I have seen footage of the WAFL and SANFL in the 70s and IMHO far more superior in terms of skills unlike the VFL where it was full of fat thugs who could play footy.
Twas a different time, no doubt - but don't try and paint a picture that there was no thuggery in the SANFL or WAFL cos that simply isn't true.
All comps were skilfull, the VFL had a harder edge to it because there was a few more $$ and a lot more depth, but each comp had it's own element of hard men and enforcers.
I'll concede the skill levels were on par and that's what made them all very good comps in there own right.
On thuggery, google "Grave Danger" or Dave Granger and see what you find. Port supporters or more likely Glenelg ones will fill you in on the details. Better still I think they're are a few youtube vids showing him at work. Put the two together and you'll get an accurate picture and he was not the Lone Ranger.
If you think Phil Carman learnt the manouvere he pulled on Michael Tuck in the '77 Second Semi in the VFL, I think you are mistaken.