WAFL Match Report: Round Seven v East Freo

by Liam Maher

East Perth fell short against East Fremantle in a top-of-the-table clash at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. On a tough day for footy, the Royals battled hard but it wasn’t enough as they went down by 20 in a physical and fiercely contested battle (9.8 – 62 to 12.10 – 82).

The opening term was a tight and contested affair, with neither side being able to generate clean ball movement. Both teams were locked in a midfield arm wrestle, struggling to break free into open play. East Perth found it difficult to get their usual running game going early as the ball spent most of its time in congestion.

East Perth made the best of their chances early, with Liam Tedesco scoring the first goal of the game. It was a labour-intensive first quarter, and it was hard to split the two teams. At the first break there was barely anything between the sides. The Royals trailed by just a point (2.2 – 14) to (2.3 – 15).

The second quarter started disappointingly for East Perth, conceding four early goals as East Fremantle looked to take full control. The game looked to be slipping away quickly, but to their credit, the Royals rallied. They started winning more outside ball and began linking up well through the middle of the ground. That effort resulted in a strong four-goal run of their own, bringing them right back into the game.

One of the highlights came from Will Cassidy, who kicked another fantastic goal from the forward pocket, like his one from the Peel Thunder game two games prior. At half time, the Royals had clawed their way back to be just three points down in a high-pressure clash (6.6 – 42) to (7.3 – 45).

As the rain rolled in during the third quarter, the game turned scrappy again, with conditions making clean footy almost impossible. It reverted to a pure contested battle, and East Perth couldn’t adjust as quickly as the Sharks. The Royals’ ball movement became slow and stagnant as they struggled to get forward motion out of stoppages. East Fremantle, however, worked the ball forward effectively to create their chances.

Turnovers crept in for the Royals as the momentum of the game shifted in favour of the opposition. East Perth couldn’t handle to intensity and physically they faced from East Fremantle. This left the Royals trailing by 18 points at the final change (7.7 – 49) to (10.7 – 67).

The last quarter saw the tempo drop, with both sides feeling the effects of a hard-fought match. The game was played mostly along the boundary, with long, slow down-the-line play dominating. East Perth continued to be dragged into that game style and couldn’t generate the overlap run or open space they needed to close the gap.

As the game continued, time became the enemy for the Royals. The effort was there, but unfortunately it just wasn’t enough. East Perth battled to the end but couldn’t reel in the Sharks, who ran out 20-point winners (9.8 – 62) to (12.10 – 82).

A tough day for the team, but certainly a lot to take away from it as they continue on in season 2025. Scott Jones was a standout again in the ruck with 17 disposals, four tackles and a 47 hit-outs. Angus Scott (26 disposals, four inside 50’s, one goal) and Tom North (26 disposals, five marks) both worked tirelessly all day to provide options for their team going forward. Sebit Kuek also continued his good goal-kicking form with three goals for the day.

It just wasn’t to be for the Royals in this one. They were outworked when it mattered most and couldn’t find their rhythm in the wet. The team showed glimpses of their best football but couldn’t string it together for long enough to get the win. Still, there’s plenty to take out of the game, and the focus now shifts to next week.

East Perth are back at home for a massive WA Day clash against West Perth on Monday, June 2nd at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. It’s a huge rivalry and a chance to bounce back in front of a big home crowd. Get down and support the Royals as they look to get back on the winners list!