Before the 1954 SANFL Grand Final there had been four meetings between Port Adelaide and West Adelaide during the season with the former winning all four encounters.[7]
The SANFL spent £1,500 insuring the game against inclement weather.[8] The SANFL also put forward £200 as prize money for the winning team.[9]
Brothers Fos Williams and Glynn Williams played against each other representing Port Adelaide and West Adelaide respectively.[10]
Match Summary
The weather during the day was hot with newspaper writers suggesting that it would be a gruelling match for the players.[11] It was also humid.[12]
First quarter
West Adelaide's small forwards helped them to take a 3 point lead in the first quarter.[13]
Second quarter
Towards the end of the second quarter Brian Faehse punched Dave Boyd causing him to fall over.[14] As a result of this confrontation a large fracas broke out which was only quelled when the siren to end the quarter sounded.[15] On the way back to their rooms some West Adelaide players were assaulted by spectators leading to calls after the game for improved security for players.[16]
During half time Fos Williams gave his players a significant pep talk.[17]
Third quarter
After the half time break Geof Motley moved to centre-half forward.[18]
West Adelaide captain Brian Faehse was injured early in the third quarter.[19]
Fourth quarter
West Adelaide had opportunities win the game in the last quarter but wayward kicking let them down.[20]
Post-match
The Port Adelaide players and officials had a celebratory dinner at the Largs Pier Hotel after the match.[21]Bob McLean placed Lloyd Zucker at the head of the table as a gesture of appreciation for his game.[22] Six of the Port Adelaide players had to leave the dinner early to attend a function run by radio station 5KA, the precursor to Triple M Adelaide, which was held at the Port Adelaide Town Hall.[21]
West End Brewery chimney
The 1954 SANFL Grand Final was the first instance of a tradition where the chimney of the West End Brewery would be painted in the colours of the winning team.[23] At the suggestion of Fos Williams, the runner up would also have their colours added to the West End Brewery chimney.[24]
^"45,000 MAY SEE FINAL". News. Vol. 63, no. 9, 716. South Australia. 1 October 1954. p. 40. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"WEST'S PLAY FAST, VIGOROUS". News. Vol. 63, no. 9, 717. South Australia. 2 October 1954. p. 16. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"THE PREMIERSHIP STORY". Messenger. No. 184. South Australia. 7 October 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"Football officials speak out". News. Vol. 63, no. 9, 719. South Australia. 5 October 1954. p. 36. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"THE PREMIERSHIP STORY". Messenger. No. 184. South Australia. 7 October 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^ ab"THE PREMIERSHIP STORY". Messenger. No. 184. South Australia. 7 October 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"THE PREMIERSHIP STORY". Messenger. No. 184. South Australia. 7 October 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"Port have it in black and white". News. Vol. 63, no. 9, 718. South Australia. 4 October 1954. p. 22. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"Port have it in black and white". News. Vol. 63, no. 9, 718. South Australia. 4 October 1954. p. 22. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"WEST'S PLAY FAST, VIGOROUS". News. Vol. 63, no. 9, 717. South Australia. 2 October 1954. p. 16. Retrieved 16 September 2021 – via National Library of Australia.