''[[The West Australian]]'', 29 July 1944, p. 3</ref> In the fire, which was estimated to have cost a total of [[Australian pound|£]]3000, all the records, jerseys and training equipment were lost,<ref name="Tigers"/> and Claremont were forced to play home matches at Subiaco Oval and the W.A.C.A. until 1948,{{ref label|showgrounds|a|a}} despite financial donations by [[Collingwood Football Club|Collingwood]] to help rebuild the grandstand.<ref>‘Collingwood Sends Cheque to Claremont’; ''The Daily News'', 19 August 1944, p. 4</ref> The Tigers had to take the field in several games wearing East Perth guernseys, and suffered from the loss of key players such as Robin Farmer, consequently falling to second-last on the ladder.
Apart from South Fremantle's winless season, Claremont suffered a huge loss when Claremont Oval, which had been their home ground since 1927, had its grandstand completely burnt down in a fire at 5:11 a.m. on 28 July.<ref name="claremontfire">{{cite news|title=Claremont Fire – Oval Grandstand Lost: Football Club Suffers|work=[[The West Australian]]|date=29 July 1944|page=3}}</ref> In the fire, which was estimated to have cost a total of [[Australian pound|£]]3000, all the records, jerseys and training equipment were lost,<ref name="Tigers"/> and Claremont were forced to play home matches at Subiaco Oval and the W.A.C.A. until 1948,{{efn|The [[Claremont Showground]], which would ordinarily have been available as an alternative Tiger home venue, was [[commandeering|commandeered]] by the military between 1940 and 1944, and itself burned in a fire in January 1945.<ref>{{cite news|title=Showgrounds Fire: Public Stand Gutted – Handicap to Society|work=The West Australian|date=6 January 1945|page=6}}</ref>}} despite financial donations by [[Collingwood Football Club|Collingwood]] to help rebuild the grandstand.<ref>{{cite news|title=Collingwood Sends Cheque to Claremont|work=The Daily News|date=19 August 1944|page=4}}</ref> The Tigers had to take the field in several games wearing East Perth guernseys, and suffered from the loss of key players like Robin Farmer, consequently falling to second-last on the ladder.


==Home-and-away Season==
==Home-and-away season==
===Round 1===
===Round 1===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 1}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 1}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|6.17 (53)|A|{{WAFL Per}}|8.18 (66)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Perth Beat Subiaco’; ''[[The Daily News (Perth, Western Australia)|The Daily News]]'', 13 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|6.17 (53)|A|{{WAFL|Per}}|8.18 (66)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth Beat Subiaco|work=[[The Daily News (Perth, Western Australia)|The Daily News]]|date=13 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|41.30 (276)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|3.2 (20)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘Huge Score by East Perth’; ''The Daily News'', 13 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|41.30 (276)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|3.2 (20)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Huge Score by East Perth|work=The Daily News|date=13 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|16.19 (115)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|5.4 (34)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘East Fremantle Trounce Claremont’; ''The Daily News'', 13 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|16.19 (115)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|5.4 (34)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Fremantle Trounce Claremont|work=The Daily News|date=13 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|9.16 (70)|H|{{WAFL SD}}|10.6 (66)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘Wests Win Narrowly’; ''The Daily News'', 13 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|9.16 (70)|H|{{WAFL|SD}}|10.6 (66)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Wests Win Narrowly|work=The Daily News|date=13 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=*East Perth’s mammoth win sets numerous records:
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=East Perth’s mammoth win sets numerous records:
#The biggest winning margin in WA(N)FL history, beating [[North Fremantle Football Club|North Fremantle]]’s 164-point win over Subiaco from 1902.<ref>[http://australianfootball.com/seasons/biggest_wins/WAFL_129 West Australian Football League: Biggest Wins]</ref>
#The biggest winning margin in WA(N)FL history, beating [[North Fremantle Football Club|North Fremantle]]’s 164-point win over Subiaco from 1902.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://australianfootball.com/seasons/biggest_wins/WAFL_129 |title=West Australian Football League: Biggest Wins |access-date=14 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226205948/http://australianfootball.com/seasons/biggest_wins/WAFL_129 |archive-date=26 December 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
#The highest score in WANFL history, beating Claremont’s 33.22 (220) against Swan Districts in 1940.<ref>[http://australianfootball.com/seasons/highest_scores/WAFL_129 West Australian Football League: Highest Scores]</ref>
#The highest score in WANFL history, beating Claremont’s 33.22 (220) against Swan Districts in 1940.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://australianfootball.com/seasons/highest_scores/WAFL_129 |title=West Australian Football League: Highest Scores |access-date=14 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224112148/http://australianfootball.com/seasons/highest_scores/WAFL_129 |archive-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
#The most points in the first quarter of a WANFL match – a record beaten later in the season.<ref name="quarters">[http://waflfootyfacts.net/QtrHalfRecords.html#2 WAFL Footy Facts: Quarters and Halves]</ref>
#The most points in the first quarter of a WANFL match – a record beaten later in the season.<ref name="quarters">{{Cite web |url=http://waflfootyfacts.net/QtrHalfRecords.html |title=WAFL Footy Facts: Quarters and Halves |access-date=14 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104071109/http://waflfootyfacts.net/QtrHalfRecords.html#2 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
#South Fremantle become the first WA(N)FL team to lose three consecutive games by over 100 points – an ignominy they would suffer twice further this season but which no other club would equal until 1958.<ref name="100+losses">[http://waflfootyfacts.net/streaks_all_teams.html#ConsecutiveLossesOver100 WAFL Footy Facts: Consecutive Losses by 100+]</ref>
#South Fremantle become the first WA(N)FL team to lose three consecutive games by over 100 points – an ignominy they would suffer twice further this season but which no other club would equal until 1958.<ref name="100+losses">{{Cite web |url=http://waflfootyfacts.net/streaks_all_teams.html |title=WAFL Footy Facts: Consecutive Losses by 100+ |access-date=14 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415054014/http://waflfootyfacts.net/streaks_all_teams.html#ConsecutiveLossesOver100 |archive-date=15 April 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
#Alan Watts kicked sixteen goals for East Perth, which remains a record for the Royals in any match,<ref>[http://waflfootyfacts.net/Teams/EastPerth/EastPerth_vsgamer.html WAFL Footy Facts: East Perth v Each Opponent]</ref> and forward pocket Harry Outridge and “Todge” Campbell kicked eight apiece.}}
#Alan Watts kicked sixteen goals for East Perth, which remains a record for the Royals in any match,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://waflfootyfacts.net/Teams/EastPerth/EastPerth_vsgamer.html |title=WAFL Footy Facts: East Perth v Each Opponent |access-date=14 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017163754/http://waflfootyfacts.net/Teams/EastPerth/EastPerth_vsgamer.html |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and forward pocket Harry Outridge and “Todge” Campbell kicked eight apiece.}}

===Round 2===
===Round 2===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 2}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 2}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|9.14 (68)|H|{{WAFL WP}}|9.9 (63)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘East Perth Win a Great Game’; ''The Daily News'', 20 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|9.14 (68)|H|{{WAFL|WP}}|9.9 (63)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Perth Win a Great Game|work=The Daily News|date=20 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|12.5 (77)|A|{{WAFL EF}}|14.10 (94)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘Old Easts Win Well’; ''The Daily News'', 20 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|12.5 (77)|A|{{WAFL|EF}}|14.10 (94)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts Win Well|work=The Daily News|date=20 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|22.11 (143)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|9.3 (57)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘South Overwhelmed’; ''The Daily News'', 20 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|22.11 (143)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|9.3 (57)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Overwhelmed|work=The Daily News|date=20 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Cla}}|9.4 (58)|A|{{WAFL Sub}}|13.19 (97)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>‘Subiaco Best Claremont’; ''The Daily News'', 20 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Cla}}|9.4 (58)|A|{{WAFL|Sub}}|13.19 (97)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Subiaco Best Claremont|work=The Daily News|date=20 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Following upon their record score, East Perth are nearly brought to earth by West Perth, with only a late goal from Outridge ensuring a victory that would prove their closest shave for the season.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Following upon their record score, East Perth are nearly brought to earth by West Perth, with only a late goal from Outridge ensuring a victory that would prove their closest shave for the season.}}

===Round 3===
===Round 3===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 3}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 3}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|9.12 (66)|A|{{WAFL Cla}}|9.15 (69)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘Claremont’s Last Quarter Win’; ''The Daily News'', 27 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|9.12 (66)|A|{{WAFL|Cla}}|9.15 (69)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Claremont’s Last Quarter Win|work=The Daily News|date=27 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SF}}|8.10 (58)|A|{{WAFL WP}}|17.12 (114)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘South Downed Again’; ''The Daily News'', 27 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SF}}|8.10 (58)|A|{{WAFL|WP}}|17.12 (114)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Downed Again|work=The Daily News|date=27 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|10.9 (69)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|16.5 (101)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>‘Forwards Get E. Perth Home’; ''The Daily News'', 27 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|10.9 (69)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|16.5 (101)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Forwards Get E. Perth Home|work=The Daily News|date=27 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Sub}}|14.15 (99)|H|{{WAFL EF}}|10.8 (68)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Old Easts Badly Beaten’; ''The Daily News'', 27 May 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|14.15 (99)|H|{{WAFL|EF}}|10.8 (68)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts Badly Beaten|work=The Daily News|date=27 May 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Alan Watts kicks eleven goals straight to comfortably win a match where Swans matched their powerful rivals in general play.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Alan Watts kicks eleven goals straight to comfortably win a match where Swans matched their powerful rivals in general play.}}

===Round 4===
===Round 4===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 4}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 4}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|11.11 (77)|H|{{WAFL Sub}}|9.10 (64)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘Wests Recover to Win’; ''The Daily News'', 3 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|11.11 (77)|H|{{WAFL|Sub}}|9.10 (64)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Wests Recover to Win|work=The Daily News|date=3 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|8.12 (60)|H|{{WAFL Per}}|7.11 (53)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>‘Swan Down Perth’; ''The Daily News'', 3 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|8.12 (60)|H|{{WAFL|Per}}|7.11 (53)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Swan Down Perth|work=The Daily News|date=3 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Cla}}|8.8 (56)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|14.25 (109)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘E. Perth Still Unbeaten’; ''The Daily News'', 3 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Cla}}|8.8 (56)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|14.25 (109)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=E. Perth Still Unbeaten|work=The Daily News|date=3 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|11.12 (78)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|9.5 (59)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘South Improve’; ''The Daily News'', 3 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|11.12 (78)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|9.5 (59)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Improve|work=The Daily News|date=3 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=A burst of five goals in ten minutes places South Fremantle within four points of their local rivals, but they fail to go on and this proves their solitary chance of a win for the season.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=A burst of five goals in ten minutes places South Fremantle within four points of their local rivals, but they fail to go on and this proves their solitary chance of a win for the season.}}

===Round 5===
===Round 5===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 5}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 5}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Sub}}|27.22 (184)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|5.7 (37)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Tonkinson 11 Goals’; ''The Daily News'', 10 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|27.22 (184)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|5.7 (37)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Tonkinson 11 Goals|work=The Daily News|date=10 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Cla}}|13.18 (96)|H|{{WAFL SD}}|10.12 (72)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>‘Claremont’s Dash’; ''The Daily News'', 10 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Cla}}|13.18 (96)|H|{{WAFL|SD}}|10.12 (72)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Claremont’s Dash|work=The Daily News|date=10 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|16.21 (117)|H|{{WAFL Per}}|9.8 (62)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘E. Perth Win Fluctuating Game’; ''The Daily News'', 10 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|16.21 (117)|H|{{WAFL|Per}}|9.8 (62)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=E. Perth Win Fluctuating Game|work=The Daily News|date=10 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|8.22 (70)|H|{{WAFL WP}}|7.10 (52)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘Old Easts Beat West in Exciting Game’; ''The Daily News'', 10 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|8.22 (70)|H|{{WAFL|WP}}|7.10 (52)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts Beat West in Exciting Game|work=The Daily News|date=10 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=*Despite the absence of key rovers David Muir and Frank Evans, Perth kick 7.4 (46) against the powerful Royal defence, but with Campbell kicking eight goals are gradually overwhelmed.
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=*Despite the absence of key rovers David Muir and Frank Evans, Perth kick 7.4 (46) against the powerful Royal defence, but with Campbell kicking eight goals are gradually overwhelmed.
*Subiaco’s score, as South Fremantle return to their exceptionally weak opening-round form, was their highest in the WA(N)FL until 1984.<ref>[http://australianfootball.com/clubs/highest_scores/Subiaco/238/129 Subiaco: Highest Scores]</ref> Ernie Tonkinson kicked eleven goals and Hughes eight.}}
*Subiaco’s score, as South Fremantle return to their exceptionally weak opening-round form, was their highest in the WA(N)FL until 1984.<ref>[http://australianfootball.com/clubs/highest_scores/Subiaco/238/129 Subiaco: Highest Scores]</ref> Ernie Tonkinson kicked eleven goals and Hughes eight.}}

===Round 6===
===Round 6===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 6}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 6}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|10.7 (67)|A|{{WAFL EF}}|12.11 (83)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘Old Easts Again Win’; ''The Daily News'', 17 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|10.7 (67)|A|{{WAFL|EF}}|12.11 (83)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts Again Win|work=The Daily News|date=17 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Sub}}|11.10 (76)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|11.20 (86)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘East Perth Pushed Hard to Beat Suby’; ''The Daily News'', 17 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|11.10 (76)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|11.20 (86)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Perth Pushed Hard to Beat Suby|work=The Daily News|date=17 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|18.15 (123)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|3.5 (23)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘W. Perth Swamp Claremont’; ''The Daily News'', 17 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|18.15 (123)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|3.5 (23)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=W. Perth Swamp Claremont|work=The Daily News|date=17 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SF}}|5.8 (38)|A|{{WAFL Per}}|14.26 (110)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘Perth’s Runaway Win’; ''The Daily News'', 17 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SF}}|5.8 (38)|A|{{WAFL|Per}}|14.26 (110)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth’s Runaway Win|work=The Daily News|date=17 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=East Perth again recover from being jumped by the opponent to win, despite a brilliant eight-goal effort from Ernie Tonkinson.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=East Perth again recover from being jumped by the opponent to win, despite a brilliant eight-goal effort from Ernie Tonkinson.}}

===Round 7===
===Round 7===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 7}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 7}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|11.8 (74)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|12.17 (89)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Old Easts’ Brilliant, Futile Rally’; ''The Daily News'', 24 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|11.8 (74)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|12.17 (89)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts’ Brilliant, Futile Rally|work=The Daily News|date=24 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|6.15 (51)|A|{{WAFL WP}}|13.20 (98)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘W. Perth’s Solid Win’; ''The Daily News'', 24 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|6.15 (51)|A|{{WAFL|WP}}|13.20 (98)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=W. Perth’s Solid Win|work=The Daily News|date=24 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|12.8 (80)|A|{{WAFL Sub}}|12.22 (94)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>‘Close Game’; ''The Daily News'', 24 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|12.8 (80)|A|{{WAFL|Sub}}|12.22 (94)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Close Game|work=The Daily News|date=24 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Cla}}|21.21 (147)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|10.8 (68)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>‘Mont Romp Over South’; ''The Daily News'', 24 June 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Cla}}|21.21 (147)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|10.8 (68)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Mont Romp Over South|work=The Daily News|date=24 June 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=}}

===Round 8===
===Round 8===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 8}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 8}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|9.14 (68)|H|{{WAFL WP}}|8.10 (58)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>‘Swans Win Well in Bad Weather’; ''The Daily News'', 1 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|9.14 (68)|H|{{WAFL|WP}}|8.10 (58)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Swans Win Well in Bad Weather|work=The Daily News|date=1 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Cla}}|8.16 (64)|H|{{WAFL EF}}|8.9 (57)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>‘Mont, Old Easts Nearly Level’; ''The Daily News'', 1 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Cla}}|8.16 (64)|H|{{WAFL|EF}}|8.9 (57)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=‘Mont, Old Easts Nearly Level|work=The Daily News|date=1 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|6.11 (47)|H|{{WAFL Sub}}|5.3 (33)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘Perth Beat Suby Again’; ''The Daily News'', 1 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|6.11 (47)|H|{{WAFL|Sub}}|5.3 (33)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth Beat Suby Again|work=The Daily News|date=1 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SF}}|2.3 (15)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|17.16 (118)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘E. Perth’s Big Margin’; ''The Daily News'', 1 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SF}}|2.3 (15)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|17.16 (118)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=E. Perth’s Big Margin|work=The Daily News|date=1 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=In shocking conditions due to heavy rain<ref>[http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_display_type=dataDGraph&p_stn_num=009034&p_nccObsCode=136&p_month=07&p_startYear=1944 Perth Regional Office (009034) July 1944 rainfall]</ref> and strong winds, South Fremantle, devoid of talent in attack all season, for the first of three times kick the lowest WA(N)FL score since Subiaco’s 1.2 (8) against the Royals in 1920.<ref name="leaguelowest">[http://australianfootball.com/seasons/lowest_scores/WAFL_129 West Australian Football League: Lowest Scores]</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=In shocking conditions due to heavy rain<ref>[http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_display_type=dataDGraph&p_stn_num=009034&p_nccObsCode=136&p_month=07&p_startYear=1944 Perth Regional Office (009034) July 1944 rainfall]</ref> and strong winds, South Fremantle, devoid of talent in attack all season, for the first of three times kick the lowest WA(N)FL score since Subiaco’s 1.2 (8) against the Royals in 1920.<ref name="leaguelowest">{{Cite web |url=http://australianfootball.com/seasons/lowest_scores/WAFL_129 |title=West Australian Football League: Lowest Scores |access-date=14 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226220757/http://australianfootball.com/seasons/lowest_scores/WAFL_129 |archive-date=26 December 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>}}

===Round 9===
===Round 9===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 9}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 9}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|17.20 (122)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|2.1 (13)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘South Beaten Again’; ''The Daily News'', 8 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|17.20 (122)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|2.1 (13)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Beaten Again|work=The Daily News|date=8 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|8.10 (58)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|15.14 (104)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘East Perth Fortress Still Intact’; ''The Daily News'', 8 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|8.10 (58)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|15.14 (104)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Perth Fortress Still Intact|work=The Daily News|date=8 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Sub}}|13.19 (97)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|7.11 (53)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Subiaco Eclipse ‘Mont’; ''The Daily News'', 8 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|13.19 (97)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|7.11 (53)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Subiaco Eclipse ‘Mont|work=The Daily News|date=8 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|12.14 (86)|H|{{WAFL Per}}|10.11 (71)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘Perth’s Belated Comeback’; ''The Daily News'', 8 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|12.14 (86)|H|{{WAFL|Per}}|10.11 (71)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth’s Belated Comeback|work=The Daily News|date=8 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=For the second consecutive week South Fremantle kick the lowest WA(N)FL score since 1920,<ref name="leaguelowest"/> and as the lowest score against Swan Districts it was unequalled until Claremont kicked 1.7 (13) in 1996.<ref>[http://australianfootball.com/clubs/lowest_conceded/Swan%20Districts/243/129 Swan Districts: Lowest Scores Conceded]</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=For the second consecutive week South Fremantle kick the lowest WA(N)FL score since 1920,<ref name="leaguelowest"/> and as the lowest score against Swan Districts it was unequalled until Claremont kicked 1.7 (13) in 1996.<ref>[http://australianfootball.com/clubs/lowest_conceded/Swan%20Districts/243/129 Swan Districts: Lowest Scores Conceded]</ref>}}

===Round 10===
===Round 10===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 10}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 10}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|22.25 (157)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|6.7 (43)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘South 114 Points Behind’; ''The Daily News'', 15 July 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|22.25 (157)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|6.7 (43)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South 114 Points Behind|work=The Daily News|date=15 July 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|9.12 (66)|H|{{WAFL Sub}}|8.17 (65)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘Old Easts Home by a Point’; ''The Daily News'', 15 July 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|9.12 (66)|H|{{WAFL|Sub}}|8.17 (65)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts Home by a Point|work=The Daily News|date=15 July 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|8.13 (61)|H|{{WAFL SD}}|7.11 (53)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘Unbeaten East Perth Just Squeeze Home’; ''The Daily News'', 15 July 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|8.13 (61)|H|{{WAFL|SD}}|7.11 (53)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Unbeaten East Perth Just Squeeze Home|work=The Daily News|date=15 July 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|10.12 (72)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|7.12 (54)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Perth’s Hard Win’; ''The Daily News'', 15 July 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|10.12 (72)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|7.12 (54)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth’s Hard Win|work=The Daily News|date=15 July 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=*Swan Districts draw within one point of the unbeaten Royals with a rugged burst led by centreman Davies, before a goal with half a minute remaining keeps the Royals unbeaten.
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=*Swan Districts draw within one point of the unbeaten Royals with a rugged burst led by centreman Davies, before a goal with half a minute remaining keeps the Royals unbeaten.
*South Fremantle, for the second occasion, suffer three consecutive 100-point or more losses, as early resistance by their defence evaporated after quarter-time.<ref name="100+losses"/>}}
*South Fremantle, for the second occasion, suffer three consecutive 100-point or more losses, as early resistance by their defence evaporated after quarter-time.<ref name="100+losses"/>}}

===Round 11===
===Round 11===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 11}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 11}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Cla}}|7.11 (53)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|13.15 (93)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>‘E. Perth, 11th Win’; ''The Daily News'', 22 July 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Cla}}|7.11 (53)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|13.15 (93)|[[Claremont Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=E. Perth, 11th Win|work=The Daily News|date=22 July 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|10.12 (72)|H|{{WAFL SD}}|6.11 (47)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘Perth Win Well’; ''The Daily News'', 22 July 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|10.12 (72)|H|{{WAFL|SD}}|6.11 (47)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth Win Well|work=The Daily News|date=22 July 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Sub}}|9.11 (65)|A|{{WAFL WP}}|10.7 (67)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘West Perth Snatch Win in Hard Game’; ''The Daily News'', 22 July 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|9.11 (65)|A|{{WAFL|WP}}|10.7 (67)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=West Perth Snatch Win in Hard Game|work=The Daily News|date=22 July 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|7.17 (59)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|6.8 (44)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘South Do Better’; ''The Daily News'', 22 July 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|7.17 (59)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|6.8 (44)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Do Better|work=The Daily News|date=22 July 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=East Perth’s eleventh consecutive win would prove the last match at Claremont Oval until the opening round of 1948,<ref name="Tigers"/> owing to the Claremont Oval fire the following Friday.<ref name="claremontfire"/>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=East Perth’s eleventh consecutive win would prove the last match at Claremont Oval until the opening round of 1948,<ref name="Tigers"/> owing to the Claremont Oval fire the following Friday.<ref name="claremontfire"/>}}


===Round 12===
===Round 12===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 12}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 12}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SF}}|4.4 (28)|A|{{WAFL Sub}}|15.20 (110)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘Subiaco Wins Easily’; ''The Daily News'', 29 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SF}}|4.4 (28)|A|{{WAFL|Sub}}|15.20 (110)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Subiaco Wins Easily|work=The Daily News|date=29 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|16.18 (114)|H|{{WAFL WP}}|5.4 (34)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘East Fremantle Defeat W. Perth’; ''The Daily News'', 29 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|16.18 (114)|H|{{WAFL|WP}}|5.4 (34)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Fremantle Defeat W. Perth|work=The Daily News|date=29 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|12.11 (83)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|10.10 (70)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>‘Claremont Lose to Swans’; ''The Daily News'', 29 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|12.11 (83)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|10.10 (70)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Claremont Lose to Swans|work=The Daily News|date=29 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|8.12 (60)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|15.18 (108)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘East Perth Still Unbeaten’; ''The Daily News'', 29 July 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|8.12 (60)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|15.18 (108)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Perth Still Unbeaten|work=The Daily News|date=29 July 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=}}

===Round 13===
===Round 13===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 13}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 13}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|11.12 (78)|H|{{WAFL Sub}}|7.7 (49)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘Suby Lead E. Perth in Last Quarter’; ''The Daily News'', 5 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|11.12 (78)|H|{{WAFL|Sub}}|7.7 (49)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Suby Lead E. Perth in Last Quarter|work=The Daily News|date=5 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|13.15 (93)|H|{{WAFL SD}}|7.15 (57)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘East’s Hard Win’; ''The Daily News'', 5 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|13.15 (93)|H|{{WAFL|SD}}|7.15 (57)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East’s Hard Win|work=The Daily News|date=5 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|12.14 (86)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|9.14 (68)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘Close Game’; ''The Daily News'', 5 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|12.14 (86)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|9.14 (68)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Close Game|work=The Daily News|date=5 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|17.21 (123)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|2.3 (15)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘South Try Again’; ''The Daily News'', 5 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|17.21 (123)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|2.3 (15)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Try Again|work=The Daily News|date=5 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=A fine comeback in the last quarter after Subiaco take the last in third gives East Perth the longest winning sequence to this point in WA(N)FL history.<ref>See [http://waflfootyfacts.net/Teams/EastPerth/EastPerth_streaks.html#ConsecutiveGamesWon WAFL Footy Facts: East Perth – Consecutive Games Won]</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=A fine comeback in the last quarter after Subiaco take the last in third gives East Perth the longest winning sequence to this point in WA(N)FL history.<ref>See [http://waflfootyfacts.net/Teams/EastPerth/EastPerth_streaks.html#ConsecutiveGamesWon WAFL Footy Facts: East Perth – Consecutive Games Won] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415054229/http://waflfootyfacts.net/Teams/EastPerth/EastPerth_streaks.html#ConsecutiveGamesWon#ConsecutiveGamesWon |date=15 April 2014 }}</ref>}}

===Round 14===
===Round 14===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 14}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 14}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|11.16 (82)|H|{{WAFL EF}}|7.11 (53)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘East Perth Maintain Their Football Lead’; ''The Daily News'', 12 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|11.16 (82)|H|{{WAFL|EF}}|7.11 (53)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Perth Maintain Their Football Lead|work=The Daily News|date=12 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Sub}}|8.11 (59)|A|{{WAFL SD}}|9.15 (69)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Swans Beat Subiaco’; ''The Daily News'', 12 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|8.11 (59)|A|{{WAFL|SD}}|9.15 (69)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Swans Beat Subiaco|work=The Daily News|date=12 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|12.9 (81)|H|{{WAFL Per}}|9.9 (63)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘Perth Beaten’; ''The Daily News'', 12 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|12.9 (81)|H|{{WAFL|Per}}|9.9 (63)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth Beaten|work=The Daily News|date=12 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SF}}|4.3 (27)|A|{{WAFL Cla}}|18.27 (135)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘South Overwhelmed’; ''The Daily News'', 12 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SF}}|4.3 (27)|A|{{WAFL|Cla}}|18.27 (135)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Overwhelmed|work=The Daily News|date=12 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=}}

===Round 15===
===Round 15===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 15}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 15}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|12.14 (86)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|7.14 (56)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘Old Easts Win’; ''The Daily News'', 19 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|12.14 (86)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|7.14 (56)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts Win|work=The Daily News|date=19 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|10.12 (72)|H|{{WAFL Sub}}|8.13 (61)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘Perth Win Bid for Final Four’; ''The Daily News'', 19 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|10.12 (72)|H|{{WAFL|Sub}}|8.13 (61)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth Win Bid for Final Four|work=The Daily News|date=19 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|11.15 (81)|H|{{WAFL SD}}|12.8 (80)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘West Perth Squeeze Home’; ''The Daily News'', 19 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|11.15 (81)|H|{{WAFL|SD}}|12.8 (80)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=West Perth Squeeze Home|work=The Daily News|date=19 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|17.21 (123)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|1.5 (11)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘East Perth Ease Up’; ''The Daily News'', 19 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|17.21 (123)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|1.5 (11)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Perth Ease Up|work=The Daily News|date=19 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=For the third time in eight matches, South Fremantle kick the lowest score since 1920.<ref name="leaguelowest"/> In the process, the red and whites become the first WA(N)FL team since East Perth themselves against West Perth in 1913 to fail to score in the first half, and for the third time in 1944 lose three successive matches by over a hundred points.<ref name="100+losses"/>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=For the third time in eight matches, South Fremantle kick the lowest score since 1920.<ref name="leaguelowest"/> In the process, the red and whites become the first WA(N)FL team since East Perth themselves against West Perth in 1913 to fail to score in the first half, and for the third time in 1944 lose three successive matches by over a hundred points.<ref name="100+losses"/>}}

===Round 16===
===Round 16===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 16}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 16}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|9.7 (61)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|15.14 (104)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>‘East Perth Win Easily’; ''The Daily News'', 26 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|9.7 (61)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|15.14 (104)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Perth Win Easily|work=The Daily News|date=26 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SF}}|9.6 (60)|A|{{WAFL WP}}|18.18 (126)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘South Beaten Again’; ''The Daily News'', 26 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SF}}|9.6 (60)|A|{{WAFL|WP}}|18.18 (126)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Beaten Again|work=The Daily News|date=26 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Sub}}|11.10 (76)|A|{{WAFL EF}}|12.8 (80)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Subiaco Just Beaten’; ''The Daily News'', 26 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|11.10 (76)|A|{{WAFL|EF}}|12.8 (80)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Subiaco Just Beaten|work=The Daily News|date=26 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|16.12 (108)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|10.13 (73)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘Claremont’s Bad Luck’; ''The Daily News'', 26 August 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|16.12 (108)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|10.13 (73)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Claremont’s Bad Luck|work=The Daily News|date=26 August 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=}}

===Round 17===
===Round 17===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 17}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 17}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Sub}}|7.8 (50)|A|{{WAFL WP}}|9.9 (63)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Suby Out’; ''The Daily News'', 2 September 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Sub}}|7.8 (50)|A|{{WAFL|WP}}|9.9 (63)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Suby Out|work=The Daily News|date=2 September 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|11.6 (72)|A|{{WAFL Per}}|11.15 (81)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>‘Swans Fight Hard, but Lose’; ''The Daily News'', 2 September 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|11.6 (72)|A|{{WAFL|Per}}|11.15 (81)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Swans Fight Hard, but Lose|work=The Daily News|date=2 September 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|17.21 (123)|H|{{WAFL Cla}}|3.5 (23)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘East Perth’s Big Win’; ''The Daily News'', 2 September 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|17.21 (123)|H|{{WAFL|Cla}}|3.5 (23)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=East Perth’s Big Win|work=The Daily News|date=2 September 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|33.23 (221)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|2.8 (20)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘Old Easts’ 228 Points’; ''The Daily News'', 2 September 1944, p. 6</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|33.23 (221)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|2.8 (20)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts’ 228 Points|work=The Daily News|date=2 September 1944|page=6}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Perth’s win against Subiaco ensures their first finals appearance since 1934.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Perth’s win against Swan Districts ensures their first finals appearance since 1934.}}

===Round 18===
===Round 18===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 18}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 18}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|9.14 (68)|A|{{WAFL EF}}|9.17 (71)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>‘E. Fremantle Just Keep W. Perth Out’; ''The Daily News'', 9 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|9.14 (68)|A|{{WAFL|EF}}|9.17 (71)|[[Leederville Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=E. Fremantle Just Keep W. Perth Out|work=The Daily News|date=9 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SF}}|7.7 (49)|A|{{WAFL Sub}}|13.23 (101)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘South 7 Goals’; ''The Daily News'', 9 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SF}}|7.7 (49)|A|{{WAFL|Sub}}|13.23 (101)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South 7 Goals|work=The Daily News|date=9 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Cla}}|8.10 (58)|A|{{WAFL SD}}|17.7 (109)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Swans Win Easily’; ''The Daily News'', 9 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Cla}}|8.10 (58)|A|{{WAFL|SD}}|17.7 (109)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Swans Win Easily|work=The Daily News|date=9 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|14.18 (102)|H|{{WAFL Per}}|4.3 (27)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>‘E. Perth Prove Supremacy’; ''The Daily News'', 9 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|14.18 (102)|H|{{WAFL|Per}}|4.3 (27)|[[Perth Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=E. Perth Prove Supremacy|work=The Daily News|date=9 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Despite scoring 0.7 (7), East Fremantle hold off West Perth and secure the double chance in the finals.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Despite starting the final quarter four points ahead and scoring only 0.7 (7), East Fremantle hold off West Perth and secure the double chance in the finals.}}

===Round 19===
===Round 19===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 19}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Round 19}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Cla}}|10.26 (86)|H|{{WAFL SF}}|7.5 (47)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘South Still to Win’; ''The Daily News'', 16 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Cla}}|10.26 (86)|H|{{WAFL|SF}}|7.5 (47)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=South Still to Win|work=The Daily News|date=16 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL Per}}|13.12 (90)|H|{{WAFL WP}}|8.13 (61)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>‘Perth Beat West Perth’; ''The Daily News'', 16 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|Per}}|13.12 (90)|H|{{WAFL|WP}}|8.13 (61)|[[WACA Ground|WACA]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth Beat West Perth|work=The Daily News|date=16 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|10.5 (65)|A|{{WAFL EP}}|16.23 (119)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>‘Campbell Club Goal Record Beaten’; ''The Daily News'', 16 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|10.5 (65)|A|{{WAFL|EP}}|16.23 (119)|[[Fremantle Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell Club Goal Record Beaten|work=The Daily News|date=16 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL SD}}|7.9 (51)|A|{{WAFL Sub}}|11.4 (70)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>‘Subiaco Win Handsomely’; ''The Daily News'', 16 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|SD}}|7.9 (51)|A|{{WAFL|Sub}}|11.4 (70)|[[Bassendean Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Subiaco Win Handsomely|work=The Daily News|date=16 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Despite the absence of four key players, East Perth restrict Old Easts to 1.1 (7) after half-time to go through the home-and-away season undefeated, and Alan Watts with eight majors beats “Bonny” Campbell’s 1926 record of eighty-nine goals.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Despite the absence of four key players, East Perth restrict Old Easts to 1.1 (7) after half-time to go through the home-and-away season undefeated, and Alan Watts with eight majors beats [[Bonny Campbell|“Bonny” Campbell]]’s 1926 record of eighty-nine goals.}}

==Ladder==
==Ladder==
{{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WDL
{{WANFL Ladder/1944}}
|title=1944 ladder
|section=Ladder
|loss_before_draw=true|for_against_style=points|use_goal_percentage=y
|winpoints=4|drawpoints=2<!--CAN CHANGE VALUE OF WINS AND DRAWS FOR DIFFERENT LEAGUES:-->

|team1=EP|name_EP={{WAFL|EP}}|win_EP=19|loss_EP=0|draw_EP=0|pf_EP=2061|pa_EP=948|status_EP=P
|team2=EF|name_EF={{WAFL|EF}}|win_EF=14|loss_EF=5|draw_EF=0|pf_EF=1633|pa_EF=1233
|team3=WP|name_WP={{WAFL|WP}}|win_WP=12|loss_WP=7|draw_WP=0|pf_WP=1537|pa_WP=1276
|team4=Per|name_Per={{WAFL|Per}}|win_Per=10|loss_Per=9|draw_Per=0|pf_Per=1371|pa_Per=1322
|team5=Sub|name_Sub={{WAFL|Sub}}|win_Sub=8|loss_Sub=11|draw_Sub=0|pf_Sub=1503|pa_Sub=1195
|team6=SD|name_SD={{WAFL|SD}}|win_SD=7|loss_SD=12|draw_SD=0|pf_SD=1429|pa_SD=1374
|team7=Cla|name_Cla={{WAFL|Cla}}|win_Cla=6|loss_Cla=13|draw_Cla=0|pf_Cla=1276|pa_Cla=1638
|team8=SF|name_SF={{WAFL|SF}}|win_SF=0|loss_SF=19|draw_SF=0|pf_SF=709|pa_SF=2533
|status_text_P=Premiers
|col_Q=#CCFFCC|text_Q=
|result1=Q|result2=Q|result3=Q|result4=Q

<!--CLASSIFICATION RULES-->
|class_rules = 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for.

|update=complete
|source=[http://waflfootyfacts.net/season/games/results.php?Season=1944#Ladder WAFL Footy Facts]
}}

==Finals==
==Finals==
===First Semi-Final===
===First semi-final===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=First Semi-Final}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=First semi-final}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 23 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|7.21 (63)|D|{{WAFL Per}}|9.9 (63)|[[Subiaco Oval]]|7,000|<ref>‘Perth, W. Perth Tie in 1st Semi-Final’; ''The Daily News'', 23 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 23 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|7.21 (63)|D|{{WAFL|Per}}|9.9 (63)|[[Subiaco Oval]]|7,000|<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth, W. Perth Tie in 1st Semi-Final|work=The Daily News|date=23 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=West Perth’s early inaccuracy keeps the Redlegs in a match that culminates in a thrilling struggle where the lead changes several times in the last few minutes before finishing in a tie.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=West Perth’s early inaccuracy keeps the Redlegs in a match that culminates in a thrilling struggle where the lead changes several times in the last few minutes before finishing in a tie.}}

===First Semi-Final Replay===
===First semi-final replay===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=First Semi-Final Replay}}
{{AFLGameHeader|title=First semi-final replay}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 30 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL WP}}|5.7 (37)|A|{{WAFL Per}}|8.13 (61)|[[Subiaco Oval]]|8,000|<ref>‘Perth Win Semi-Final’; ''The Daily News'', 30 September 1944, p. 7</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 30 September (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|WP}}|5.7 (37)|A|{{WAFL|Per}}|8.13 (61)|[[Subiaco Oval]]|8,000|<ref>{{cite news|title=Perth Win Semi-Final|work=The Daily News|date=30 September 1944|page=7}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=A brilliant last quarter into the wind, whereby the Cardinals are held scoreless, gives Perth a comfortable win in a third successive battle with West Perth.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=A brilliant last quarter into the wind, whereby the Cardinals are held scoreless, gives Perth a comfortable win in a third successive battle with West Perth.}}

===Second Semi-Final===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Second Semi-Final}}
===Second semi-final===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Second semi-final}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 7 October (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|14.8 (92)|H|{{WAFL EF}}|9.20 (74)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘E. Perth Forwards Sustain Record’; ''The Daily News'', 7 October 1944, p. 15</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 7 October (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EP}}|14.8 (92)|H|{{WAFL|EF}}|9.20 (74)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=E. Perth Forwards Sustain Record|work=The Daily News|date=7 October 1944|page=15}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=With a more efficient forward line, and a defence bolstered by [[Northam, Western Australia|Northam]] recruit Jack Leadbitter, East Perth win their twentieth consecutive match for the season.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=With a more efficient forward line, and a defence bolstered by [[Northam, Western Australia|Northam]] recruit Jack Leadbitter, East Perth win their twentieth consecutive match for the season.}}

===Preliminary Final===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Preliminary Final}}
===Preliminary final===
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Preliminary final}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 14 October (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EF}}|10.15 (75)|H|{{WAFL Per}}|7.8 (50)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>‘Old Easts Win League Final’; ''The Daily News'', 14 October 1944, p. 15</ref>}}
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 14 October (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL|EF}}|10.15 (75)|H|{{WAFL|Per}}|7.8 (50)|[[Subiaco Oval]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Easts Win League Final|work=The Daily News|date=14 October 1944|page=15}}</ref>}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Prime Minister [[John Curtin]], a devoted football fan, is part of what is viewed as the largest crowd of the season.}}
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=Prime Minister [[John Curtin]], a devoted football fan, is part of what is viewed as the largest crowd of the season.}}

===Grand Final===
===Grand Final===
{{Main|1944 WANFL Grand Final}}
{{Main|1944 WANFL Grand Final}}
{{AFLGameDetailed
{{AFLGameHeader|title=Grand Final}}
|title = 1944 WANFL Grand Final
{{AFLGame|Saturday, 21 October (2:45 pm)|{{WAFL EP}}|14.13 (97)|H|{{WAFL EF}}|4.17 (41)|[[Subiaco Oval]]|8,991|<ref>‘E. Perth Premiers’; ''The Daily News'', 21 October 1944, p. 15</ref>}}
|date = 21 October (2:45pm)
{{AFLGameFooter|notes=East Perth complete a flawless season with a convincing win driven by overwhelming ruck superiority and polished flawed play that contrasts with East Fremantle’s 2.13 (25) – including ten consecutive behinds – in the first half.}}
|home team = {{WAFL|EP}}
|home Q1 = 5.3 (33)
|home Q2 = 6.4 (40)
|home Q3 = 11.9 (75)
|home final = 14.13 (97)
|home super =
|home goals = Sparrow 4, Outridge 4, Watts 3, England, Washbourne, Gibbney
|home best = Perry (best on ground), Watts, Washbourne, Grose, Wimbridge, Outridge, England, Candler, Gibbney
|home injuries =
|home reports =
|home substitute=
|winner = H
|away team = {{WAFL|EF}}
|away Q1 = 1.3 (9)
|away Q2 = 2.13 (25)
|away Q3 = 2.16 (28)
|away final = 4.17 (41)
|away super =
|away goals = Cumbers 2, Hinkley, McIntosh
|away best = Hird, Cormack, Crannage, Garrity, Bowen, Billett, Hinkley
|away injuries =
|away reports =
|away substitute=
|venue = [[Subiaco Oval]]
|crowd = 8,991
|report = <ref>{{cite news|title=E. Perth Premiers|work=The Daily News|date=21 October 1944|page=15}}</ref>
|umpires = Leo McComish
|BOG award =
|BOG winner =
|broadcast =
|anthem =
|notes = East Perth complete a flawless season with a convincing win driven by overwhelming ruck superiority and polished flawed play that contrasts with East Fremantle’s 2.13 (25) – including ten consecutive behinds – in the first half.
}}
==Notes==
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{note label|showgrounds|a|a}}The [[Claremont Showgrounds]], which would ordinarily have been available as an alternative Tiger home venue, were [[commandeering|commandeered]] by the military between 1940 and 1944, and themselves burned in a fire in January 1945.<ref>‘Showgrounds Fire: Public Stand Gutted – Handicap to Society’; ''The West Australian'', 6 January 1945, p. 6</ref>

==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|3}}
{{Reflist|3}}

==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.wafl.com.au/games/year/1944 Official WAFL website]
*[https://www.wafl.com.au/fixtures-and-results/1944/undefined Official WAFL website]
*[http://australianfootball.com/seasons/season/WAFL/1944 Western Australian National Football League (WANFL), 1944]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140415044623/http://australianfootball.com/seasons/season/WAFL/1944 Western Australian National Football League (WANFL), 1944]
{{WAFL seasons}}
{{WAFL seasons}}

[[Category:West Australian Football League seasons]]
[[Category:West Australian Football League seasons]]
[[Category:1944 in Australian rules football|WANFL]]
[[Category:1944 in Australian rules football|WANFL]]

Latest revision as of 01:38, 17 October 2024

1944 WAFL season
Teams8
PremiersEast Perth
9th premiership
Minor premiersEast Perth
8th minor premiership
Sandover MedallistJim Davies (Swan Districts)
Bernie Naylor MedallistAlan Watts (East Perth)
← 1943
1945 (Open-Age) →

The 1944 WANFL season was the 60th season of the various incarnations of the Western Australian National Football League. Consequent upon the improved fortunes of the Allies in the Pacific War,[1] the league's decision to restrict football to those under nineteen as of 1 October become somewhat controversial, but the WANFL after much debate during the early weeks of the season decided it would not raise the age limit or even as West Perth suggested allow four 1943 players over the limit to play.[2] This meant that a large number of players who had been mainstays in the 1942 and 1943 seasons were no longer eligible to play, and as in 1943 a number of players still eligible were erratically available due to service in the war.

The 1944 season is notable for the first perfect season in the history of Western Australian league football, by East Perth. Under the coaching of former forward Cecil Rowland an exceptionally powerful core of players was developed from 1942 and 1943 mainstays including Frank Allen, Ken Wimbridge, Ray Perry, John “Todge” Campbell and Ron Brentnall, joined by outstanding talents in full-forward Alan Watts, key position player Jim Washbourne and injury-plagued but talented rover Norm Gibbney.[3] So well-equipped were the Royals that they did not suffer during the finals from the loss of best-and-fairest Campbell, ruckman Brentnall and Ron Frankish – instead fitting Northam defender Jack Leadbitter and Wesley rover Ernie England for their only games of the season and losing nothing in efficiency.[3] At the other end of the ladder, South Fremantle, already last in 1943, lost their only class players in Frank Treasure and Erik Eriksson and became the first team since Midland Junction in 1917 to lose every match. The red and whites in fact never led during the second half in any of their nineteen matches, and officials were so desperate that a meeting of former players was called mid-season to revive the club's on-field fortunes[4] – to no effect.

Apart from South Fremantle's winless season, Claremont suffered a huge loss when Claremont Oval, which had been their home ground since 1927, had its grandstand completely burnt down in a fire at 5:11 a.m. on 28 July.[5] In the fire, which was estimated to have cost a total of £3000, all the records, jerseys and training equipment were lost,[1] and Claremont were forced to play home matches at Subiaco Oval and the W.A.C.A. until 1948,[a] despite financial donations by Collingwood to help rebuild the grandstand.[7] The Tigers had to take the field in several games wearing East Perth guernseys, and suffered from the loss of key players like Robin Farmer, consequently falling to second-last on the ladder.

Home-and-away season

[edit]

Round 1

[edit]
Round 1
Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm) Subiaco 6.17 (53) def. by Perth 8.18 (66) Subiaco Oval [8]
Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm) East Perth 41.30 (276) def. South Fremantle 3.2 (20) Perth Oval [9]
Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 16.19 (115) def. Claremont 5.4 (34) Fremantle Oval [10]
Saturday, 13 May (2:45 pm) West Perth 9.16 (70) def. Swan Districts 10.6 (66) Leederville Oval [11]

East Perth’s mammoth win sets numerous records:

  1. The biggest winning margin in WA(N)FL history, beating North Fremantle’s 164-point win over Subiaco from 1902.[12]
  2. The highest score in WANFL history, beating Claremont’s 33.22 (220) against Swan Districts in 1940.[13]
  3. The most points in the first quarter of a WANFL match – a record beaten later in the season.[14]
  4. South Fremantle become the first WA(N)FL team to lose three consecutive games by over 100 points – an ignominy they would suffer twice further this season but which no other club would equal until 1958.[15]
  5. Alan Watts kicked sixteen goals for East Perth, which remains a record for the Royals in any match,[16] and forward pocket Harry Outridge and “Todge” Campbell kicked eight apiece.

Round 2

[edit]
Round 2
Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm) East Perth 9.14 (68) def. West Perth 9.9 (63) Perth Oval [17]
Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm) Perth 12.5 (77) def. by East Fremantle 14.10 (94) WACA [18]
Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 22.11 (143) def. South Fremantle 9.3 (57) Subiaco Oval [19]
Saturday, 20 May (2:45 pm) Claremont 9.4 (58) def. by Subiaco 13.19 (97) Claremont Oval [20]

Following upon their record score, East Perth are nearly brought to earth by West Perth, with only a late goal from Outridge ensuring a victory that would prove their closest shave for the season.

Round 3

[edit]
Round 3
Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm) Perth 9.12 (66) def. by Claremont 9.15 (69) WACA [21]
Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm) South Fremantle 8.10 (58) def. by West Perth 17.12 (114) Fremantle Oval [22]
Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 10.9 (69) def. by East Perth 16.5 (101) Bassendean Oval [23]
Saturday, 27 May (2:45 pm) Subiaco 14.15 (99) def. East Fremantle 10.8 (68) Subiaco Oval [24]

Alan Watts kicks eleven goals straight to comfortably win a match where Swans matched their powerful rivals in general play.

Round 4

[edit]
Round 4
Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm) West Perth 11.11 (77) def. Subiaco 9.10 (64) Leederville Oval [25]
Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 8.12 (60) def. Perth 7.11 (53) Bassendean Oval [26]
Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm) Claremont 8.8 (56) def. by East Perth 14.25 (109) Subiaco Oval [27]
Saturday, 3 June (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 11.12 (78) def. South Fremantle 9.5 (59) Fremantle Oval [28]

A burst of five goals in ten minutes places South Fremantle within four points of their local rivals, but they fail to go on and this proves their solitary chance of a win for the season.

Round 5

[edit]
Round 5
Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm) Subiaco 27.22 (184) def. South Fremantle 5.7 (37) Subiaco Oval [29]
Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm) Claremont 13.18 (96) def. Swan Districts 10.12 (72) Claremont Oval [30]
Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm) East Perth 16.21 (117) def. Perth 9.8 (62) Perth Oval [31]
Saturday, 10 June (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 8.22 (70) def. West Perth 7.10 (52) Fremantle Oval [32]
  • Despite the absence of key rovers David Muir and Frank Evans, Perth kick 7.4 (46) against the powerful Royal defence, but with Campbell kicking eight goals are gradually overwhelmed.
  • Subiaco’s score, as South Fremantle return to their exceptionally weak opening-round form, was their highest in the WA(N)FL until 1984.[33] Ernie Tonkinson kicked eleven goals and Hughes eight.

Round 6

[edit]
Round 6
Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 10.7 (67) def. by East Fremantle 12.11 (83) Perth Oval [34]
Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm) Subiaco 11.10 (76) def. by East Perth 11.20 (86) Subiaco Oval [35]
Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm) West Perth 18.15 (123) def. Claremont 3.5 (23) Leederville Oval [36]
Saturday, 17 June (2:45 pm) South Fremantle 5.8 (38) def. by Perth 14.26 (110) Fremantle Oval [37]

East Perth again recover from being jumped by the opponent to win, despite a brilliant eight-goal effort from Ernie Tonkinson.

Round 7

[edit]
Round 7
Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 11.8 (74) def. by East Perth 12.17 (89) Subiaco Oval [38]
Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm) Perth 6.15 (51) def. by West Perth 13.20 (98) WACA [39]
Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 12.8 (80) def. by Subiaco 12.22 (94) Bassendean Oval [40]
Saturday, 24 June (2:45 pm) Claremont 21.21 (147) def. South Fremantle 10.8 (68) Claremont Oval [41]

Round 8

[edit]
Round 8
Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 9.14 (68) def. West Perth 8.10 (58) Bassendean Oval [42]
Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm) Claremont 8.16 (64) def. East Fremantle 8.9 (57) Claremont Oval [43]
Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm) Perth 6.11 (47) def. Subiaco 5.3 (33) WACA [44]
Saturday, 1 July (2:45 pm) South Fremantle 2.3 (15) def. by East Perth 17.16 (118) Fremantle Oval [45]

In shocking conditions due to heavy rain[46] and strong winds, South Fremantle, devoid of talent in attack all season, for the first of three times kick the lowest WA(N)FL score since Subiaco’s 1.2 (8) against the Royals in 1920.[47]

Round 9

[edit]
Round 9
Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 17.20 (122) def. South Fremantle 2.1 (13) Perth Oval [48]
Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm) West Perth 8.10 (58) def. by East Perth 15.14 (104) Leederville Oval [49]
Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm) Subiaco 13.19 (97) def. Claremont 7.11 (53) Subiaco Oval [50]
Saturday, 8 July (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 12.14 (86) def. Perth 10.11 (71) Fremantle Oval [51]

For the second consecutive week South Fremantle kick the lowest WA(N)FL score since 1920,[47] and as the lowest score against Swan Districts it was unequalled until Claremont kicked 1.7 (13) in 1996.[52]

Round 10

[edit]
Round 10
Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm) West Perth 22.25 (157) def. South Fremantle 6.7 (43) Leederville Oval [53]
Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 9.12 (66) def. Subiaco 8.17 (65) Fremantle Oval [54]
Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm) East Perth 8.13 (61) def. Swan Districts 7.11 (53) Perth Oval [55]
Saturday, 15 July (2:45 pm) Perth 10.12 (72) def. Claremont 7.12 (54) Subiaco Oval [56]
  • Swan Districts draw within one point of the unbeaten Royals with a rugged burst led by centreman Davies, before a goal with half a minute remaining keeps the Royals unbeaten.
  • South Fremantle, for the second occasion, suffer three consecutive 100-point or more losses, as early resistance by their defence evaporated after quarter-time.[15]

Round 11

[edit]
Round 11
Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm) Claremont 7.11 (53) def. by East Perth 13.15 (93) Claremont Oval [57]
Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm) Perth 10.12 (72) def. Swan Districts 6.11 (47) WACA [58]
Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm) Subiaco 9.11 (65) def. by West Perth 10.7 (67) Subiaco Oval [59]
Saturday, 22 July (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 7.17 (59) def. South Fremantle 6.8 (44) Fremantle Oval [60]

East Perth’s eleventh consecutive win would prove the last match at Claremont Oval until the opening round of 1948,[1] owing to the Claremont Oval fire the following Friday.[5]

Round 12

[edit]
Round 12
Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm) South Fremantle 4.4 (28) def. by Subiaco 15.20 (110) Fremantle Oval [61]
Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 16.18 (114) def. West Perth 5.4 (34) Subiaco Oval [62]
Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 12.11 (83) def. Claremont 10.10 (70) Bassendean Oval [63]
Saturday, 29 July (2:45 pm) Perth 8.12 (60) def. by East Perth 15.18 (108) WACA [64]

Round 13

[edit]
Round 13
Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm) East Perth 11.12 (78) def. Subiaco 7.7 (49) Perth Oval [65]
Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 13.15 (93) def. Swan Districts 7.15 (57) Subiaco Oval [66]
Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm) West Perth 12.14 (86) def. Claremont 9.14 (68) Leederville Oval [67]
Saturday, 5 August (2:45 pm) Perth 17.21 (123) def. South Fremantle 2.3 (15) WACA [68]

A fine comeback in the last quarter after Subiaco take the last in third gives East Perth the longest winning sequence to this point in WA(N)FL history.[69]

Round 14

[edit]
Round 14
Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm) East Perth 11.16 (82) def. East Fremantle 7.11 (53) Perth Oval [70]
Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm) Subiaco 8.11 (59) def. by Swan Districts 9.15 (69) Subiaco Oval [71]
Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm) West Perth 12.9 (81) def. Perth 9.9 (63) Leederville Oval [72]
Saturday, 12 August (2:45 pm) South Fremantle 4.3 (27) def. by Claremont 18.27 (135) Fremantle Oval [73]

Round 15

[edit]
Round 15
Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 12.14 (86) def. Claremont 7.14 (56) Fremantle Oval [74]
Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm) Perth 10.12 (72) def. Subiaco 8.13 (61) WACA [75]
Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm) West Perth 11.15 (81) def. Swan Districts 12.8 (80) Leederville Oval [76]
Saturday, 19 August (2:45 pm) East Perth 17.21 (123) def. South Fremantle 1.5 (11) Subiaco Oval [77]

For the third time in eight matches, South Fremantle kick the lowest score since 1920.[47] In the process, the red and whites become the first WA(N)FL team since East Perth themselves against West Perth in 1913 to fail to score in the first half, and for the third time in 1944 lose three successive matches by over a hundred points.[15]

Round 16

[edit]
Round 16
Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 9.7 (61) def. by East Perth 15.14 (104) Bassendean Oval [78]
Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm) South Fremantle 9.6 (60) def. by West Perth 18.18 (126) Fremantle Oval [79]
Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm) Subiaco 11.10 (76) def. by East Fremantle 12.8 (80) Subiaco Oval [80]
Saturday, 26 August (2:45 pm) Perth 16.12 (108) def. Claremont 10.13 (73) WACA [81]

Round 17

[edit]
Round 17
Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm) Subiaco 7.8 (50) def. by West Perth 9.9 (63) Subiaco Oval [82]
Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 11.6 (72) def. by Perth 11.15 (81) Bassendean Oval [83]
Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm) East Perth 17.21 (123) def. Claremont 3.5 (23) Perth Oval [84]
Saturday, 2 September (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 33.23 (221) def. South Fremantle 2.8 (20) Fremantle Oval [85]

Perth’s win against Swan Districts ensures their first finals appearance since 1934.

Round 18

[edit]
Round 18
Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm) West Perth 9.14 (68) def. by East Fremantle 9.17 (71) Leederville Oval [86]
Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm) South Fremantle 7.7 (49) def. by Subiaco 13.23 (101) Fremantle Oval [87]
Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm) Claremont 8.10 (58) def. by Swan Districts 17.7 (109) Subiaco Oval [88]
Saturday, 9 September (2:45 pm) East Perth 14.18 (102) def. Perth 4.3 (27) Perth Oval [89]

Despite starting the final quarter four points ahead and scoring only 0.7 (7), East Fremantle hold off West Perth and secure the double chance in the finals.

Round 19

[edit]
Round 19
Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm) Claremont 10.26 (86) def. South Fremantle 7.5 (47) Subiaco Oval [90]
Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm) Perth 13.12 (90) def. West Perth 8.13 (61) WACA [91]
Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 10.5 (65) def. by East Perth 16.23 (119) Fremantle Oval [92]
Saturday, 16 September (2:45 pm) Swan Districts 7.9 (51) def. by Subiaco 11.4 (70) Bassendean Oval [93]

Despite the absence of four key players, East Perth restrict Old Easts to 1.1 (7) after half-time to go through the home-and-away season undefeated, and Alan Watts with eight majors beats “Bonny” Campbell’s 1926 record of eighty-nine goals.

Ladder

[edit]

1944 ladder
Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA PP Pts
1 East Perth (P) 19 19 0 0 2061 948 217.4 76
2 East Fremantle 19 14 5 0 1633 1233 132.4 56
3 West Perth 19 12 7 0 1537 1276 120.5 48
4 Perth 19 10 9 0 1371 1322 103.7 40
5 Subiaco 19 8 11 0 1503 1195 125.8 32
6 Swan Districts 19 7 12 0 1429 1374 104.0 28
7 Claremont 19 6 13 0 1276 1638 77.9 24
8 South Fremantle 19 0 19 0 709 2533 28.0 0
Source: WAFL Footy Facts
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for.
(P) Premiers

Finals

[edit]

First semi-final

[edit]
First semi-final
Saturday, 23 September (2:45 pm) West Perth 7.21 (63) drew with Perth 9.9 (63) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 7,000) [94]

West Perth’s early inaccuracy keeps the Redlegs in a match that culminates in a thrilling struggle where the lead changes several times in the last few minutes before finishing in a tie.

First semi-final replay

[edit]
First semi-final replay
Saturday, 30 September (2:45 pm) West Perth 5.7 (37) def. by Perth 8.13 (61) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8,000) [95]

A brilliant last quarter into the wind, whereby the Cardinals are held scoreless, gives Perth a comfortable win in a third successive battle with West Perth.

Second semi-final

[edit]
Second semi-final
Saturday, 7 October (2:45 pm) East Perth 14.8 (92) def. East Fremantle 9.20 (74) Subiaco Oval [96]

With a more efficient forward line, and a defence bolstered by Northam recruit Jack Leadbitter, East Perth win their twentieth consecutive match for the season.

Preliminary final

[edit]
Preliminary final
Saturday, 14 October (2:45 pm) East Fremantle 10.15 (75) def. Perth 7.8 (50) Subiaco Oval [97]

Prime Minister John Curtin, a devoted football fan, is part of what is viewed as the largest crowd of the season.

Grand Final

[edit]
Main article: 1944 WANFL Grand Final
1944 WANFL Grand Final
21 October (2:45pm) East Perth def. East Fremantle Subiaco Oval (crowd: 8,991) [98]
5.3 (33)
6.4 (40)
11.9 (75)
14.13 (97) 		Q1
Q2
Q3
Final 		1.3 (9)
2.13 (25)
2.16 (28)
4.17 (41) 		Umpires: Leo McComish
Sparrow 4, Outridge 4, Watts 3, England, Washbourne, Gibbney Goals Cumbers 2, Hinkley, McIntosh
Perry (best on ground), Watts, Washbourne, Grose, Wimbridge, Outridge, England, Candler, Gibbney Best Hird, Cormack, Crannage, Garrity, Bowen, Billett, Hinkley

East Perth complete a flawless season with a convincing win driven by overwhelming ruck superiority and polished flawed play that contrasts with East Fremantle’s 2.13 (25) – including ten consecutive behinds – in the first half.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The Claremont Showground, which would ordinarily have been available as an alternative Tiger home venue, was commandeered by the military between 1940 and 1944, and itself burned in a fire in January 1945.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Casey, Kevin (1995). The Tigers’ Tale: the origins and history of the Claremont Football Club. Claremont Football Club. pp. 55–56. ISBN 0646264982.
  2. ^ "Football: Age-Limit Question – League President's Views". The West Australian. 19 May 1944. p. 2.
  3. ^ a b East, Alan, ed. (2006). The Royals – 100 Years of Tradition: A History of the East Perth Football Club. East Perth Football Club, Limited. pp. 54–57.
  4. ^ See "Easy Task for E. Perth". The Daily News. 30 June 1944. p. 9.
  5. ^ a b "Claremont Fire – Oval Grandstand Lost: Football Club Suffers". The West Australian. 29 July 1944. p. 3.
  6. ^ "Showgrounds Fire: Public Stand Gutted – Handicap to Society". The West Australian. 6 January 1945. p. 6.
  7. ^ "Collingwood Sends Cheque to Claremont". The Daily News. 19 August 1944. p. 4.
  8. ^ "Perth Beat Subiaco". The Daily News. 13 May 1944. p. 7.
  9. ^ "Huge Score by East Perth". The Daily News. 13 May 1944. p. 7.
  10. ^ "East Fremantle Trounce Claremont". The Daily News. 13 May 1944. p. 7.
  11. ^ "Wests Win Narrowly". The Daily News. 13 May 1944. p. 7.
  12. ^ "West Australian Football League: Biggest Wins". Archived from the original on 26 December 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  13. ^ "West Australian Football League: Highest Scores". Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  14. ^ "WAFL Footy Facts: Quarters and Halves". Archived from the original on 4 November 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  15. ^ a b c "WAFL Footy Facts: Consecutive Losses by 100+". Archived from the original on 15 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  16. ^ "WAFL Footy Facts: East Perth v Each Opponent". Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  17. ^ "East Perth Win a Great Game". The Daily News. 20 May 1944. p. 7.
  18. ^ "Old Easts Win Well". The Daily News. 20 May 1944. p. 7.
  19. ^ "South Overwhelmed". The Daily News. 20 May 1944. p. 7.
  20. ^ "Subiaco Best Claremont". The Daily News. 20 May 1944. p. 7.
  21. ^ "Claremont's Last Quarter Win". The Daily News. 27 May 1944. p. 7.
  22. ^ "South Downed Again". The Daily News. 27 May 1944. p. 7.
  23. ^ "Forwards Get E. Perth Home". The Daily News. 27 May 1944. p. 7.
  24. ^ "Old Easts Badly Beaten". The Daily News. 27 May 1944. p. 7.
  25. ^ "Wests Recover to Win". The Daily News. 3 June 1944. p. 7.
  26. ^ "Swan Down Perth". The Daily News. 3 June 1944. p. 7.
  27. ^ "E. Perth Still Unbeaten". The Daily News. 3 June 1944. p. 7.
  28. ^ "South Improve". The Daily News. 3 June 1944. p. 7.
  29. ^ "Tonkinson 11 Goals". The Daily News. 10 June 1944. p. 7.
  30. ^ "Claremont's Dash". The Daily News. 10 June 1944. p. 7.
  31. ^ "E. Perth Win Fluctuating Game". The Daily News. 10 June 1944. p. 7.
  32. ^ "Old Easts Beat West in Exciting Game". The Daily News. 10 June 1944. p. 7.
  33. ^ Subiaco: Highest Scores
  34. ^ "Old Easts Again Win". The Daily News. 17 June 1944. p. 7.
  35. ^ "East Perth Pushed Hard to Beat Suby". The Daily News. 17 June 1944. p. 7.
  36. ^ "W. Perth Swamp Claremont". The Daily News. 17 June 1944. p. 7.
  37. ^ "Perth's Runaway Win". The Daily News. 17 June 1944. p. 7.
  38. ^ "Old Easts' Brilliant, Futile Rally". The Daily News. 24 June 1944. p. 7.
  39. ^ "W. Perth's Solid Win". The Daily News. 24 June 1944. p. 7.
  40. ^ "Close Game". The Daily News. 24 June 1944. p. 7.
  41. ^ "Mont Romp Over South". The Daily News. 24 June 1944. p. 7.
  42. ^ "Swans Win Well in Bad Weather". The Daily News. 1 July 1944. p. 7.
  43. ^ "'Mont, Old Easts Nearly Level". The Daily News. 1 July 1944. p. 7.
  44. ^ "Perth Beat Suby Again". The Daily News. 1 July 1944. p. 7.
  45. ^ "E. Perth's Big Margin". The Daily News. 1 July 1944. p. 7.
  46. ^ Perth Regional Office (009034) July 1944 rainfall
  47. ^ a b c "West Australian Football League: Lowest Scores". Archived from the original on 26 December 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  48. ^ "South Beaten Again". The Daily News. 8 July 1944. p. 7.
  49. ^ "East Perth Fortress Still Intact". The Daily News. 8 July 1944. p. 7.
  50. ^ "Subiaco Eclipse 'Mont". The Daily News. 8 July 1944. p. 7.
  51. ^ "Perth's Belated Comeback". The Daily News. 8 July 1944. p. 7.
  52. ^ Swan Districts: Lowest Scores Conceded
  53. ^ "South 114 Points Behind". The Daily News. 15 July 1944. p. 6.
  54. ^ "Old Easts Home by a Point". The Daily News. 15 July 1944. p. 6.
  55. ^ "Unbeaten East Perth Just Squeeze Home". The Daily News. 15 July 1944. p. 6.
  56. ^ "Perth's Hard Win". The Daily News. 15 July 1944. p. 6.
  57. ^ "E. Perth, 11th Win". The Daily News. 22 July 1944. p. 6.
  58. ^ "Perth Win Well". The Daily News. 22 July 1944. p. 6.
  59. ^ "West Perth Snatch Win in Hard Game". The Daily News. 22 July 1944. p. 6.
  60. ^ "South Do Better". The Daily News. 22 July 1944. p. 6.
  61. ^ "Subiaco Wins Easily". The Daily News. 29 July 1944. p. 7.
  62. ^ "East Fremantle Defeat W. Perth". The Daily News. 29 July 1944. p. 7.
  63. ^ "Claremont Lose to Swans". The Daily News. 29 July 1944. p. 7.
  64. ^ "East Perth Still Unbeaten". The Daily News. 29 July 1944. p. 7.
  65. ^ "Suby Lead E. Perth in Last Quarter". The Daily News. 5 August 1944. p. 6.
  66. ^ "East's Hard Win". The Daily News. 5 August 1944. p. 6.
  67. ^ "Close Game". The Daily News. 5 August 1944. p. 6.
  68. ^ "South Try Again". The Daily News. 5 August 1944. p. 6.
  69. ^ See WAFL Footy Facts: East Perth – Consecutive Games Won Archived 15 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  70. ^ "East Perth Maintain Their Football Lead". The Daily News. 12 August 1944. p. 6.
  71. ^ "Swans Beat Subiaco". The Daily News. 12 August 1944. p. 6.
  72. ^ "Perth Beaten". The Daily News. 12 August 1944. p. 6.
  73. ^ "South Overwhelmed". The Daily News. 12 August 1944. p. 6.
  74. ^ "Old Easts Win". The Daily News. 19 August 1944. p. 6.
  75. ^ "Perth Win Bid for Final Four". The Daily News. 19 August 1944. p. 6.
  76. ^ "West Perth Squeeze Home". The Daily News. 19 August 1944. p. 6.
  77. ^ "East Perth Ease Up". The Daily News. 19 August 1944. p. 6.
  78. ^ "East Perth Win Easily". The Daily News. 26 August 1944. p. 6.
  79. ^ "South Beaten Again". The Daily News. 26 August 1944. p. 6.
  80. ^ "Subiaco Just Beaten". The Daily News. 26 August 1944. p. 6.
  81. ^ "Claremont's Bad Luck". The Daily News. 26 August 1944. p. 6.
  82. ^ "Suby Out". The Daily News. 2 September 1944. p. 6.
  83. ^ "Swans Fight Hard, but Lose". The Daily News. 2 September 1944. p. 6.
  84. ^ "East Perth's Big Win". The Daily News. 2 September 1944. p. 6.
  85. ^ "Old Easts' 228 Points". The Daily News. 2 September 1944. p. 6.
  86. ^ "E. Fremantle Just Keep W. Perth Out". The Daily News. 9 September 1944. p. 7.
  87. ^ "South 7 Goals". The Daily News. 9 September 1944. p. 7.
  88. ^ "Swans Win Easily". The Daily News. 9 September 1944. p. 7.
  89. ^ "E. Perth Prove Supremacy". The Daily News. 9 September 1944. p. 7.
  90. ^ "South Still to Win". The Daily News. 16 September 1944. p. 7.
  91. ^ "Perth Beat West Perth". The Daily News. 16 September 1944. p. 7.
  92. ^ "Campbell Club Goal Record Beaten". The Daily News. 16 September 1944. p. 7.
  93. ^ "Subiaco Win Handsomely". The Daily News. 16 September 1944. p. 7.
  94. ^ "Perth, W. Perth Tie in 1st Semi-Final". The Daily News. 23 September 1944. p. 7.
  95. ^ "Perth Win Semi-Final". The Daily News. 30 September 1944. p. 7.
  96. ^ "E. Perth Forwards Sustain Record". The Daily News. 7 October 1944. p. 15.
  97. ^ "Old Easts Win League Final". The Daily News. 14 October 1944. p. 15.
  98. ^ "E. Perth Premiers". The Daily News. 21 October 1944. p. 15.
[edit]
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