Royals Wrap Up Elimination Final

Paul Johnson and Craig Wulff have bid farewell to WAFL football, in the Royals disappointing elimination finals loss to Peel Thunder last weekend.

In front of nearly 3000 spectators at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon, East Perth always had a tough challenge ahead, taking on physically imposing Peel side. 

The Thunder got off to a good start kicking the first of the match and managing to hold contested marks inside their forward 50. The Royals did not share the same luck down their end and ended the term goalless.

Malcolm Karpany eventually broke the Royals drought and booted East Perth’s first major of the game. The Royals upped their pressure immensely in the second term in what was a great physical contest between the two sides. For most of the quarter East Perth seemed more in control. Jamie Bennell and William Maginness booted two quick goals and by the end of the first half the Royals seemed to have found the momentum they were looking for. 

Polished leader Patrick McGinnity kicked a long goal form outside 50 in the third term but the Thunder could always find the right response. Maginness then booted his second, dribbling the footy across the line. McGinnity showed grit around stoppages and tried to generate play to keep the Royals energy up, and Tom Gorter played strong and tall down back demonstrating real leadership ability for next season. 

In the final quarter the Thunder ran away with the game booting four goals to none in the last 20 minutes. It was a bittersweet farewell for veterans Paul Johnson and Craig Wulff as they said goodbye to their colorful footy careers; waving to an adoring crowd of fans and the opposition as the sun went down over the sold-out stadium. 

The final score was East Perth 5.7 37 to Peel 12.14 86.