Royals Preview Elimination Final

East Perth and Peel will battle it out on Father’s Day clash this Sunday, in an epic Elimination Final during the first week of the AHG Finals Series. To rise to the occasion, the Royals have put together a stellar starting line-up that will most definitely challenge a very experienced Thunder side. The last time these clubs met was in Round 20 at Medibank Stadium and the Thunder ran away with the game, winning by six goals. This time the Royals will be seeking redemption, but more importantly, a spot in next week’s Semi Final. Let’s have a look at the breakdown for this massive showdown!

In’s:

Nathan Blee replaces Mitch Brown at half-back and will match-up against Michael Apeness. Triple-threat midfielder Corey Adamson also comes back onto the bench alongside Mitchell Lague and Brant Colledge. Speedster Shayne Hille is a massive name on the interchange for the Royals, with his pace adding another line of depth to East Perth’s forward line.

Jack Redden and Liam Duggan will start with Paul Johnson in the ruck- a lethal combination that’s worked well for the Royals before. After solid performances last week Craig Wulff, Fraser McInnes and Jamie Bennell will start a full forward.

Patrick McGinnity will lead the midfield with ball magnets Malcolm Karpany and Samuel Powell-Pepper by his side. 

Out’s:

Paddy Brophy, Mitchell Brown and Jackson Nelson. 

Battlines:

Experience: Peel will have a very experienced side playing this weekend, with big Fremantle inclusions such as; Alex Silvagni, Matt De Boer, Michael Apeness and Shane Yarran. Although East Perth do have similarly matched players such as McGinnity, Mackenzie and Bennell, the Royals do boast an impressive developing, fresh side; Duggan, Powell-Pepper, Maginness, Adamson, Hille. Sunday’s game will be a test of the old versus the new.

Mental Game: Last week the Royals knew just how important the final round of their season was, and despite leading at end of each quarter they still went into each term playing hard like the score was even. It’s going to be crucial that the Royals have the mental resilience and strength to keep pushing and play four full quarters of footy this weekend, in a game that will be undoubtedly tough mentally and physically. Especially if they are periods where East Perth trail, they need to not let this be an opportunity for Peel to steam ahead. 

The Bounce: Whoever can win the ball from center bounces and stoppages wi be vital in controlling this game. Johnson will have a great contest against Jonathon Griffin. Redden and Duggan will have Connor Blakely and Matt De Boer to fight for the ball, but if the dynamic duo can get some momentum and win some stoppages early on they could break free of Peel’s classy ruck work.