WAFL Match Report: Round Three v Claremont

by Liam Maher

It certainly was a Good Friday as the Royals shone under lights with a comeback win over Claremont. Despite trailing at every change, a stirring final-quarter surge was enough for East Perth to claim the win and remain undefeated in season 2025 (10.5 – 65 to 8.6 – 54).

Under the new lights at Sullivan Logistics Stadium, this marquee matchup got underway. East Perth were ready to prove that they’re the real deal in 2025 however, it was Claremont who had all the early play. The opposition kicked four straight goals to start the game and take full control early. The Royals did not look like themselves to start the game. The midfield battle was dominated by Claremont, and East Perth’s defence couldn’t stop the attacks coming their way.

After a hot start, Claremont slowed as the quarter went on, and East Perth fought back into the game. The Royals started to gain possession and hit some targets going forward. Mitch Schofield was welcomed back by his teammates as he kicked the first goal of the game. Sebit Kuek added another shortly after, which reduced the margin to 11 points at first break (2.1 – 13 to 4.0 – 24). Despite Claremont’s early dominance, East Perth led the inside 50 count at quarter time 11 to nine.

East Perth started to settle into the game in the second quarter. Apart from an early Claremont goal, the Royals started to get the game on their terms with their hard running and fast ball movement. The contest started to even out in the middle of the ground. The ruck battle between Scott Jones (East Perth) and Oliver Eastland (Claremont) was crucial in determining which team would control possession from stoppages.

As the quarter went on, the physicality went up another level with both teams putting it all on the line. East Perth managed to get within a kick thanks to a crafty goal by Adam Boules. Claremont responded with a late goal to take a 10-point lead into halftime (4.3 – 27 to 6.1 – 37). Stan Wright had a big first half of collecting 14 disposals to the main break. Mitch Schofield also looked great in his return game with two first-half goals.

The third quarter continued to be an arm wrestle with both teams fighting hard for victory. The pace of the game slowed this quarter as both teams defensive units made it hard for either team to move the ball. Will Cassidy had a moment of class to score the first goal for the quarter but again, Claremont responded as East Perth struggled to hit the front.

Fatigue was starting to set in for both sides as the quarter drew to a close. The high intensity nature of this game was bound to have that sort of impact on the players. Tom Graham came up big with a goal late in the quarter to put East Perth within five points headed into the final break (6.4 – 40 to 7.3 – 45).

There was a nervous feeling among fans as the final quarter began. The East Perth players, however, came out with a different energy and looked to go all in to bring home the win in this game. Tom Medhat took a huge pack mark in front of the members’ stand and coolly slotted the set shot to tie the scores early in the quarter. Claremont answered once again, scoring the next, but the Royals weren’t going away in this game.

The East Perth team rallied as they fought physical pressure from Claremont and started to outwork their opposition. The efforts of the Royals started to pay off as they finally fought ahead and looked to win the game. Adam Boules made something out of nothing to score a great goal out of a forward 50 stoppage before Tom Graham steered home a set shot to give East Perth their first lead of the game. With plenty of time still left on the clock, Claremont pushed hard to reclaim their lead, by the Royals didn’t give in. Christian Ameduri got on the end of a beautiful end-to-end play from his team to kick the sealer and hand East Perth a stunning 11-point victory (10.5 – 65 to 8.6 – 54).

After being behind all game, East Perth gave it their all and came back to produce a massive win in a very important game for the club. Mitch Schofield was among the team’s best in his first game of the season with 15 disposals, nine marks and two goals. Angus Scott also had a successful return to the team with 25 disposals, four marks and three inside 50s. Christian Ameduri (20 disposals, six tackles, one goal), Hamish Brayshaw (24 disposals, ten inside 50’s) and Scott Jones (16 disposals, 36 hitouts) were among our best again. Small forwards Adam Boules (eight disposals, four marks, two goals), Will Cassidy (eight disposals, ten tackles, two goals) and Sam Van Diemen (13 disposals, nine tackles, six inside 50’s) were also big contributors in their team’s victory.

The Royals now sit 3-0 to start the season and are showing they can win in a variety of ways. With contributions across all lines and a growing belief in the squad, East Perth’s 2025 campaign is well and truly rolling. The challenge now will be maintaining that consistency in the weeks to come as the competition heats up. The next game is Saturday night against Perth. Bouncedown is at 7.10 pm at Mineral Resources Park. Get down and watch the boys look to continue their perfect start to the season.