WAFL round eight…
Two weeks ago West Perth pulled off the comeback of the season when they kicked five goals in the last five minutes to run over Swan Districts. On Saturday the Falcons did even better in the derby at Arena Joondalup. East Perth led by 42 points late in the third quarter after controlling things all afternoon. Then West Perth flicked the switch – they kicked the last 12 goals of the game, included 10 in the last quarter, to record a comfortable victory. Jay Van Berlo continued his outstanding form for the Falcons along with fellow midfielders Shane Nelson and Aaron Black. Andrew Strijk was at his effective best and Chris Keunen was important in the ruck. Stephen Payne was again East Perth’s best player, former Falcon Mark Hutching played well, Scott Lycett kicked three goals and Alec Waterman worked hard.
West Perth 17.16 (118) East Perth 12.8 (80)
Top team Subiaco showed their quality again in easily accounting for Peel at Rushton Park. Shane Yarran began brilliantly and stayed brilliant – he kicked six goals. Brett Robinson was outstanding in the somewhat depleted Lions midfield and Chris Phelan and Wayde Twomey also played well. Tendai Mzungu was in good touch for Peel, Leroy Jetta kicked three goals and Lachie Weller again impressed.
Subiaco 16.16 (112) Peel 7.10 (52)
At Sounness Park in Mt Barker Claremont made it two in a row with a hard earned victory over Swan Districts. The Tigers got their break with a five-goal second quarter. Oliver Tate was outstanding for the Tigers, Mark Seaby controlled the ruck, Kepler Bradley kicked two goals as his return to form continued and Brandon Franz was an inspiration in defence. Tony Notte was good in the back line for Swans and Rudy Riddoch kicked three goals.
Claremont 10.18 (78) Swan Districts 10.7 (67)
There was a Sunday morning start at East Fremantle enjoyed it with 10 goals in the first quarter and a 43-point lead at the first break over Perth. After that the Demons showed plenty and got within three goals a couple of times. James Bristow kicked four goals and he and fellow big man Rob Young ensured the Sharks controlled the centre breaks early in the game. Rory O’Brien enjoyed the supply, Cameron Eardley worked well as a defensive midfielder, Mark McGough made a good return, Sean Henson ran well and Thomas Hooker was constructive in the back line. Aidan Tropiano and Liam McKenna continued their incredible form in the Perth midfield. Mitch Morton kicked four goals and Cody Leggett did some good things.
East Fremantle 17.14 (116) Perth 14.8 (92)
The ladder: Subiaco 24; East Fremantle 20; West Perth 16; Peel 16; South Fremantle 16; Swan Districts 12; East Perth 12; Claremont 8; Perth 4.
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. Co-founder with Vin Maskell of scoreboardpressure.com. Founder of australianrules.com.au and the Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/abandonedcricketpitches/
Thanks for your weekly WAFL reports, Les. Sadly, I was at the Joondalup game when West Perth overran East Perth. From a fanatical Royals supporter’s point of view, it was one of the most humiliating defeats I can remember. Indeed, East Perth’s last three losses to the old enemy – the 2013 Grand Final, a 100-point defeat a year ago and Saturday’s capitulation – have left a bitter taste in the mouth. Some might say it’s the Curse of the Royal Alignment (with the West Coast Eagles).
Luckily it appears Zampatti hasn’t read the WAFL report yet. Either that or he’s composing a really really long reply.
Tick tick tick tick tick tick tick…
Listened to most of the match on ABC 720 and was never happier helping someone move house. Big test this week against Easts up at home.