In 1897 saw a number of changes, District football was introduced optionally in 1897 with the aim of zoning players to a SAFA club (and became compulsory in 1899). The Association approved the application of the current West Adelaide Football Club to join the SAFA from the Suburban Association and The Native Football Club (1895-1896) altered its name to West Torrens Football Club., which meant the Association comprised six clubs until the turn of the century. The 1897 SAFA season was the first season of football in South Australia where behinds contributed to the total score, not just goals. The 3 newer clubs continued to struggle against the older 3 clubs. In the 1st Round both West Adelaide (vs Norwood) and West Torrens (vs Port Adelaide) failed to score for the whole game. There was also a number of walkovers throughout the season when the newer clubs failed to field a team.