[8] Swan Districts, who had achieved a mini-dynasty from 1980 to 1984 with 88 wins from 118 matches, declined from third to their fourteenth wooden spoon, as injuries to key players and loss of form by veteran Kevin Taylor[9][10] could only rarely be covered.
After having won only 27 matches between 1980 and 1985, Perth claimed a prized scalp as they exploited Claremont's weakness at centre half-forward, whilst Craig Smith added to his reputation as a WAFL “tagger” by shutting down Malaxos.
[76] Returns to form by Taylor and Kimberley allowed Swans to grasp an exciting last-minute victory after having been fifteen points behind with ten minutes remaining in an always-close match.
[79] South Fremantle provided a huge upset to move off the bottom as the brilliant Bairstow and erratic Winmar (who had been in the reserves during June) plus a surprisingly solid defence held the Lions out all afternoon.
[98] East Fremantle's Darren Bennett became the first player to kick ten or more goals in a WA(N)FL final,[100] and made the Sharks red-hot favourites to equal Port Adelaide's 27 flags in the major Australian Rules leagues.