The history of the Inaugural BP Pilbara National Football Championships is typical of the dramatic rapidly changing scene in the Pilbara over the last decade, the idea was there, correspondence began exchanging about 1973, but when a meeting was actually called and plans formed, the beginning of the championships and council advanced on a scale not previously envisaged.
Adrian Marshall of the Fortescue League approached in writing many associations to form a North West League, the written responses were few, and as it is often the case, verbal responses do not carry enough weight. However, Adrian instigated a meeting between the four associations now competing in the championships, perhaps personal contact was the means to sort out any problems foreseen and finally decided once and for all a North West Championships was to get off the ground or not. Others present were Colin Matheson (DeGrey), Ray Turner (West Pilbara), Adrian Marshall (Fortescue), G Williams (Newman), D Nugent (Newman).
The first Pilbara Football Championships was held in 1976.
De Grey’s 1980 team was made up of: Don Hooper (Coach), Tony Bowen, Adrian Brakin, Greg Browne, Noel Carter, Phil Collins, Howard Groom, Rick Hockey, Robbie MacDonald, Craig McDonald, Martin Melican, Nick Melican, Steve Morse, Steve Owen, Lloyd Page (Captain), John Pitt, Bob Cross, Peter Sattell, Terry Slater, Graham Smith, Terry Tolchard, Peter Topliss, Don Trigwell, Steve Vincy, Glen Warner, Neil Westlake (Vice Captain)
The competition and history can be read in full here:
North Pilbara Football League History 