WAFL round 20
Claremont won again, and by a comfortable 28 points, but there was something about East Perth’s performance that made them look like a contender. It looked all over when the Tigers got out to a 42-point lead during the second quarter but the Royals took the lead early in the third. Claremont had the answers with Luke Blackwell back to his best, Nicholas Winmar kicking three goals in his best performance of the year, Ian Richardson dangerous in attack and Andrew Browne inspirational in defence. Josh Smith kicked four goals in an impressive effort for the Royals, Adam Selwood worked hard in the midfield as did Craig Wulff and Brendan Lee.
Claremont 19.13 (127) East Perth 14.15 (99)
East Fremantle overcame a slow start to win an important encounter with Perth at home. Daniel Kerr kicked three goals and was a strong midfielder along with Rory O’Brien while Tom Howlett was again impressive in defence. Ali Smith played well for the Demons in his return to the league team and Paul Bevan kicked three goals.
East Fremantle 16.12 (108) Perth 12.8 (80)
At Joondalup West Perth were in control all day against Peel. Shane Nelson was in excellent form for the Falcons, Matt Fowler kicked four goals and Josh Mellington and Anthony Tsalikis kicked three. Paul Bower was good in defence for the Thunder, Viv Michie had another good game and Jack Hannath controlled the ruck.
West Perth 17.12 (114) Peel Thunder 9.11 (65)
A six-goal last quarter by South Fremantle got them home at Leederville in a tight game against Subiaco. Ben Saunders kicked six goals, Haiden Schoilte had his best game of the year and Kris Miller and Paul Mugumbwa each kicked three goals. George Hampson had another good game for the Lions.
South Fremantle 16.10 (106) Subiaco 14.14 (98)
The ladder: Claremont 60; West Perth 48; East Fremantle 36; Swan Districts 36; Perth 36; East Perth 36; Subiaco 20; South Fremantle 16; Peel 12.
Next week Perth plays West Perth in Moora, East Perth meets Subiaco and Swans play Peel.
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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