Goodbye Leederville Oval: History of West Perth Cheer Squad 1984-86 (large print)

Book excerpt: This (large-print edition) book is the memoir of Kieran James, and details his experiences as co-founder of West Perth Football ClubÕs unofficial cheer squad (hardcore support) from 1984 to 1986 (Western Australian Football League / WAFL). Using MarshÕs theory of the Òillusion of violenceÓ, the author links the cheer squad to the academic literature on British soccer hooligans, Italian ultras, and other soccer supporter groups from around the world. The book details ÒtraditionalÓ, ÒhotÓ support for West Perth Football Club among teenaged supporters from middle-class and working-class backgrounds. The findings conform to Armstrong and HughsonÕs idea of fluid Òpost-modernÓ Òneo-tribesÓ where affiliations are very loose and people can easily adjust their degree of commitment to a group and / or leave the group when their personal priorities change. The book also allows the reader to relive great WAFL matches and meet again key players from the era.