Rovers were one of four teams that formed the WAFA in 1885 and were invited to compete in the inaugural competition: the others were Fremantle, High School and Victorians.
The High School team dropped out two rounds into the season; the remaining teams played a six round season, with Rovers winning three and drawing two of its games to become the inaugural premiers of the WAFA.
After several competitive seasons, Rovers won the premiership in 1891. The establishment of electorate football was the beginning of the end, as the club finished second last in 1892 and 1898, and won four wooden spoons between 1893 and 1897, including a winless 1893.
After losing the first eight games of 1899, Rovers dropped out of the competition and folded, replaced by First Rate Junior Association side Perth; many players transferred to the new club.[1]
