SEMI-PRO PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDERS YEAR WINNERS RUNNERS UP SCORE 1989 Perth Italia Floreat Athena 1-0 1990 Perth Italia Stirling Macedonia 4-2 1991 Perth Italia Floreat Athena 1-0 1998 Western Knights Sorrento 3-1 SEMI-PRO PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS YEAR WINNERS RUNNERS UP SCORE 1998 Western Knights Sorrento 3-1 1999 Sorrento Western Knights 5-1 2000 Perth Western Knights 2-0 2001 Perth Floreat Athena 3-0 2002 Perth Floreat Athena 3-0 2003 Perth Western Knights 2-1 2004 Western Knights Sorrento 1-0 2005 NO GRAND FINAL PLAYED 2006 NO GRAND FINAL PLAYED 2007 NO GRAND FINAL PLAYED * NOTE: 1998 decided both titles.
The following Match reports from the above games are from the annual year books for each year, except for 2000 to 2003.
The Grand Finals that mattered
1989 GRAND FINAL
FLOREAT ATHENA vs PERTH ITALIA
Attendance: 5,500 (approx.)
At the culmination of the season it was Athena, followed by Italia, Sorrento and Macedonia to fight it off for the Emu Export crown. This was the first time a final series had been used the decide the premiership.
Sorrento and Macedonia met in the first semi final, a do-or-die clash for both sides. After a torrid encounter it was Sorrento who took the honours, which signalled the end to Macedonia's 1989 campaign. In the second semi final Athena stamped their usual dominace of the game, taking the match 2-1 and forcing Italia into the Preliminary Final with a determined Sorrento. From the outset, Sorrento looked a more complete side, rested after a two week break and desperate for victory. The Percy Doyle side took the lead in the first half fron a flat-footed Italia, when Cliff Collins found the net. However, Italia fought back in the second half, Roy Hogan equalising after 10 minutes and Oriano Colli made it 2-1 midway through the term, giving Italia the match.
Athena went into the Grand Final short-priced favourites after beating Italia in the second semi-final and thrashing them 3-1 in the D'orsogna Cup Final the previous week. However Italia dominated for the better part of the 90 minutes, marching forward through Joe Vecchio and Gerry Christie, winner of the inaugural Chris Gogos medal. It was Peter Murphy to open the scoring, after a number of early chances went begging, when he headed home from a Joe Vecchio cross which beat Alan Davidson. Athena's forwards were unable to stamp their influence on the game with Dave Evans and Robbie Dunn dominating at the back. As much as they tried, Athena could not find the equaliser and Italia took the match and the premiership 1-0.
1990 GRAND FINAL
PERTH ITALIA vs STIRLING MACEDONIA
Attendance: 4,000 (approx.)
The first game of the finals was an elimination final between the fourth and fifth placed clubs Kelmscott and Croatia, with Croatia winning a very exciting contest by 4 goals to 3. They went on to play Stirling Macedona in the first semi-final where they received a 6-1 drubbing, with Macedonia's Frank Bate scoring a hat trick.
In the second semi-final Athena should have felt fairly confident having beaten Italia in both league games. But the tables were turned and it was the Championship holders who won, and took the honours by 3 goals to 1.
So to the Preliminary Final at Dorrien Gardens and Athena fighting to prove that they were the ones who should be contesting the grand final, but it wasn't to be, goals from the Macedonian youngest and oldest players, in Keagan and Garvey respectively saw Athena's hopes dashed and a goal from Ronnie Campbell could not save the minor champions from being eclipsed.
With the pre match build up heightened by a controversial decision to allow suspended Robbie Dunn to play for Italia then the grand final was set up for a fiery encounter between two strong sides.
And so it turned out, a crowd of some 4,000 were left breathless with excitment as the play flowed first one way then the other, something had to give, unfortunately it was players tempers that cracked under the red hot pressure and when a couple of fists flashed, referee Andy Hassle had no alternative but to send Alan Armstrong of Macedonia, and Mel Brown of Italia from the field of play.
The first goal did not come until the 70th minute when Italia's Collova converted a tiltman cross, and Italia must have thought the cup and the championship was as good as theirs, but with seconds to go Macies Alan Herscher levelled the score and so it went into extra time.
The extra time was as nail bitingly tense as the previous 90 minutes.
It was Hersch who scored again for Macedonia putting them in front for the first time, but the lead was short lived as the tall Dave Evans scored with a glorious header from a corner. It was super sub Tiltman who regained the lead for his team, and a further goal was scored by Italia's captain and former socceroo Robbie Dunn with a shot that the diving McNally could only carry into the net. So with this 4-2 victory, Italia as a club took their second step into the most successful season in its history.
1991 GRAND FINAL
FLOREAT ATHENA vs PERTH ITALIA
Attendance: 4,000 (approx.)
Perth Italia won this game 1-0, no other information is available.
1998 GRAND FINAL
WESTERN KNIGHTS vs SORRENTO
Attendance: 1,500 (approx.)
After winning three consecutive sudden death games to reach the final, Sorrento ran into a red-hot Western Knights outfit in the final.
The Knights, playing for the triple were awesome, especially the man of the match Eugene Singerozan. Singerozan scored two and Trim Morgon added a third all in the first 25 minutes of the match to sink any sky blue dreams of a first premiership.
Ross Greer did manage to pull one back just before half time but his side could not sneak a second after the interval to give the Knights a few last minute jitters.
1999 GRAND FINAL
WESTERN KNIGHTS vs SORRENTO
Attendance: 1,500 (approx.)
Ross Greer's two first half goals set Sorrento on the path to their first Soccer West Coast Grand Final win with an imposing 5-1 trouncing of last year's Champions Western Knights.
The victory is a significant milestone in their 28 year history. Greer's goals, both from the penalty spot gave Sorrento a surprise 2-1 half time lead and when the Knights lost their discipline and had two players sent off in the second half, the match was Sorrento's for the taking.
Sorrento were uncoordinated early and Scott Devine amazingly pushed the ball wide when he set clear by Ramon Westerberger's good work after 5 minutes. Sorrento had another let-off 10 minutes later when John Nicolaou got goal side of his marker Steven Love, but didn't connect fully, allowing Mike Harness to gather the ball.
Two minutes later, Sorrento's midfielder, Stuart Banks fired into the side netting. Within a minute Sorrento were a goal behind when Nicolaou powered in a header from Raymon Marinovic cross from the right. Sorrento stood firm repelling the Knight's attack with Richard Turnbull leading the defenders.
On 32 minutes, referee Angelo Nardi awarded the first of the penalties when keeper Tom Tomich clattered into Greer. Greer got up to take the penalty, scoring to Tomich's right. Eight minutes later, Tony Carbone defence-splitting pass was stopped by a Rick Antunes trip. Again referee Nardi had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Greer held his nerve to blast past Tomich and give Sorrento the lead. Westerberger had an opportunity to put the Knights on level terms, but his shot cannoned of the body of Harkness and Kevin Murphy cleared the danger.
It was all action from the start of the second half, until the sending off of the Knights Alex Cummings who received his second caution for crudely bringing down Harnwell. Marinovic had the next chance, but he took too long to put the trigger allowing Love to tackle. Sorrento then took command after 60 minutes. Harnwell cut the ball back to Simon Harland but his volley was blocked by Tomich. A minute later Bank's attempted lob beat Tomich, but shaved the wrong side of the right post.
Sorrento went 2 goals in front when Harland received a Banks throw in, turned and shot powerfully under Tomich's body. Tomich took most of the pace off the ball, but it agonisingly rolled across the goal line after 62 minutes. On 73 minutes, Marinovic received his marching orders for a crunching tackle on Banks.
Sorrento were now playing with confidence, and after 81 minutes were 4-1 up when Harland set up Banks and his left foot drive went in under the diving Tomich.
Three minutes into stoppage time Glen Thomas finished off a good interchange of passes with Sorrento's 5th goal from 10 metres.
A sensational performance by Sorrento to avenge last season's 3-1 defeat in the Grand Final by the Knights.
2000 GRAND FINAL
WESTERN KNIGHTS vs PERTH
Attendance: 1,400 (approx.)
The 2000 Champion of Champions final saw two of the league powerhouse sides face each other at the Litis Stadium on Sunday. It was the Western Knights third appearance in the play-off decider in as many years, triumphant in 1998 against Sorrento only to be thrashed 12 months later by the same team. Perth were making their first appearance since 1993's 2-0 win over North Perth Croatia in what has been a lean period for the club, only the 1998 Night Series trophy coming since.
The teams had played eachother three times prior to this clash with the Knights winning on each occasion by a 2-1 margin and another tight encounter was expected. Both camps had injury concerns over key players going into the match. Karl Medica took his place in the Knights starting eleven having passed a late fitness test on an ankle injury sustained in Boral Cup Final seven days earlier, but Perth's exciting striker Nick Mrdja wasn't so lucky, warming the bench with a niggling knee problem.
The teams made their intentions clear from the outset, playing it hard in an attempt to put the opposition off their game and meaning referee Patrick McCaffrey would be in for a busy afternoon. In the opening quarter of an hour alone we saw Medica bring down Rob Giorgi from behind to join the Perth midfielder in McCaffrey's book. Shane McNally was then carded for a late challenge on Giorgi, and Mark Pottier followed suit for dissent not long after. It was no place for the feint-hearted and full credit must go to McCaffrey who did a sterling job all afternoon, letting the players know who was in control and justifiable in his distribution of cards.
With the Knights defence looking strong, it was Medica that provided the first chance on goal after 5 minutes. He was allowed to run unchallenged from deep before releasing Eugene Singeorzan on top of box, the powerfully built striker letting the ball roll before trying to put it under the advancing Robert Scarparolo who got down quick to smother.
But that was the only time either 'keeper was tested in the opening 30 minutes as both defences wasted no time in doing the job at hand and kept a tight reign on the opposing forwards. While Perth were quick to get forward on the counter attack, they relied almost exclusively on Boni Botha and David Onoforo to do all the work in the final third where their efforts were nullified by the Knights well-organised four man defence. At the heart of that defence was veteran player Andy Wright who was strong in the tackle and never shirked his responsibilities. The Knights on the other hand streamed into attack in numbers and made great use of the full width of the park, but were continually forced back into midfield but an equally impressive Perth backline marshaled by captain Craig Naven.
Playing the game at a frenetic pace, the teams eventually started to string together some good moves which lead to several good chances on goal. In the 30th minute Ray Marinovic knocked a Knights throw-in back to Scott Devine who hit a brilliant drive from close to the by-line and forced Scarparolo to tip the ball over the bar at the far post. Devine's shot lacked nothing in the way of power or direction and would prove to be the match that started the fire. Three minutes later came Perth's first chance on goal - a Stephen Willey corner was met deep by Pottier but his header landed on the top netting.
The Knights were beginning to run the show but, for all their enterprise, had nothing to show as attack after attack broke down inside the 18-yard box. Inside the last ten minutes, Medica surged through the middle of the park only to put the ball wide from 18 metres. A Wright cross from deep flashed past Scarparolo and across face of goal only to find no-one on hand to put the ball over the line. And Dean Nicolaou sent a brilliant ball to McNally, but he mis-timed his jump just outside the 6-yard box, the ball brushed his head on the way down and the Perth defence knocked it to safety.
The final few minutes of the half saw Perth finally spark into life with Onoforo in the thick of the action. In the 42nd minute they had a penalty appeal turned down after Onoforo's flick-on struck the hand of Ivan Ljubicic. The pacey striker should have finished better a minute later when he raced past the Knights defence on the counter attack only to put the ball wide.
But, just as players on both teams were looking forward to the break, it was third time lucky for Onoforo. A neat one-two between Craig Naven and Perry Ielati saw the Perth captain throw himself at the ball to prevent it from crossing the by-line and pull it back into the area. Willey cheekily flicked it across top of the 6-yard box and Onoforo, dead in front and with Williams now well out of position, finished off the move by finding the back of the net. It was a cruel blow for the Knights who had been the better of the two sides over the opening 45 minutes and had deserved at least one goal for their efforts.
The second half started with a bluster - the Knights fired up and keen for a quick reply. Within four minutes John Nicolaou found Joe Vaz inside the box but the midfielder was unable to get a clear shot on goal, rushing his attempt as Naven and Willey closed him down. Minutes later McNally's header looped goalward only to be punched clear by Scarparolo despite the close attentions of John Nicolaou. Four times within the space of the few minutes Scarparolo came to the rescue of his side by taking the ball off the heads of opponents inside the 6-yard box. With all the play talking part in the Knights attacking half, the Perth backline performed admirably under pressure only to see the ball knocked back into the 18-yard box every time they thought the danger had passed.
The barrage couldn't last forever and eventually the pressure and heat started to take effect on the Knights players. Several were beginning to lose their rag as things didn't go their way, lashing out at opponents and teammates alike as they felt their hold on the match slowly slipping from their grasp. John Nicoloau was lucky not to be red carded for a dreadful two-footed tackle on Willey but amazingly it was the Perth player that had his name taken for dissent.
Rather than pump the ball into the middle whenever they turned it over, Perth opted to play it down the flanks in a confident display of first-time passing. Through such moves they were able to steer control of the contest away from their opponents who were quickly running out of puff. In the 69th minute, a fantastic Jamie Coyne free kick saw Williams unable to hold his ferocious shot, Willey pounced on the parry but was unable to re-direct the ball under the bar. Shortly after a lunging Ljubicic tackle bought to a halt a weaving run from Onoforo, from the resulting corner Aaron Cole nodded down Howarth's deep cross but Onoforo hit the ball into the body of an opponent before it was knocked to safety.
The recent introduction of Nick Mrdja provided Perth with a fresh set of legs up-front and, along with Onoforo and Coyne, he was able to find ample space to manoeuver. A lovely 73rd minute in-swinging cross from Coyne found Mrdja at the far post whose flying volley from close range went narrowly wide. Five minutes later Coyne was allowed to walk the ball forward and hit a thundering drive which Williams blocked, Mrdja was on hand to scoop up the rebound but his shot was deflected off the boot for another Perth corner.
With four minutes of regulation time remaining, the game threatened to turn sour with the hot-headed Singeorzan at the centre of several clashes with Perth opponents, McCaffrey calling a halt to proceedings and stepping in to talk at length with those involved. Generally it was a quiet day at the office for Knights strikers John Nicolaou and Singeorzan who found space up-front limited thanks to the efforts of Aaron Cole and Perry Ielati. What was to prove their last throw of the dice came in the 89th minute, Wright pumped a long ball deep into the box which Scarparolo thumped clear despite the pressure of John Nicolaou and Leon Russell.
A 90th minute off-the-ball incident saw the Knights reduced to ten men and their hopes of forcing the game into extra-time evaporate. With the referee dealing with something at the opposite end of the park, Singeorzan ran past Cole and, for no discernable reason, punched the young defender in the left cheek. Singeorzan would probably have got away with it if not for the alert eye of the assistant referee, he reported the incident to McCaffrey who was left with no option but to order the Knights player from the field. Unfortunately it didn't end there as Singeorzan refused to leave the perimeter and had name taken by the fourth official.
Once play got back underway, Perth were not content to run down the clock despite being a goal up, having a man advantage and the game well into injury time. Instead they continued to push for a second goal with Coyne leading the way in midfield. Breaking quickly from a failed Knights attack, Perth out-numbered their opponents four to two as Coyne slotted wide to Mrdja. He ran the ball into the box, skillfully turned Alex Christie before drilling a low right-footer beyond Williams and inside the far corner of the net. It was exactly what Perth were chasing to put the game once and for all beyond the reach of the Knights.
With the final whistle came jubilation from one camp and utter despair from the other. The Knights had their chances in the opening half to take the lead but failed to do so, and Perth snuck in to steal the game from under their nose. Wright had another fantastic game at the back for the Knights, defending resolutely and hardly putting a foot wrong all afternoon. Likewise 'keeper Williams who was twice let down by his defence when it mattered most. For Perth, Scarparolo made up for his lack of height with great work in the air to thwarted the Knights high ball options, while Coyne proved an inspiration operating out of midfield in the sides second half revival.
But it was 31-year old Naven who provided the drive behind the fightback, slicing open the Knights defence shortly before the break to set-up the opening goal with a run that surprised even himself. "I didn't think I still had it in me," he said after the game. "It's a great boost for the club. Apart from me, we're a young side - 12 in the squad are under 21 - and that's the first time most of the players have won something." It was also the first trophy for coach Graham Normanton, who admitted his side was lucky to have the lead at the break. "It wasn't a good performance, but I managed to sort out a few things at half-time and we started to play the ball around a bit," he said. "I was delighted for Craig. He showed the boys what the game's all about in one move."
Perth : Robert Scaraparolo, Gareth Naven, Aaron Cole, Perry Ielati, Stephen Willey, Todd Howarth,
Mark Pottier, Rob Giorgi (Gary Upton 54), Jamie Coyne, Boni Botha (Nick Mrdja 66), David Onoforo
(Michael Vassiliou 84)
Western Knights : Darren Williams, Andy Wright, Ivan Ljubicic, Alex Christie, Carl Medica
(Dean Nicolaou 38), Shane McNally (David Annall 74), Ray Marinovic (Leon Russell 74), Scott Devine,
Joe Vaz, Eugene Singeorzan, John Nicolaou
Referee : Patrick McCaffrey
Bookings : Giorgi (3), Medica (9), McNally (12), Pottier (15), Willey (56), Devine (59), Ljubicic (90),
Christie (90+)
Explusions : Singeorzan (90+)
2001 GRAND FINAL
PERTH vs FLOREAT ATHENA
Attendance: 1,500 (approx.)
Perth went into Sunday's Champion of Champions Grand Final with Floreat Athena tipped to go home with their third trophy of the year. Seven days earlier Perth completely destroyed today's opponents in a one-sided Boral Cup Final and, utilising the very same starting line-up, the general consensus was that the only thing worth wagering a bet on was what the final margin would be. Athena coach John Hunter expressed pre-match concerns over the number of key players carrying injuries into the game, the coach making several tactical and positional changes as a result to accommodate those players. Leading goal scorer Ryan Newhill shifted out to the left wing, Doug Ithier taking his place in attack, while the talented Costa Socratous came into the team for Jamie D'Arcy who was sent off last week.
With a point to prove after last week's thrashing, Athena started with a bluster and inside the 1st minute Jason Smith's rising shot from 16-metres grazed the wrong side of the crossbar. With Socratous and Newhill working hard on their respective flanks, Athena dominated the opening 20 minutes. But for all their possession and enterprise, Athena would find few holes in a well-organised defence that was quick to close down and forced their opponents into shooting largely from distance. Robyn Dyers had a great chance to give his side the lead when he met Miguel Ortin's cross but the big striker flicked the ball just wide of the mark. Another golden chance went begging in the 19th minute when Socratous' low ball into the area narrowly evaded the out-stretched leg of Ithier.
Yet to rattle off anything even resembling a shot on goal, Perth dealt their cross-town rivals a cruel blow in the 27th minute after striker Boni Botha was brought down inside the area by Ortin. Referee Steve Muldoon immediately pointed to the spot and, while goalkeeper Anthony Mori guessed the right way, Mark Pottier placed his penalty beyond the 'keeper's reach to hand Perth the lead. The goal seemed to spark Perth into life and just three minutes later it was very nearly 2-0, Vince Tana's cross to the far side was expertly met by Jamie Coyne who forced Mori into a desperate save on the line.
The remainder of the half saw some good chances come at both ends as the sides slugged out what was becoming a very tight match. Socratous turned on the skill in the 33rd minute to go past two opponents before centring to Ithier who was notably frustrated with his poor finish. Wing-back Todd Howarth was featuring heavily in play for Perth and his Botha-bound cross was punched into the up-right by Mori, who breathed a sigh of relief when it rebounded back into play. Shortly after Perth custodian Robert Scarparolo made sure his team stayed in front with two tremendous reflex saves, first denying Adrian Sutton and then Newhill within seconds of eachother. And right on the stroke of half-time a dipping free-kick from 18-metres by Robbie Gaspar ended just the wrong side of the bar.
Two minutes into the second half and another dangerous Howarth cross landed on the head of Botha who'd drifted in behind the defence unchecked, but his header was comfortably saved by Mori. Athena pushed regular sweeper Troy Bernard into midfield at the break, and in the 52nd minute he sprinted the ball forward only to slam it well over the bar. With the very next play, Perth went forward through Howarth who skillfully threw off his marker, stepped past another opponent and knocked it to the feet of Oliviera, he also wriggled between two defenders before thundering the ball past Mori from outside the area. 2-0!
Not to be outdone, Ithier and Socratous combined in the 54th minute to slice open the defence, Socratous slotting the ball under the advancing Scarparolo only for his shot to cannon back off the base of the up-right. Shortly after, Newhill was lucky to stay on the park after a dreadful challenge on Botha that went largely unpunished. Desperately in need of a goal to keep alive their hopes, Athena threw everything into going forward but found time and space limited in their final third. A 65th minute shot by Socratous called Scarparolo into play, the 'keeper tipping the speculative effort over the bar.
It was all one-way traffic over the final 20 minutes as Perth really hit their straps. With their midfielders stringing together some very impressive moves, and Howarth and Tana working tirelessly up and down the park, Perth continually opened up the Athena defence with ease. In the 71st minute Coyne's tremendous shot from the top of the 18-yard box crashed into the side netting. A few minutes later substitute David Onoforo showed some flashy footwork to go inside the area, Botha dummied his centring ball and Howarth slammed the shot narrowly wide. Perth captain Stephen Willey seized upon some hesitancy in the Athena defence with eight minutes remaining but was denied by an alert Mori. A minute later Onoforo blazed high from 14-metres.
Shortly after Mori was again Athena's saviour, this time keeping out Botha's close range effort. Oliviera finally put the icing on the cake on the four minutes from full-time. The teenager delicately clipped a well-taken free-kick from 20-metres over the defensive wall, the ball kissing the underside the bar as it crossed the line. A few minutes later Onoforo manoeuvred his way past a defender to hit a cracking shot which slammed into the angle and came back into play. It wasn't long after that the referee's whistle signalled not only the end of proceedings, but also that Perth has captured their third trophy of the season.
Few would disagree that Athena had looked the better side over the opening 45 minute period but their inability to break down a stubborn defence would prove fateful. Midfielder Socratous was the stand-out performer for the runners-up with a solid effort in the middle, but otherwise Athena had too many players unable to maintain a presence in the game. Perth didn't come into the game until they'd scored, but once they'd got their nose in front there was no looking back and the side ran out deserved winners. With their midfielders unable to assert their usual influence, Tana and Howarth stepped in to fill the breech and orchestrate the victory from out wide with a couple of all-class showings. Two top-draw goals from Oliviera capped a fine performance from the youngster, while between the posts Scarparolo made some vital saves which enabled him to keep his third successive clean sheet.
Floreat Athena : Anthony Mori, Troy Bernard, Hugh Miller, Peter Nikoloski, Costa Socratous, Ryan Newhill
(Manuel Arapis 65), Adrian Sutton, Miguel Ortin, Jason Smith, Robyn Dyers, Doug Ithier
Perth : Robert Scarparolo, Stephen Willey, Aaron Cole, Michael Icanovski, Todd Howarth, Vince Tana
(Jason Colli 88), Mark Pottier, Jamie Coyne, Robbie Gaspar (David Onoforo 70), Boni Botha, Andreas
Oliviera (Scott White 87)
Referee : Steve Muldoon
Cautions : Newhill (56), Smith (58), Dyers (68), Miller (86)
Dismissals : None
2002 GRAND FINAL
PERTH vs FLOREAT ATHENA
Attendance: 1,300 (approx.)
The local season came to a close with the Final of the top-five Champion of Champions series on Sunday at the National Stadium between local rivals Perth S.C. and Floreat Athena. Perth coach Graham Normanton had the luxury of a full squad to select from after his players earnt themselves a rest last weekend. He opted to make just one change to the side which swept aside the Western Knights a fortnight ago with teenager Dino Djulbic replacing Perry Ielati at the back. Athena on the other hand went into the game without key striker Robin Dyers and ever-present Adrian Sutton due to work and family commitments respectively, while James Afkos and John Xigas overcame late tests to take their place in the starting line-up.
The game was barely three minutes old and spectators were still settling into their seats when unexpectedly Perth snatched the lead. A strong run from Michael Icanovski took him behind the Athena defence wide on the right to cross into the area where Athena custodian Xigas spilled the low cross and young midfielder Rob Giorgi found himself perfectly positioned to sweep the ball home from close-range. Stunned at being behind so early in the piece, Athena took some time to re-gain their composure as Perth pressed to make the most of the situation. 11 minutes into the game and Howarth pounced upon a partially cleared corner to volley brilliantly from 18-metres but Xigas made the save without having to extend himself.
With the Perth midfield dominating possession, Athena were make to work hard for the ball and it took until the 18th minute before they threatened as Dejan Djukanovic's glancing header from Afkos went just wide of the up-right. A minute after Jamie Trandos thwarted Mark Pottier on top of Perth's attacking area, the Athena midfielder went down under an Icanovski tackle which would eventually see him replaced with an ankle injury. It was a very cruel blow for Athena who were just beginning to find their rhythm, string together some good passes and caught their opponents defence trouble.
The closing stages of the period produced some good end-to-end football that kept the crowd onthe edge of their seats. Another dangerous Icanovski cross into the area this time found Andres Oliveria who was unable to steer the ball in the direction of the goal. Three minutes later, and at the opposite end of the ground, Anthony Jones pumped a high ball into the dangerzone where Perth goalkeeper Robert Scaraparolo made a flying save to deny Afkos. And shortly after David Onoforo shook off the last defender to go one-on-one with Xigas who smothered at the young strikers feet. But the half came to a sobering close after Pottier and Jones collided when contesting a high ball, the Athena defender eventually carried from the field on a stretcher before being rushed to hospital by ambulance with a suspected neck injury.
After a much deserved break, the two sides emerged from the tunnel to play out the last 45-minutes of the 2002 season. The half was only 39-seconds old when Perth extended their lead through Oliveira who knocked in a deep corner from the left by teenage midfielder Adam Bunce. Two goals up and with the trophy well within their reach, Perth eased off a little in an effort to gain some perspective on things and stay focused on the task at hand. This allowed Athena to have more of the ball, but for all their possession they found it very difficult to break down the defence of Stephen Willey, Aaron Cole and Djulbic who formed an impregnable wall at the back for Perth. Lacking penetration, Athena were frustrated into chancing their luck from distance with few attempts troubling Scarparolo.
But as the half wore on Athena turned to making better use of the flanks, the end result being they were now able to get in behind Perth's defence with some frequency. A 61st minute corner was cleared of the 18-yard box as far as Eugene Tan who unleashed a thunderbolt from 20-metres which unfortunately flew straight to the Perth 'keeper. Shortly after Ryan Newhill's cross from the right landed perfectly for Marc Nauer but his blistering drive rose narrowly over the crossbar. The momentum was now with Athena who were desperate for a goal that would bring them back into the game. Newhill found himself in space on top of the area after 72 minutes but Scarparolo moved sharply to keep out the striker's goalbound effort.
Content to sit back, soak up the pressure and press forward on the counter-attack, Perth won themselves a corner eleven minutes from full-time which Howarth hit deep and Bunce looped over Xigas to make it 3-0 and end the game as a contest. The goal renewed Perth's enthusiasm and in the time remaining they came close on several occasions to finding goal number four. Onoforo's smashing drive was brilliantly tipped wide by Xigas after 81 minutes, and from the resulting corner Cole crashed the ball into the wrong side of the bar. Six minutes later Onoforo spotted the Athena 'keeper off his line and sent a clever chip over his head which bounced off the crossbar. The final opportunity of the day came the way of Athena when Troy Bernard snuck in behind Willey but his toe-poke was kept out by the sharp reflexes of Scarparolo.
Being crowned Champion of Champions was a fitting end to Perth's 2002 campaign in which the added the pre-season Night Series, the E.C.U. Centenary Cup and the Premier League championship to the Dorrien Gadens trophy cabinet. In a solid overall team performance, Cole kept Athena dangerman Newhill quiet while Pottier provided the drive from the middle of the park. "I wanted to see a bit more quality early on but the last 30 minutes was much better," said coach Normanton after the game. "It could've been five or six-nil on another day - but three will do in a final." In a match that never reached any great heights as a spectacle, Xigas was the stand-put performer in a depleted Athena side that was unable to get their natural game going.
Perth : Robert Scarparolo, Stephen Willey, Aaron Cole (Paul Natale
90), Dino Djulibic, Todd Howarth, Michael Icanovski (Perry Ielati 68), Rob
Giorgi (Albert Osei-Tutu 76), Adam Bunce, Mark Pottier, David Onoforo,
Andres Oliveira
Floreat Athena : John Xigas, Troy Bernard, Anthony Jones (Eugene Tan 43),
Fernando Coron, Marc Nauer (Matthew Novatsis 84), Kosta Kalavroutziotis,
Jamie Trandos (Andreas Pantelis 29), Costa Socratous, James Afkos, Dejan
Djukanovic, Ryan Newhill
Referee : Angelo Nardi
Cautions : Icanovski (22), Djulbic (45), Newhill (64)
Dismissals : None
2003 GRAND FINAL
PERTH vs WESTERN KNIGHTS
Attendance: 1,800 (approx.)
A quality days entertainment is always assured when traditional rivals Perth S.C. and the Western Knights go head-to-head, and the Final of the 2003 Champions of Champions promised to be no different. A fortnight ago the Knights progressed to the series decider courtesy of a 2-1 defeat of Perth who were keen to make amends for being forced to take the long route. The Premier League champions would be looking for big efforts from goalscoring sensation Shane Crampton as well as creative midfielder Robbie Puca in order to add to their trophy cabinet. Crowned winners of the Night Series in pre-season, the Knights were at full-strength with Alex Christie and Paul Cooke proving their fitness in the days leading up to the game. Both clubs possess impressive play-off records, Perth aiming to capture the trophy for the fourth consecutive year while the Knights were making their fourth Final appearance since their triumph in 1998. In case either side needed added incentive to win there was the retirements of Gareth Naven, Stephen Willey (Perth) and Paul McVittie (Knights) - three of the local games' loyalists servants - to take into account.
Perth got underway a fast and furious opening period in which chances on goal presented themselves at both ends of the ground. The first came via a Knights free-kick which teenage midfielder Luka Jukic curled narrowly wide of the upright from 30-metres. Some hesitancy in the Knights defence allowed Mark Pottier in after 8 minutes but he sliced the ball wide, and shortly after Rhys Graham sent a low cross into the path of Robbie Puca only to have goalkeeper Tommi Tomich come quickly off his line and snuff out the move. With several overly-enthusiastic and late tackles going unpunished by the referee it was surprising that Jukic received the first of the days yellow cards for a seemingly harmless challenge. Having found their rhythm early Perth were by this stage going forward at will courtesy of some crisp first time passes only for strikers Shane Crampton and Adam Bunce to find themselves out-numbered by the Knights four-man backline. But after 20 minutes the Blues persistence paid off as Crampton fended off Claus Nielsen as he raced onto Bunce's clever header over the defence before calmly slotting past the advancing Tomich to open Perth's account.
Stringing together some lovely exchanges when going into attack Perth looked to consolidate their position. In the 24th minute Tomich read the play brilliantly and moved quickly off his line to smother at the feet of Puca, and shortly after the 'keeper made a similar save to deny Graham from rifling off a shot. With an elegant counter-attack the Knights got themselves back in the game after 29 minutes as Paul Cooke created space for himself wide on the right to send a low cross to the top of the 6-yard box where Daniel Trim nipped in between two defenders to slide the ball past goalkeeper Rob Scarparolo. The game threatened to boil over minutes later following Scott Devine's crunching tackle on Pottier but referee Michael Nugus was able to maintain control and restore calm despite a war of words erupting between the coaching benches. Seven minutes from the break Perth were awarded the softest of penalties for Tomich's innocuous push on Aaron Cole who, it could be strongly argued, had impeded the 'keeper as they competed for a high ball. In any event there was no doubt over the outcome as Puca drilled it low and to the left of the 'keeper to restore his sides' lead. Totally contrasting with the penalty decision was Graham's rash late challenge on Leon Russell two minutes into stoppage time for which play wasn't even halted let alone a card issued.
The second half began similarly to the first as opportunities came the way of both sides. A well-weighted pass from midfield by Gareth Naven found Graham who lifted his shot high under pressure from Nielsen. Carl Medica knocked the ball on to Cooke to slipped in behind the Perth defence and the midfielder delivered a low cross to Trim whose powerful strike on goal looped over the crossbar via the boot of Stephen Willey. Tomich came to the Knights rescue by smothering a close-range strike from Crampton after Pottier's shot in a crowded area was blocked by a desperate Alex Christie. Having won possession in midfield Graham raced through on goal only to have Nielsen to get the slightest of touches to send the ball into the waiting arms of a relieved Tomich. With the pendulum beginning to swing in Perth's favour Knights coach Ronnie Campbell sacrificed the creative Jukic and introduced a third striker in John Nicolaou. The move almost produced immediate dividends as David Annall pumped the ball long into the heart of the 18-yard box where Nicolaou rose above the defence to glance on target only to have Scarparolo steal it on the line at the second grab.
Both teams resorted to playing the long ball into attack over the closing stages in the hope of catching the other out. With the respective defences battening down the hatches and playing it safety first, the ball was turned over with regularity with neither Perth nor the Knights managing much in the way of shots on goal. As the clock ticked down it became apparent that the Knights had nothing to lose by throwing extra men forward, forcing their opponents onto the back foot in a tense final few minutes. Paul McVittie played a free-kick short to Medica just outside the area which he slammed under the defensive wall only to find Scarparolo positioned to save. Early in stoppage time Nicolaou stabbed the ball just wide of the far upright after Steven Zuvela swung a free-kick from the right flank into the dangerzone. A minute later Nicolaou featured again, this time controlling the ball just outside the box before turning towards goal and shooting past the 'keeper as well as the far post. In the dying moments Neilsen shrugged off an opponent and sent the ball goalward but on this occasion Michael Icanovski thrust out a leg and deflected it wide for a corner.
With the final whistle came the official end to on-field activities for the 2004 State League season. Few would deny that Perth deserved to lift the trophy at the end of 90 minutes, but had luck been on their side the Knights could just as easily gone home with the silverware. The Blues win came about through a very structured performance in which there were key contributors all over the park. Having kept a tight reign and limited their opponents to only scattered goalscoring opportunities it was the defensive combination of Cole, Icanovski and Dino Djulbic that were Perth's unsung heroes. By no means out-played, the Knights were equal to their opponent in many respects but a lack of penetration in their attacking third proved to be the difference between two very evenly matched sides. From his position wide on the right Cooke was the instigator of the Knights best attacking moves with a lively display, while the central defensive pairing of Nielsen and Evan Wallace worked tirelessly for the duration.
Perth : Robert Scarparolo, Dino Djulic, Aaron Cole, Michael Icanovski, Todd Howarth, Rhys Graham,
Gareth Naven (Paul Natale 84), Mark Pottier, Robbie Puca, Adam Bunce (Steven Willey 45),
Shane Crampton
Western Knights : Tommi Tomich, Alex Christie (Steven Zuvela 87), Evan Wallace, Claus Neilsen,
Leon Russell, Paul McVittie, Scott Devine (David Annall 41), Luka Jukic (John Nicolaou 60),
Paul Cooke, Carl Medica, Daniel Trim
Referee : Michael Nugus
Cautions : Jukic (13), Christie (21), Devine (35), Annall (56), Graham (71), Howarth (83), Pottier (89)
Dismissals : None
SEMI-PRO PREMIER LEAGUE TOP FOUR CUP
YEAR WINNERS RUNNERS UP SCORE
1961 Tricolore Windmills 2-1
1962 Windmills Tricolore 3-2
1963 Azzurri Tricolore 5-2
1964 North Perth Swan Valley 5-0
1965 Swan Valley (No Grand Final - Round Robin)
1966 Azzurri Swan Valley 3-1
1967 Azzurri (No Grand Final - Round Robin)
1968 Kiev Cracovia 2-1
1969 Tricolore Azzurri 4-0
1970 Tricolore Azzurri 2-1
1971 Bayswater United Tricolore 5-3
1972 Azzurri Bayswater United 7-0
1973 No Competition
1974 Azzurri Ascot 7-6
1975 Athena Azzurri 3-1
1976 Azzurri Windmills 7-5
1977 Kiev Athena 1-0
1978 Kingsway Olympic Spearwood Dalmatinac 1-0
1979 Kingsway Olympic Spearwood Dalmatinac 2-1
1980 Kingsway Olympic Perth Azzurri 3-1
1981 Forrestfield United Perth Azzurri 2-1
1982 Spearwood Dalmatinac Inglewood Kiev 3-1
1983 West Perth Macedonia Spearwood Dalmatinac 3-2
1984 Floreat Athena West Perth Macedonia 3-2
1985 No Competition
1986 Stirling Macedonia Floreat Athena 6-4
1987 No Competition
1988 Floreat Athena Stirling Macedonia 5-2
MINOR PREMIERS
YEAR WINNERS RUNNERS UP
1989 Floreat Athena Perth Italia
1990 Floreat Athena Perth Italia
1991 Floreat Athena Stirling Macedonia
TOP FIVE CUP
YEAR WINNERS RUNNERS UP SCORE
1992 Stirling Macedonia Perth Italia 2-1
TOP FOUR CUP
YEAR WINNERS RUNNERS UP SCORE
1993 Perth Italia North Perth Croatia 2-0
1994 Stirling Macedonia Inglewood Kiev 2-1
1995 Stirling Macedonia Inglewood Falcons 3-1
1996 Stirling Macedonia Inglewood Falcons 3-2
1997 No Competition
MINOR PREMIERS
YEAR WINNERS RUNNERS UP
1998 Western Knights Fremantle City
For 1999 onwards, see the top of the page.
* NOTE: This division has previously been called the
State League, the Super League, the Pro League
and the First Division.