Crowds declined by forty-six percent compared to 1994 figures,[1] and the resultant financial problems led to many proposals to improve the competition's appeal, ultimately leading to the abortive renaming ‘Westar Rules’ and the introduction of a ninth club, Mandurah-based Peel Thunder, who have proved perennially un-competitive on-field.
Under former star player Gary Buckenara, Subiaco dominated the home-and-away season losing only two matches, but were narrowly beaten in the second semi-final and thrashed in the Grand Final by West Perth – now firmly established at Joondalup – due to an outstanding performance from Darren Harris.
A plan to install lights at Bassendean for $160,000 was abandoned by the local council because it was thought there would be too much competition with sports such as basketball and soccer,[5] whilst longtime president Bill Walker resigned under the duress of major financial problems.
Nathan O‘Connor, in the extremely unfamiliar role of a “tagger”, shuts out dangerous East Fremantle midfielder Craig Treleven and sets up many Lion goals to prove the decisive factor in a close victory.
[64] A ferocious West Perth side breaks a twenty year premiership drought in the most violent WAFL Grand Final since 1981,[65] with Harris having an amazing 40 possessions and fullback Mifka keeping Heatley to just one goal.