WAFL: Royals bow out, Sharks shape up

THE home teams won the WAFL semi-finals on Saturday setting up an interesting preliminary final at Bassendean Oval next Sunday.

At East Fremantle Oval the Sharks conceded the first two goals to East Perth but proved too slick as the game went on. The Royals are a team with great spirit but not enough speed and entered the finals as the least likely of the contenders. East Fremantle took control in the third quarter and, while East Perth remained plucky, the result was never in much doubt.

The ruck battle between Jonathan Griffen (Sharks) and Paul Johnson (Royals) was a highlight of the game with both players making great contributions.

There was some doubt about Mark McGough in the lead up to the game but he played and made his mark as usual, Rory O’Brien was damaging in the midfield, Rob Young and Leith Teakle each kicked three goals and Sam Menegola was lively on a wing.

Nick Kommer again performed well for the Royals and his name must have been scribbled into notebooks, Mathew Seal kicked four goals and Craig Wulff put in a typically full-hearted performance.

East Fremantle 16.15 (111) East Perth 11.8 (74).

 

It was a strange first half at Claremont Oval. The Tigers kicked seven goals to one in the first quarter and Swans kicked seven to two in the second. The incredible accuracy of Swan Districts helped them stay in touch but in the end the home team was too strong.

Tom Lee (pictured) kicked six goals in another outstanding display, Luke Blackwell was at his best, Lewis Stevenson ran well from defence and Rory Walton, who has played in four losing grand finals, kicked three goals.

Kyle Hams was excellent in defence for Swan Districts and youngster Dayle Garlett was spectacular.

Claremont 17.16 (118) Swan Districts 14.2 (86).

About Les Everett

A Footy Almanac veteran, Les Everett is the author of Gravel Rash: 100 Years of Goldfields Football and Fremantle Dockers: An Illustrated History. He is the footyalmanac.com WAFL correspondent and uses the money he makes from that role to pay for his expensive websites australianrules.com.au and talkingfrankie.com and fund the extravagant Vin Maskell at scoreboardpressure.com

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