Cowan started the game with the breeze at their back, and opened up a 10 point lead in the first term thanks to goals from Brad (2) and Michael Farmer. North Beach hit back in the second term, kicking two goals to none to take a four point lead in a low scoring first half. The second half began worryingly for West Coast, as North Beach jumped out by a couple of goals.
Late goals – including an absolute special from Kalgoorlie recruit, Jolon Fleay, who was terrific throughout – reduced the lead to just five points with a quarter to play. Coach Peter D’Alessandro reiterated the need to stick to the game plan and emphasised the importance of hard-running and carry when kicking against the breeze during his three-quarter time address, and the troops responded.
The back six were impassable, with new recruits Russ McLagan and Harmer streaming from halfback, while Hamilton, rookie Cutler, Plumber Randall and even evergreen veteran Dale Rakich contributing strongly through the midfield and across half forward. Their efforts allowed the Tigers to kick away with three goals to none despite kicking into the teeth of the growing gale in that final term to record an impressive victory. Along with Bennet, Farmer was in good form up forward, finishing with three majors of his own for a total of 7 from the dual full forwards. D’Alessandro was ecstatic with the result, and had to be pulled down from cloud nine by his assistants, who reminded him it was only round one. “Plenty of heart from the boys today, bloody terrific,” said the excitable coach. “To beat them first up is a great result for us, and I’m just really happy for the boys right now. But it’s only round 1-and the hard work has just begun.”
| West Coast Cowan | | 3.1 | 3.2 | 6.3 | 9.4 | 58 |
| North Beach | | 1.3 | 3.6 | 6.8 | 6.11 | 47 |
