I was there, too. Just a tacker at the time. 2 bloody points... and then, to cap it all off, my Dad forgot to pick us up from the bus stop because he was down the pub getting pissed. So there's me and my mum soaking wet, cold as hell, and without even a GF victory to warm us up, looking for a phone box....If you're a Perth supporter you'll know THAT GF.
The Demons were without both Couper and fullback John Quartermaine. Captain Ken Inman won the toss and kicked into a strong breeze. The weather was fine during the first quarter, then it rained for most of the second (with the wind dropping to nil). The third quarter was dry and then it absolutely poured throughout the fourth quarter. Perth rallied late but missed by two points on a ground which resembled a lake by game's end.
Former Perth Sandover Medallist, Ian Miller, won the Simpson Medal for East Perth, Perth legend Barry Cable coached East Perth and Perth haven't made a GF since.
No mobiles back then, and of course we never thought it was going to rain so just kinda... sat in it. All day.
Geez. Makes me laugh now, of course. Still got the little black and red triangular flag from that one (and '76).