Royals Wrap Round 10

Horrific conditions down at Bendigo Bank on Saturday proved too much for East Perth as the Royals went down to Peel Thunder by 14 points in a low-scoring wet weather affair.

The Royals showed promise in the first quarter. Brant College and Jonathon Giles scored East Perth’s first two goals, taking strong marks inside the forward 50. 

Strong winds made for a tough second quarter with both sides struggling to find targets and clean possession. The Thunder booted two goals courtesy of Michael Barlow, who proved to be an unstoppable force for Peel. Co-captain Kyle Anderson went down just before halftime and was stretchered off with an ankle injury. 

A few rays of sunshine came out for the beginning of the third term and the game opened up. The Royals found more space and were able to create some good ball movement. Ruckmen Jonathon Giles and Paul Johnson presented well as tall options going forward. Tom Barrass stood tall in the backline and was strong overhead, winning crucial marking contests and one-on-ones. Torrential rain and hail saw out the last few minutes of the quarter and the Royals remained goalless since the first quarter.

Despite being four goals down coming into the last quarter the Royals didn’t go down without a fight. East Perth committed to the ground ball and applied strong defensive pressure. They managed to keep the ball inside their forward half for most of the quarter, dominating inside 50’s 17 to 4. Mitchell Fraser and Steven Payne got their hands on the ball and created some good opportunities for the Royals. McInnes kicked a much-needed goal and kept East Perth in with a chance until Brady Grey responded and kicked the sealer for Peel. But the Royals injuries woes continued when Jackson Nelson injured his elbow late in the last quarter.

The final score was East Perth 3.7 25 to Peel Thunder 5.9 39.

East Perth now sit six on the WAFL ladder and take on Subiaco at home at Medibank Stadium next Saturday.

The Reserves returned to their winning ways smashing Peel 15.13 103 to 1.3 9. It was a whole team effort with nine individual goalscorers. Tom Curtin lead the way up front with 3 goals to go with his 18 touches. Matthew Allen had an impressive nine marks in the trying conditions finishing with 19 disposals and 2.2. Recruit Will Maginness gathered the footy 22 times and continues to impress after his two year layoff due to a foot injury. Tom Omodei and Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls continue to push their case for promotion having 24 and 21 touches respectively. Youngsters Blair Della Franca and Asher Samelko controlled the ruck in some great signs for the yound Reserves team

Meanwhile, the East Perth Colts came away with a strong win against Peel earlier in the day, winning by 22 points. East Perth out-muscled Peel in significant hard hitting contests and better adapted to the conditions, keeping their footing and standing strong despite the wet field. Jack Bodle and Mitchell Decampo were strong options up forward, taking good marks and having good body work, whilst Eric Bashemule was dangerous around loose balls and stoppages. 

The final score was East Perth 6.13 49 to Peel Thunder 4.3 27.