 In 1977, internal disputes at the committee level resulted in the sacking of coach Bill Dumbbell despite Athena claiming its first state league title.Athena maintained its status in the top flight until 1980 when the club was relegated for finishing tenth under coach Ulysses Kokkinos.After being relegated in 1980, the club secured its second First Division title in 1981 and returned to the top flight of Western Australia football (soccer).