The first senior association match on the North Fremantle Oval took place on Saturday between the North Fremantle and Subiaco clubs, before a fair number of spectators. Notwithstanding the heavy rains that had fallen, the ground was in splendid condition. The strong wind that was blowing down the ground gave an immense advantage to the side which had the benefit of it. Although the Subiaco eighteen started off with any amount of dash, the red. white, and blues proved themselves to be in superior form, and scored an easy victory.
The following players took the field:— North Fremantle : Thomas (captain), Walker, Bee, Wakley, Pearse, J. Duggan, Rowland, McDonald, West, Lanyon. Munro, F. Cooper, Craig, McCall, Manton, Coffey, and M. Duggan. Subiaco: Austin, Anning, Boas, Bowen (captain), Conroy, E.Wilson, McGill, Farrington, Goode, C. Wilson, Beckworth, Jones, Swann, Carroll, Edwards, Pearce, Sullivan and Ferris.
At the bounce Subiaco rushed the ball down to their opponents' goal with the wind, and for some time their forwards endeavoured to score. Two behinds were registered before McGill, marking splendidly on the left wing, had a shot for goal, and piloted the leather through the sticks from a difficult angle. After the bounce the blue and whites again at tacked, and put on two more behinds. Two free marks to North Fremantle, and the ball was transferred to the other end of the Oval, only to be returned again through the efforts of Anning and Edwards. Norths back men were struggling hard to get the ball away, but they found the wind considerably frustrating them. F.Cooper was battling hard to get the ball amongst the forwards, and Boas was equally determined to return it. Wakley had a long try for goal against the wind, but the ball falling short in front of the sticks a little ruck play ensued before Pearse snapped up the first goal for North Fremantle.
The scores at quarter-time were: Subiaco, 1 goal 5 behinds. North Fremantle, 1 goal.
After the change Subiaco attacked, but the leather was put out of danger by Thomas. The red, white and blues then took possession of the ball and had it the greater part of the remainder of the game. North's second goal was notched by West, who was playing a good game. Shortly after Wakely from a splendid place kick, sent the ball right up in front of goal, and West, out of a scrimmage, raised the two flags the third time for Norths. Just before half-time, the red, white, and blues fourth goal came from. Pearse. Half-time scores Subiaco, 1 goal 5 behinds. North Fremantle, 4 goals.
Resuming after the interval, the play hovered in the centre of the ground for a short time, then Cooper collared the ball, and effected a splendid run close up to the sticks, where Thomas, securing, attempted to score a goal but a behind resulted. Subiaco had fallen away completely by now, and the North Fremantle players were trying hard to add to their tally, and Walker was responsible for the fifth goal for his side. Wakely and Pearse were putting in serviceable work for Norths with telling effect. The former player, from a free mark, kicked a beautiful goal from a place kick against the wind. The kick was admirably judged. Shortly before three-quarter time the blue and whites secured a behind, and when the bell went the scores were Subiaco, 1 goal 6 behinds. North Fremantle, 6 goals 2 behinds.
During the last quarter North Fremantle had nearly all the play, and several shots were made for goal, one being touched right between the sticks. Seven behinds were added and two goals, one coming from Pearse and the other from Craig, both being kicked out of the ruck.
During the latter part of the game, the players on both sides left their places and the play became somewhat disorganised with, of course, too much ruck work. Subiaco did not add to their score in the last quarter. By far the most prominent man of the blue and whites was Anning, in the centre, who played a neat and effective game. Subiaco was best represented by Anning, Bower, Boas, Wilson, McGill, Carroll and Edwards; while for North Fremantle those who shone conspicuously were Thomas, Walker Wakely, Pearse, J. Duggan, West, F. Cooper, Craig and McCall.
The final scores were: North Fremantle, 8 goals 9 behinds; 57 points. Subiaco, 1 goal 6 behinds; 12 points.
Mr. J. Sinclair, as umpire, gave every satisfaction.Game details including full match scores, goalkickers and team lists: North Fremantle v Subiaco, Round 1, 1901