2001 WAFL season

The 2001 WAFL season was the 117th season of the various incarnations of the West Australian Football League. Following the off-season “Fong Report” by WAFC President Neale Fong which was written as a response to the problems then faced on-and off-field by AFL and domestic football in Western Australia,[1] the league reverted to calling itself the ‘WAFL’ because it was acknowledged ‘Westar Rules’ was painfully contrived and did not reflect the history or traditions of the local game.[2]

2001 WAFL season
Teams9
PremiersEast Perth
(16th premiership)
Minor premiersClaremont
(12th minor premiership)
Matches played85
Bernie Naylor MedallistPaul Medhurst (Claremont)
Sandover MedallistRyan Turnbull (East Perth)

2001 also saw the abandonment of the “double-header” system of playing finals that began with the replay of the 1989 First semi-final, and also an unsuccessful experiment of giving each club four byes during the home-and-away season rather than three.

East Perth continued on from their dominance of the 2000 season to win a second successive premiership for the first time in forty-two seasons, thrashing a South Fremantle team that came from third position – after along with minor premiers Claremont completely dominating the season up to the end of May – to the Grand Final. Former West Coast Eagle regular Ryan Turnbull became the second player in four seasons to complete the Sandover/Simpson double. 2000 Grand Finalists East Fremantle, after having the best WAFL/Westar record during the 1990s, fell to second-last ahead of only financially crippled Swan Districts and were to play only one final during the rest of the decade. Peel Thunder, after advancing to four wins in 2000, advanced further despite the “Fong Report” recommending the withdrawal of their licence and at one time looked a chance for the finals, but the off-field pressure caused them to falter severely in the run home.[3]

Home-and-away season

Round 1
Round 1
Saturday, 31 March Peel Thunder 10.16 (76) def. Swan Districts 7.15 (57) Rushton Park (crowd: 1183)
Saturday, 31 March East Perth 8.20 (68) def. by South Fremantle 22.13 (145) Leederville Oval (crowd: 1467)
Saturday, 31 March West Perth 9.6 (60) def. by Claremont 19.7 (121) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1932)
Saturday, 31 March Perth 10.7 (67) def. Subiaco 6.6 (42) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1707)
Bye: East Fremantle
  • Peel, already fighting for its very existence, defeat Swans for the first time in a tough, scrappy match and consequently are in the top four for the first time in their short history.[4]
  • South Fremantle, after a very disappointing 2000, stun the Royals to back up outstanding form in the pre-season ‘Governor’s Challenge’, where they won all four matches.[5]
  • New captain Paul Maher sets the standard for a Perth team with ten new faces, leading them to an upset win over high-flyers Subiaco, whose tall forwards Smith, Ambrose and Donnelly do not kick a single goal between them.[6]

Round 2
Round 2
Saturday, 7 April Claremont 17.16 (118) def. Peel Thunder 16.10 (106) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1191)
Saturday, 7 April East Fremantle 13.12 (90) def. West Perth 13.10 (88) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1770)
Saturday, 7 April Swan Districts 8.5 (53) def. by Perth 14.12 (96) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1848) [7]
Bye: East Perth, South Fremantle, Subiaco

New skipper Marshall Stockden, replacing the retired Stephen Bilcich, gives the Sharks a splendid comeback win with a goal from a bouncing shot almost on the siren.[8]

Round 3 (Easter weekend)
Round 3
Saturday, 14 April Subiaco 16.6 (102) def. by Claremont 17.13 (115) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1686)
Saturday, 14 April Peel Thunder 11.9 (75) def. Perth 10.12 (72) Rushton Park (crowd: 2040)
Monday, 16 April South Fremantle 11.16 (82) def. East Fremantle 11.5 (71) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 5080)
Monday, 16 April West Perth 13.11 (89) def. by East Perth 16.14 (110) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 4010)
Bye: Swan Districts
  • Sixteen-year-old Aboriginal forward Daniel Wells kicks 4.1 and gives two other goals away to give Peel a thrilling win after Perth stormed back in the third quarter.[9]
  • A chant of “Eagles”[a] by West Perth supporters backfires as Ryan Turnbull drives East Perth to a comfortable rebound from their opening debacle after a very even three quarters.[10]

Round 4
Round 4
Saturday, 21 April Swan Districts 10.11 (71) def. South Fremantle 20.17 (137) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1738)
Saturday, 21 April Peel Thunder 15.10 (100) def. by West Perth 20.9 (129) Rushton Park (crowd: 1812)
Saturday, 21 April Claremont 18.15 (123) def. East Perth 5.4 (34) Albany (crowd: 2240)
Saturday, 21 April Perth 10.7 (67) def. by East Fremantle 14.17 (101) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1570)
Bye: Subiaco
  • Haaron Bokhari and Paul Medhurst kick ten between them as a powerful Tiger half-back line[11] holds East Perth to their lowest score against Claremont.[12]

Round 5
Round 5
Saturday, 28 April East Fremantle 9.9 (63) def. by Claremont 12.10 (82) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1667)
Saturday, 28 April Subiaco 15.17 (107) def. Peel Thunder 11.8 (74) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1029)
Saturday, 28 April West Perth 18.11 (119) def. Swan Districts 11.5 (71) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1815)
Saturday, 28 April South Fremantle 12.15 (87) def. Perth 3.12 (30) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1584)
Bye: East Perth
  • Injury-plagued Travis Gaspar shows the skills of older brother Darren as South Fremantle decimate Perth in a nine-goal first quarter romp before Perth’s “flooding” tactics in defence cause the game to deteriorate as Daniel Schell kicks 5.8 (38) – mostly from easy shots.[13]
  • Eighteen-year-old Quentin Lynch, on his WAFL debut, keeps West Perth ahead of the winless Swans, who fade out in the last quarter of what was previously a high-quality match.[14]

Round 6
Round 6
Saturday, 5 May Swan Districts 4.11 (35) def. by Subiaco 15.16 (106) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1570)
Saturday, 5 May East Perth 13.9 (87) def. East Fremantle 10.10 (70) Leederville Oval (crowd: 1677)
Saturday, 5 May Claremont 10.14 (74) def. South Fremantle 5.8 (38) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1815)
Saturday, 5 May Perth 9.17 (71) def. West Perth 6.9 (45) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1610)
Bye: Peel Thunder
  • Minus key 2000 forwards Troy Wilson and Ashley Hutchinson, East Perth achieve a confidence-building victory over a persistent East Fremantle via consistent experimentation up forward.[15]
  • Dale Kickett, in his first match for Claremont since the 1993 Grand Final[b], forms part of a rock-solid Tiger defence that easily wins the battle of the WAFL heavyweights.[16]
  • Perth, against a Falcon side weakened by the loss of Brendon Fewster, move to third as their enthusiasm offsets lack of experience and “flooding” tactics make goals almost impossible to get.[17]

Round 7
Round 7
Saturday, 12 May East Fremantle 8.13 (61) def. by Swan Districts 10.8 (68) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1158)
Saturday, 12 May East Perth 12.11 (83) def. Perth 2.12 (24) Leederville Oval (crowd: 1368)
Saturday, 12 May West Perth 9.8 (62) drew with Subiaco 8.14 (62) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1057)
Saturday, 12 May South Fremantle 22.15 (147) def. Peel Thunder 3.3 (21) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1532) [18]
Bye: Claremont
  • West Perth pile on six unanswered goals in ten minutes in very wet weather,[19] but after umpire Mark Fussell does not allow a mark to Quinten Lynch on the siren the match becomes only the third draw since the 1989 First semi-final, and the first in 328 games since Round 16, 1997.[20][21] As of 2014 this remains Subiaco’s last drawn match.
  • East Perth, overwhelming a weakened Demon attack and having their own targets in Dean Buszan and Kane Marsh, end a disjointed start to 2001 and show premiership form for the first time.[22]
  • With Andrew Embley showing his readiness for an AFL recall, Swan Districts come back for their first win after being behind all day.[23]
  • Peel kick the lowest score against South Fremantle since Perth kicked 1.7 (13) in 1952.[24]

Round 8
Round 8
Saturday, 19 May Swan Districts 13.4 (82) def. by East Perth 14.11 (95) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2014)
Saturday, 19 May Peel Thunder 17.16 (118) def. East Fremantle 14.9 (93) Rushton Park (crowd: 1302)
Saturday, 19 May Subiaco 8.2 (50) def. by South Fremantle 13.13 (91) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1578)
Saturday, 19 May Perth 4.15 (39) def. by Claremont 9.6 (60) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1383)
Bye: West Perth
  • Peel Thunder gain a satisfying victory over East Fremantle – the club most opposed to the extension of their licence – due to the Sharks’ lack of pace, and rise to fifth despite their preceding thrashing.[25]
  • Perth are the first WANFL/WAFL/WASFL/Westar Rules team goalless at three-quarter time since East Fremantle, also at Lathlain Park, in Round 15, 1967, but after kicking three of the first four goals in the last quarter are within three points before Claremont kick four in quick succession to stay undefeated.[26]

Round 9
Round 9
Saturday, 26 May East Fremantle 8.12 (60) def. by Subiaco 18.13 (121) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1298)
Saturday, 26 May Claremont 19.16 (130) def. Swan Districts 8.7 (55) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1406) [27]
Saturday, 26 May South Fremantle 14.15 (99) def. West Perth 12.6 (78) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1593)
Sunday, 27 May East Perth 9.14 (68) def. by Peel Thunder 11.11 (77) Collie (crowd: 1088)
Bye: Perth

For the only time to date, the WAFL play a match in the coal-mining town of Collie, in East Perth’s country zone. The game becomes Peel’s first win over an eventual premier club, and continues East Perth’s hoodoo in matches staged in country centres, as former Thunder star Buszan scores 2.7 (19).[28]

Round 10 (Foundation Day)
Round 10
Saturday, 2 June Subiaco 12.6 (78) def. Claremont 10.12 (72) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1924)
Saturday, 2 June Perth 15.9 (99) def. Peel Thunder 6.12 (48) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1721)
Monday, 4 June East Fremantle 8.7 (55) def. by South Fremantle 12.13 (85) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 7540)
Monday, 4 June East Perth 20.13 (133) def. West Perth 8.10 (58) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2890)
Bye: Swan Districts
  • After the turmoil associated with the sacking of Fremantle coach Damian Drum, Daniel Bandy, relegated from the Dockers, controls the ruck and plays in a winning team for the first time in 2001 to push Perth back into the four.[29]
  • Dean Buszan’s nine goals gives East Perth a crushing win that shows them still firm premiership hopes, but relegates the Falcons to their worst start since 1992.[30]

Round 11
Round 11
Saturday, 9 June Peel Thunder 23.11 (149) def. Swan Districts 11.12 (78) Rushton Park (crowd: 2012) [31]
Saturday, 9 June South Fremantle 7.10 (52) def. by East Perth 13.23 (101) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1457)
Sunday, 10 June Subiaco 14.9 (93) def. Perth 7.11 (53) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1497)
Bye: Claremont, East Fremantle, West Perth
  • The free-roaming play of David Swan on a wet and muddy Fremantle Oval ensures East Perth completely eclipse the league leaders after half-time.[32]
  • The loss of out-of-form ruckman Daniel Bandy after a major collision with Lion Richard Ambrose turns an arm-wrestle into a thrashing as Andrew Wills decimates the Demons.[33]
  • Peel Thunder, despite remaining under threats of being axed from the WAFL, record what remains as of 2014 their highest score[34] and greatest winning margin.[35]

Round 12
Round 12
Saturday, 16 June Swan Districts 9.13 (67) def. by Perth 11.8 (74) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2403)
Saturday, 16 June Claremont 17.9 (111) def. Peel Thunder 10.12 (72) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1339)
Saturday, 16 June West Perth 9.12 (66) def. by East Fremantle 14.7 (91) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1564)
Bye: East Perth, South Fremantle, Subiaco
  • Six goals by Graham Polak on his seventeenth birthday gives 2000 runners-up East Fremantle a third win and leaves West Perth second last and seemingly out of finals contention.[36]
  • Out-of-form ex-AFL star Scott Cummings, relegated from the poorly-performing Eagles, is unexpectedly thrashed by Anthony Buselik in his eighth WAFL/Westar Rules match, and Swans fail to reap an expected benefit.[37]

Round 13
Round 13
Saturday, 23 June East Perth 14.11 (95) def. Subiaco 14.9 (93) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2348)
Saturday, 23 June South Fremantle 8.11 (59) def. by Claremont 11.16 (82) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 2051)
Bye: East Fremantle, Peel Thunder, Perth, Swan Districts, West Perth

Led by Ryan Turnbull and Devan Perry, East Perth win a thrilling match with two goals direct from clearances in the final minute and remain in touch with top club Claremont.[38]

Round 14
Round 14
Saturday, 30 June East Fremantle 17.9 (111) def. by East Perth 18.9 (117) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1935)
Saturday, 30 June Subiaco 12.19 (91) def. Swan Districts 10.7 (67) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1446)
Saturday, 30 June Perth 10.12 (72) def. by West Perth 18.13 (121) Bruce Rock (crowd: 1178)
Bye: Claremont, Peel Thunder, South Fremantle

Troy Wilson, despite playing with three pairs of socks in the boots of Dean Buszan, kicks seven goals to ward off a potential Shark upset.[39]

Round 15
Round 15
Saturday, 7 July Swan Districts 10.9 (69) def. by West Perth 11.14 (80) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1641)
Saturday, 7 July Peel Thunder 13.14 (92) def. Subiaco 12.9 (81) Rushton Park (crowd: 1902)
Saturday, 7 July Claremont 17.11 (113) def. East Fremantle 10.10 (70) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1574)
Saturday, 7 July Perth 9.7 (61) def. by South Fremantle 10.8 (68) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1529)
Bye: East Perth
  • A spiteful incident where Subiaco centreman Brad Campbell breaks his jaw fails to rouse the Lions enough to prevent Peel’s sixth win in seven home games, which places the Thunder only half a game behind the fourth-placed Lions.[40]
  • A flu epidemic and two byes in three rounds fails to undermine second-placed South Fremantle, who manage to all but end Perth’s finals hopes in the slippery conditions.[41]

Round 16
Round 16
Saturday, 14 July East Fremantle 18.11 (119) def. Perth 11.13 (79) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1673)
Saturday, 14 July East Perth 19.12 (126) def. Claremont 10.6 (66) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2725)
Saturday, 14 July West Perth 17.17 (119) def. Peel Thunder 12.8 (80) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1588)
Saturday, 14 July South Fremantle 18.16 (124) def. Swan Districts 7.10 (52) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1632)
Bye: Subiaco

West Perth maintain their perfect record against Peel thanks to the return of former big man Brett King, whose presence in the ruck allows Laurie Belotti and Simon Duckworth to solve forward woes created by the loss of Digby Morrell.[42]

Round 17
Round 17
Saturday, 21 July Swan Districts 14.7 (91) def. by East Fremantle 19.10 (124) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1892)
Saturday, 21 July Peel Thunder 9.9 (63) def. by South Fremantle 22.13 (145) Rushton Park (crowd: 2349)
Saturday, 21 July Subiaco 8.9 (57) def. by West Perth 8.11 (59) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 1962)
Saturday, 21 July Perth 8.7 (55) def. by East Perth 11.11 (77) Lathlain Park (crowd: 2798)
Bye: Claremont

West Perth coach Andrew Lockyer has an unexpected success via leaving 1999 Simpson Medallist Christian Kelly on the bench, as his fresh legs give the Falcons a stirring win after having only four goals on the board with ten minutes remaining. Simon Duckworth helps Kelly by kicking three late goals from centre half-forward.[43]

Round 18
Round 18
Saturday, 28 July East Fremantle 15.3 (93) def. by Peel Thunder 16.9 (105) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1244)
Saturday, 28 July East Perth 16.13 (109) def. Swan Districts 9.6 (60) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2057)
Saturday, 28 July Claremont 14.10 (94) def. Perth 12.9 (81) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1252)
Sunday, 29 July South Fremantle 7.11 (53) def. by Subiaco 14.11 (95) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1432)
Bye: West Perth
  • Subiaco, at full strength for the first time in 2001, jump second-placed South Fremantle to stay ahead of the Thunder and Falcons in fourth. The Bulldogs do not goal until nineteen minutes into the second quarter and are 4.6 (30) when heavy rain starts at three-quarter time.[44]
  • East Perth, led by defender Andrew Waller who shuts out Bernard Carney after the latter kicked four goals in the first quarter, score 15.8 (98) to 2.2 (14) after quarter-time when a huge upset by the one-win Swans looked on the agenda.[45]
  • Despite East Fremantle recording statistically its fourth most accurate score on record, Peel record as of 2014 their only win at East Fremantle Oval.[46]

Round 19
Round 19
Saturday, 4 August Swan Districts 12.11 (83) def. Claremont 10.2 (62) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 2253)
Saturday, 4 August East Perth 25.17 (167) def. Peel Thunder 8.8 (56) Leederville Oval (crowd: 1559) [47]
Saturday, 4 August East Fremantle 10.13 (73) def. by Subiaco 20.20 (140) Kalgoorlie (crowd: 4192)
Saturday, 4 August West Perth 9.16 (70) def. by South Fremantle 13.6 (84) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 1536)
Bye: Perth
  • After being a goal behind at half-time, East Perth kick 20.7 (127) to 1.4 (10) in the second half. Their 13.3 (81) in the last quarter is the most in any quarter against Peel.[48] Dean Buszan, who shifted from Peel to East Perth under the host club agreement, kicked nine goals.
  • West Perth effective seal the four with three rounds remaining by kicking only 0.6 (6) from nine shots with the wind in the last quarter.[49]
  • Swan Districts, with only one win, lead all day to record a shock upset over Claremont in John Todd’s seven hundredth match as coach, as rejuvenated forward Scott Cummings and Craig DeCorsey provide targets previously missing and kick eight of their twelve majors.[50]

Round 20
Round 20
Saturday, 11 August East Fremantle 10.6 (66) def. by West Perth 16.12 (108) East Fremantle Oval (crowd: 1536)
Saturday, 11 August Peel Thunder 7.7 (49) def. by Claremont 23.20 (158) Rushton Park (crowd: 2028)
Saturday, 11 August Subiaco 10.12 (72) def. by East Perth 15.10 (100) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 2356)
Saturday, 11 August Perth 12.14 (86) def. Swan Districts 12.4 (76) Lathlain Park (crowd: 1701)
Bye: South Fremantle
  • Ex-Lions Matt Balchin and Paul Ridley allow the Royals to overcome the late withdrawal of Dean Buszan and take second position, Subiaco completely dominate between the midpoints of the third and last quarter but score only one goal and East Perth rebound soildly.[51]
  • Brad Wira’s return to form highlights Claremont’s thrashing of a Peel club facing an uncertain future in the WAFL and losing Derek Hall and Daniel Haines very early in the match.[52]
  • Andrew Lockyer’s policy of playing star players from the bench comes up another trump as West Perth see Regan Duckworth, Brendan Logan and Paul Stockden to cash in on a tired East Fremantle midfield and keep the Falcons’ finals hopes alive. Stockden, with three last-quarter goals, wards off a Shark surge.[53]

Round 21
Round 21
Saturday, 18 August Claremont 14.11 (95) def. Subiaco 7.16 (58) Claremont Oval (crowd: 1628) [54]
Saturday, 18 August West Perth 11.10 (76) def. East Perth 10.14 (74) Arena Joondalup (crowd: 2593)
Saturday, 18 August South Fremantle 26.10 (166) def. East Fremantle 13.6 (84) Fremantle Oval (crowd: 2119)
Bye: Peel Thunder, Perth, Swan Districts
  • West Perth rover Glenn Britten makes a remarkable steal from Dean Buszan to knock the ball away and create the winning goal, backed up by a six-goal third quarter and superb defence at the finish that restricts the Royals to two behinds.[55]
  • This result ended East Perth’s run of nine straight and left West Perth only percentage behind Subiaco, though with a much tougher final match.
  • Despite listing and not playing a completely unfit Travis Gaspar to make him eligible for the WAFL finals, South Fremantle have no trouble with the Sharks, leading 15.6 (96) to 4.4 (28) at half-time.[56]

Round 22
Round 22
Saturday, 25 August Swan Districts 22.16 (148) def. Peel Thunder 8.8 (56) Bassendean Oval (crowd: 1640)
Saturday, 25 August East Perth 10.15 (75) def. South Fremantle 9.8 (62) Leederville Oval (crowd: 2574)
Saturday, 25 August Claremont 18.8 (116) def. West Perth 11.10 (76) Claremont Oval (crowd: 2300)
Saturday, 25 August Perth 6.8 (44) def. by Subiaco 18.11 (119) Lathlain Park (crowd: 2101)
Bye: East Fremantle
  • East Perth’s dominance of general play finally pays off in the last quarter and the Royals take the double chance, but face the report of veteran David Swan, who was taken to hospital after vomiting blood.[57]
  • Despite losing Scott Cummings to a back injury at quarter-time, last-placed Swan Districts crush Peel with the unheralded Ben Piggott booting six goals and Adam Hunter five. The Swans scored 8.5 (53) to 0.0 (0) in the final quarter.[58]

Ladder
2001 ladder
Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA PP Pts
1 Claremont 18 15 3 0 1792 1249 143.5 60
2 East Perth (P) 18 14 4 0 1719 1371 125.4 56
3 South Fremantle 18 13 5 0 1724 1201 143.5 52
4 Subiaco 18 9 8 1 1567 1307 119.9 38
5 West Perth 18 8 9 1 1503 1566 96.0 34
6 Peel Thunder 18 7 11 0 1417 1990 71.2 28
7 Perth 18 6 12 0 1170 1428 81.9 24
8 East Fremantle 18 5 13 0 1495 1783 83.8 20
9 Swan Districts 18 3 15 0 1283 1775 72.3 12
Source: WAFL Footy Facts
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for.
(P) Premiers.

Finals

First semi-final
First semi-final
Sunday, 2 September South Fremantle 15.11 (101) def. Subiaco 10.13 (73) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4,309)

With the Bulldogs severely short of tall players due to injury, coach Peter Sumich moves Rick Mott and veteran Marty Atkins into the ruck – where they are extremely successful and overpower the Lions.[59]

Second semi-final
Second semi-final
Saturday, 8 September Claremont 9.7 (61) def. by East Perth 20.13 (133) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 6,778) [60]

With East Perth’s superb win, Tony Micale becomes the fifth WAFL coach to appear in five consecutive Grand Finals,[c], and the only one to do so with multiple clubs. Claremont’s troubles began with the loss of key rover Ben Cunningham in the second quarter, after which they were overwhelmed.[61]

Preliminary final
Preliminary final
Saturday, 15 September South Fremantle 14.9 (93) def. Claremont 12.13 (85) Subiaco Oval (crowd: 4,894)

Travis Gaspar does a remarkable job of overcoming severe hamstring problems to play a decisive role as a ruckman in the Bulldogs’ victory.[62]

Grand Final
2001 WAFL Grand Final
Saturday, 22 September East Perth def. South Fremantle Subiaco Oval (crowd: 23,842) [63]
2.7 (19)
7.12 (54)
11.12 (78)
 17.18 (120)		 Q1
Q2
Q3
 Final		 3.1 (19)
5.4 (34)
5.7 (37)
 5.8 (38)		 Umpires: Craig Hendrie, Mark Fussell, David Corcoran
Simpson Medal: Ryan Turnbull (East Perth)
Perry 3, Buszan 3, Symmons 2, Munro 2, Wheatley, Barnard, Cowell, Waller, Humm, Haynes, Antonowicz Goals Gaspar 2, Chisholm, Sampi, Dodd
Wheatley, Perry, Cowell, Webster, Turnbull, Symmons Best Gaspar, Tinsley, Chisholm, Burridge, Gault, McGrath
Injuries Mott (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Burridge
Atkins (thigh)
Chisholm (shoulder)
Thompson (ankle)

East Perth’s powerful, tough rucks destroy a depleted South Fremantle team, with Turnbull leading the charge a day before his thirtieth birthday.[64]

Notes

a In reference to East Perth serving as the host club for West Coast and thus having numerous Eagles players in their team.
b Kickett had earned a nine-week suspension in the second 2000 Western Derby.
c The others were Phil Matson with East Perth from 1919 to 1923, Clive Lewington with South Fremantle from 1950 to 1954, Jack Sheedy with East Perth from 1956 to 1961, and Gerard Neesham with Claremont from 1987 to 1991

References
  1. See WAFL Future Directions
  2. Barker, Anthony J.; Behind the Play: A History of Football in Western Australia; pp. 358-360. ISBN 0975242709
  3. Lague, Steve and Lewis, Ross; ‘Minister Leads Bid to Save Thunder’; The West Australian, 28 August 2001, p. 56
  4. Lague, Steve; ‘Desperate Thunder Notches Two Firsts’; The Game, p. 10, from The West Australian, 2 April 2001
  5. Lewis, Ross; ‘Bulldogs Stun Limp Royals’; The Game, p. 10, from The West Australian, 2 April 2001
  6. Lague, Steve; ‘Maher Sets Standard for New-Look Resurgent Perth’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 2 April 2001
  7. Lewis, Ross; ‘Happy Kelly Back in the Groove’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 9 April 2001
  8. Lague, Steve; ‘Last Kick Makes Captain’s Day’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 9 April 2001
  9. Reed, David; ‘Brilliant rookie Kicks the Thunder to Victory’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 16 April 2001
  10. Lewis, Ross; ‘Eagles Chant Backfires’; The West Australian, 17 April 2001, p. 57
  11. Bennett, Alison; ‘Tigers’ Pair Make Up Lost Time’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 23 April 2001
  12. "WAFL Footy Facts: East Perth – Lowest Scores v Claremont". Archived from the original on 14 May 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  13. Reed, David; ‘Bulldog Gaspar Shows AFL Form’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 30 April 2001
  14. Lewis, Ross; ‘Young Falcon Set to Swoop’; The Game, p. 10, from The West Australian, 30 April 2001
  15. Lewis, Ross; ‘Forward Shuffle Deals Up Royal Flush’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 7 May 2001
  16. Reid, Russell; ‘Kickett Ready for Dockers’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 7 May 2001
  17. ‘Youngsters Show the Way for Demons’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 7 May 2001
  18. Lague, Steve; ‘Bulldogs Make a Huge Splash’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 14 May 2001
  19. Perth Metro (Mount Lawley) (009225) May 2001 rainfall
  20. WAFL Footy Facts: Drawn Matches Archived 2014-05-13 at the Wayback Machine
  21. Butler, Steve, ‘Forlorn Falcons Caught Short’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 14 May 2001
  22. Lewis, Ross; ‘Settled East Perth Slots into a Groove’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 14 May 2001
  23. Reid, Russell; ‘Embley Ready for Eagles’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 14 May 2001
  24. South Fremantle: Lowest Scores Conceded
  25. Lewis, Ross; ‘A Telling Blow for Thunder’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 21 May 2001
  26. Reid, Russell; ‘Field of Plenty for Tigers’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 21 May 2001
  27. Lewis, Ross; ‘Medhurst Kicks Clear Among Potent Tigers’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 28 May 2001
  28. Butler, Steve; ‘Hall Points to Peel Pride’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 28 May 2001
  29. Lague, Steve; ‘Victory Sweet for Bandy after Week of Turmoil’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 4 June 2001
  30. Lague, Steve; ‘Eagles Rookie Serves Up Nine-Goal Notice’; The West Australian, 5 June 2001, p. 57
  31. Reid, Russell; ‘Peel Sends Message to Those with Axe Raised’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 11 June 2001
  32. Lague, Steve; ‘Free Rein for Swan Helps Tame Bulldogs’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 11 June 2001
  33. Lewis, Ross; ‘Setback for Bandy’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 11 June 2001
  34. Peel Thunder: Highest Scores
  35. Peel Thunder: Biggest Wins
  36. Lague, Steve; ‘Birthday Blitz by Polak’; The Game, p. 6; from The West Australian, 18 June 2001
  37. Reid, Russell; ‘Free Rein for Swan Helps Tame Bulldogs’; The Game, p. 6; from The West Australian, 18 June 2001
  38. Lague, Steve; ‘Never-Say-Die Royals Prevail’; The Game, p. 6; from The West Australian, 25 June 2001
  39. Reid, Russell; ‘Wilson Not too Big for Shooting Boots’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian, 2 July 2001
  40. Reed, David; ‘Midfield Sets Up Peel Win’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian 9 July 2001
  41. Reid, Russell; ‘Hard-Hit Bulldogs Hang On’; The Game, p. 11; from The West Australian 9 July 2001
  42. Lague, Steve; ‘Falcons Find a New Way to Fly’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 16 July 2001
  43. Lewis, Ross; ‘Kelly Flies off the Bench’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 23 July 2001
  44. Lague, Steve; ‘Harder Lions Shock South’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 30 July 2001
  45. Lewis, Ross; ‘Waller Spurs Royals’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 30 July 2001
  46. "WAFL Footy Facts: East Fremantle Oval". Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  47. Lewis, Ross; ‘Buszan Shift Costly for Peel’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 6 August 2001
  48. WAFL Footy Facts: Quarters and Halves
  49. Lague, Steve; ‘Bulldogs Hold Off Wasteful Falcons’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 6 August 2001
  50. Reed, David; ‘Dual Thrust Lifts Swans’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 6 August 2001
  51. Lague, Steve; ‘Ex-Lions Give Royals Bite’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 13 August 2001
  52. Reed, David; ‘Victory Eases Wira’s Pain’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 13 August 2001
  53. Reid, Russell; ‘Duckworth in Benchmark for Falcons’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 13 August 2001
  54. Reid, Russell; ‘Tigers Roar Out a Warning’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 20 August 2001
  55. Lague, Steve; ‘Royals Kept Out by Battle from Britten’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 20 August 2001
  56. Lewis, Ross; ‘Shark-Hunting Bulldogs Gamble on Gaspar’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 20 August 2001
  57. Lewis, Ross; ‘Anxious Wait for Royals’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 27 August 2001
  58. Lague, Steve; ‘Piggott Makes Most of Chance to Play’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 27 August 2001
  59. Lewis, Ross; Two Bulldogs Stand Tall; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 3 September 2001
  60. Lewis, Ross; ‘Full Steam Ahead for the Runaway Royals’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 10 September 2001
  61. Reid, Russell; ‘Tigers’ Rover Out for Season’; The Game, p. 11, from The West Australian, 10 September 2001
  62. Reid, Russell; ‘Last-Gasp Gaspar Not Daunted by Grand Final’; The Game, p. 7, from The West Australian, 17 September 2001
  63. Lewis, Ross; ‘Royals Too Hard, Too Good’; in The Game, p. 7; from The West Australian, 24 September 2001
  64. Lewis, Ross; ‘Turnbull’s Big Day’; in The Game, p. 7; from The West Australian, 24 September 2001
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