WAFL Match Report: Round One v Subiaco

by Liam Maher

The long wait is over!

WAFL Season 2025 got underway this week and saw our Royals start the season in winning ways against Subiaco. After a hard pre-season and some changes to the squad, East Perth were ready to prove they will be premiership contenders again this season. In a tough first-up battle, the Royals were able to secure a 15-point victory over Sullivan Logistics Stadium co-tenants Subiaco (12.8 – 80 to 9.11 – 65).

The scene was set on a hot Saturday afternoon for another epic battle between these two great teams. It was a scrappy affair to start the proceedings as both teams eased themselves back into competitive action. Subiaco had the run early in the game, but East Perth’s strong defensive efforts held up under pressure. Jacob Msando led the backline in the first quarter with numerous marks and intercept possessions foiling the opposition’s attacks.

As the quarter went on, East Perth started to gain more control of the ball. The Royals took a conservative approach to ball movement, opting to work the ball up the wings. One thing that stood out was East Perth’s delivery inside 50 to hit marking targets to create chances at goal. Off-season recruit Ben Middleton grabbed two inside 50 marks in the first quarter and scored the first goal of the game, signalling he is a great addition to the team’s forward line. At quarter time one point was the difference between the teams, in favour of Subiaco (3.3 – 21 to 3.4 – 22). Already, the tone of the match was set. This was going to be tight all day.

The second quarter started with East Perth firing in all areas. Their running game was back and their movement through the middle of the ground proved damaging. The Royals put four goals on the board very quickly to start the quarter with the forward line looking dangerous. The goals came on the back of our debutants. Will Cassidy scored the first with a classy snap from the pocket. Sebit Kuek put the dance steps on to fire his first goal out of stoppage and Coby Burgiel also got on the end of his first goal. Captain Hamish Brayshaw wheeled around on to his right boot from outside 50 to secure a great start to the quarter.

After this brilliant start for East Perth, Subiaco responded and fought back. As Subiaco’s pressure rose, Royals’ players started to show signs of fatigue and ultimately let Subiaco back into the game. Some poor skills, particularly by foot exiting the defensive third, created turnovers which Subiaco converted into goals. After all the early play to start the quarter, the Royals went into halftime with a lead of only three points (7.4 – 46 to 6.7 – 43). Hamish Brayshaw, Scott Jones, Tom North, and Stan Wright all starred in the first half collecting 15 disposals each.

The second half started the same as the first with some tough footy and a high-pressure game. East Perth were able to sustain this pressure through the quarter which assisted in creating turnovers and in turn, chances from goals. Christian Ameduri led the team in this area. He had a big tackle just outside the Royals line forward which resulted in a goal. East Perth also appeared to have gotten on top in the centre stoppage battle, mainly on the back of Scott Jones. Jones had 12 hitouts and seven disposals in the third quarter to keep the team in the game.

Once again, some poor decision making meant that Subiaco were able to create turnovers and keep themselves in the game. Fatigue among Royals players was also present again as at times it looked hard for them to stop Subiaco’s run. The Royals were down two rotations with Sam Van Diemen and Brad Fullgrabe both succumbing to injury earlier in the game. East Perth still held the lead heading into a cracking final quarter (10.6 – 66 to 9.9 – 63).

It was a tense feeling on the ground as the last quarter started. With victory well within reach for both teams, there was everything to play for. It was a 50/50 contest to start with. Both sides had chances at the opening goal, but inaccuracy left the game still hanging in the balance. Subiaco had more possession in the forward half of the ground but once again the Royals’ defence stood tall and denied Subiaco the chance to get ahead.

Pressure was mounting on both teams as nearly 15 minutes had passed without a goal. East Perth locked the ball into their forward half and the first goal came on the back of a full team press. Subiaco had possession from a kickout and couldn’t find a target. Christian Ameduri charged out to win the ball from the kick, gathered it, composed himself and hit Tom Graham on the chest 20 metres out, directly in front of goal. Graham went back and converted to give East Perth the advantage. A couple of minutes later, East Perth were forward again and at a stoppage inside 50, Hamish Brayshaw was able to work some magic and snap home the sealer. The Royals’ game management after this run out the clock was impressive. They secured their first win of season 2025 (12.8 – 80 to 9.11 – 65).

A Round One win in a tough battle sets the tone for what should be another great season for the East Perth Football Club. Co-captains Christian Ameduri and Hamish Brayshaw set the standard for their teammates in this game, both among the best players on the ground (Ameduri 20 disposals, eight tackles, one goal) (Brayshaw 22 d isposals, eight marks, two goals). Ruckman Scott Jones was also influential in the middle of the ground (34 hitouts and 25 disposals), while Jacob Msando was the standout player in the backline with his defensive efforts (18 disposals and seven marks).

The team deserves a well-earned rest after that Round One victory. Starting the season on a win is always important and the team will gain a lot of confidence on the back of that. The next game is a Semi-Final rematch as the Swan Districts come to Sullivan Logistics next Saturday. Bouncedown is 2.30 pm and is our first game home game of the season. Get down and support the team as our Mighties look to make it two from two!