The WAFL also showed concern from the start of the season about declining attendances – a problem that was to lead to radical changes to the structure of Australian Rules in subsequent years.
[5] Subiaco, depleted by their inability to afford to retain star State of Origin on-baller Gary Buckenara and the absence of league-quality key forwards,[6] set an unwanted record of losing their first sixteen matches, beating by one game their own record from 1902 and that of West Perth in 1939 for the worst start to a season in Western Australian League football.
[7] A high-standard, vigorous match – featuring much unnecessary aggression despite there being no reports as seen by 83 free kicks being given – sees Subiaco lose by under a goal for the fourth time in 1982 and leaves South lamenting the failure to boost its percentage.
Swan Districts shed their reputation for brittleness under pressure as they out-compete and outwit a hesitant Tiger outfit saved from a thrashing only by inaccuracy.
[81] Claremont withstand a Les Fong-led comeback that had West Perth only eight points behind early in the last quarter by kicking seven of the final eight goals.