 In 1997 Soccer Australia (The governing body at the time, replaced by FFA in 2003) made the ruling that ethnic affiliations (club names) should be ended by Australian football clubs.As a result, Launceston Croatia became known as Western Knights following a merger at the start of the 97’ season with fellow Premier League club Western Suburbs Soccer Club.Many players over the years had played for both Croatia and Suburbs, among them dual Rothmans Medal winner 1979–80 "(playing for Glenorchy Croatia)" Brian Davidson and George Dale winner ("playing for Western Suburbs)" Peter Brookes.