WAFL Match Report: Round Ten v South Fremantle

by Liam Maher

It was a tough day for East Perth as they took on the top-of-the-table South Fremantle down in Fremantle. The Royals battled hard all day but ultimately came off second best in a 10-point defeat (12.15 – 87 to 15.7 – 97). In a game that was fought right till the final siren, the loss sees East Perth fall to 6–3 for the season.

The game was a tight, contested battle early, with not much to split the teams. A couple of breaks in play saw East Perth use their pace and ball movement to work the ball up the ground and find the goals. Stopping South Fremantle on defence proved a challenge, allowing them 14 inside 50s to nine for the quarter.

Both teams played a different style of game. East Perth dominated possession, particularly marks, with 32 to six for the quarter, showing their intentions of how they wanted to move the ball. The Royals quite often kicked the ball into the corridor to open the play. Despite this, it was a tight first quarter, seeing East Perth trail by four points (3.3 – 21 to 4.1 – 25). Stan Wright was everywhere, racking up 12 disposals for the quarter and providing plenty of drive out of the backline.

The intensity went up a notch in the second quarter as both teams threw everything at the contest. Pressure around the ball was fierce, and the game was played at a frantic pace. The Royals managed to stay close for most of the quarter, again using quick ball movement to generate looks inside 50.

A couple of late goals from South Fremantle hurt East Perth heading into halftime. Some of the kicks into the centre created costly turnovers, which South Fremantle converted to goals. The Royals went into the main break 15 points down with plenty to think about heading into the second half (5.7 – 37 to 8.4 – 52).

East Perth was slow out of the gates after halftime, and South Fremantle capitalised immediately. The margin blew out to five goals very quickly, and it looked to be trouble. Credit to the Royals as the effort and intent remained and they tried to work their way back into the game, but at times it proved to challenging. Some risky kicks and errant handballs stopped them numerous times this quarter.

Although it felt that South Fremantle had taken control, the game could’ve been closer. Both teams had six scoring shots for the term, but the Royals’ inaccuracy proved costly. East Perth weren’t done but had a big task ahead to climb back from 30 points down headed into the final term (7.11 – 53 to 13.5 – 83).

With a big last quarter required, East Perth came out all guns blazing. The Royals played with real urgency and energy, creating repeat entries and putting the Bulldogs on the back foot. Three early goals in the quarter had South Fremantle rattled, and the momentum had shifted sharply. East Perth looked poised to challenge for a come-from-behind win.

As fatigue set in, the pace of the game slowed. South Fremantle did well to lock things down and control possession, denying the Royals any easy looks at goal. East Perth kept fighting, trying to find a way to break through. The Royals ran out of the game hard, scoring a late goal, but ultimately it wasn’t enough. East Perth fell just short, going down by 10 points in a hard-fought contest (12.15 – 87 to 15.7 – 97).

A tough loss, but a great all-around performance from East Perth, their hardest game of the season. A lot of great performances from the team on the day. Sam Van Diemen was among the best again with another great performance up forward (three goals, six tackles, 10 disposals). Tom Medhat also scored three goals on the day. Stan Wright was great off half back again with 28 disposals and nine marks. Hamish Brayshaw (26 disposals, 10 marks, eight inside 50s), Liam Tedesco (21 disposals, six marks, one goal) and Angus Scott (28 disposals, six marks, seven inside 50s) all provided fantastic efforts right across the four quarters.

East Perth now sit 5th on the ladder and will look to bounce back next week at home against Subiaco. With a lot to take away from this game, the Royals will be raring to go and ready to get back on the winners list on Saturday, 21st of June at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. A twilight fixture with the game starting at 4.10 pm. Make sure to get down and support the Mighty Royals!