1938 also saw triple Brownlow Medallist Haydn Bunton senior, enticed by the offer of employment, move to Subiaco and win the first of three Sandovers in only four seasons in Perth; however his presence overshadowed the rest of the team and the Maroons were to advance only one place compared to 1937, being handicapped by the loss of champion defender Lou Daily to the Goldfields where he led Mines Rovers to several premierships.
Swan Districts, in a last promising season before descending for two decades to the status of perennial easybeats,[2] achieved a notable feat in becoming the first club to hold George Doig and then Ted Tyson goalless during a match.
Claremont end Subiaco’s unbeaten run, whilst Perth, with Grigg taking the place of Gook and kicking eight, bring South Fremantle to earth.
For the first time in WANFL history, both teams score twenty goals in a match, and East Perth’s first quarter of 10.5 (65) is enough to rebound from a poor start to the season.
Handicapped by injury, St. Kilda are no match for a West Australian Second Eleven, for whom Bunton and Shea of Subiaco shows their best form and Swans’ Zilko keeps Mohr quiet.