Royals Round 23 Preview

East Perth’s final match of the regular season will be their toughest yet against East Fremantle in a blockbuster do-or-die game that will see one of these sides progress to the finals. Get down to Shark Park as we look to secure top spot in the Reserves and snatch a Finals berth in the Colts. Game times are

League - 1.40pm Bouncedown
Reserves - 10.55am
Colts - 8.25am

In’s:

Patrick McGinnity comes straight back into the side to help out William Maginness in the centre, with Paul Johnson to ruck all day again. Kurt Mutimer comes into the side after good form in the Reserves

Battle Lines

Power of speed: East Perth are utilizing pace and crumbers for their midfield and forward line. Samuel Powell-Pepper, Jamie Bennell and Corey Adamson will start up forward and have great speed and agility to make some magic happen offensively. Meanwhile, Liam Dugan and William Maginness are quick enough to run through the corridor and find fast breaks. The Royals must make the most of these agile players.

Scoreboard: The Royals have come short in putting damage on the scoreboard in recent weeks. Even if play is kept inside their forward 50 or in their possession, they need to make sure they can eventually show their dominance on the scoreboard.

Third Quarter: If East Perth cannot drop their pressure during the third quarter and play four full quarters of solid footy, they will be in good stead to keep challenging East Fremantle. Third quarter performance has been a bit hit-and-miss for the Royals, and they must also make sure they aren’t kept to one goal or less (as has happened in some games the past few weeks). If they can up their intensity in the third term they will not be playing catch up in the last term, or better yet, will go into the last 20 minutes well and truly in the contest.

Watch the boys get ready for their do or die clash below