Royals Wrap Up Round 12

East Perth’s derby loss to West Perth on Monday at HBF Arena has put their finals hopes on hold, with the club now sitting three games out of the top five.

It was the WAFL’s game-to-watch for the long weekend; rivals West Perth and East Perth both fighting to keep their finals hopes alive; and Royals captain Paul Johnson celebrating his 100th game.  

The first quarter was a tough hard-hitting contest early on but Aaron Black booted the first goal of the match for West Perth. East Perth missed a few goal-scoring opportunities from set shots but Fraser McInnes eventually kicked the Royals first. 

East Perth’s Jared Oakley-Nicholls lifted in the second term, putting on two quick goals to get the Royals right back into the contest. Despite having less inside 50’s, West Perth still managed to cause damage around the ground with better disposal efficiency, and on the scoreboard with better accuracy. Mitch Brown was solid in defense and Patrick McGinnity led clearances for the Royals. But East Perth struggled to capitalize where it mattered and finished the first half with 11 scoring opportunities to 8.

Coming into the third term, big names like Kane Lucas, Lewis Jetta and even Paul Johnson had all been kept to below 10 disposals. The third quarter was slow and uneventful, and East Perth was growing more and more frustrated. Tom Barrass was a beacon of hope for the Royals in the backline, confirming his status as one of the club’s most valuable players. But West Perth’s hunger for the ball got them three easy goals to extend the margin to 27 points by the end of the quarter. The Royals were kept goalless.

With their finals hopes coming down to just 30 minutes of footy, East Perth coach Jaymie Graham tested Tom Barrass and Paul Johnson up forward, as bigger bodies that could take much-needed overhead marks. Barrass proved to be a secret all-rounder for the Royals, doing just as well in the forward line scoring a goal off his first mark inside 50. But the Falcons showed no mercy in the last quarter, running hard and committing to the contests despite an-always steady lead; Michael Lourey Aidan Lynch finishing the match with seven goals between them. East Perth’s accuracy on goal proved problematic, costing them crucial goals.

The final score was East Perth 5.14 44 to West Perth 11.9 75. Tom Barrass was best on ground for the Royals (if not overall) with a stellra 4-quarter effort, followed by Jackson Nelson and Patrick McGinnity.

East Perth now sit three games out of the top five and must win the rest of their games to have a shot at the finals. They have a bye this week before taking on Perth Demons at Medibank Stadium on Saturday the 18th of June.