The 1954 WANFL season was the 70th season of the most prestigious Australian rules football state competition in Western Australia. Eight teams competed in the league, the same as the previous twelve seasons. The season began with the first home-and-away round played on Saturday, 24 April, and concluded with the 1954 WANFL Grand Final on Saturday, 9 October. South Fremantle defeated minor premiers East Fremantle by 78 points, marking the club's 8th premiership and third in succession.
Reigning premiers South Fremantle withstood three tough quarters from Perth to run out comfortable winners at the WACA after kicking four goals to none in the last term. Star full-forward Bernie Naylor was unusually wayward in front of goal (with 5 goals 6 behinds), while Don Dixon and Tony Parentich were probably Souths' best players on the day. Dave Browning (also with 5 goals) was rated best for the Demons, with Jeff McGann, Cliff Noble and Merv McIntosh also standing out.[2]
In the 174th edition of the Fremantle Derby, South Fremantle were outmuscled and outhustled in a disciplined team performance from East Fremantle. Losing champion rover Steve Marsh to a badly bruised leg early was a significant blow, but in general the Bulldogs were well below their best. Sharks centre-forward Ken Holt backed up his previous week's haul with five goals as the Sharks won by 14 points.[3]
