Royals primed for season-defining clash

Wingman Angus Scott believes East Perth has what it takes to claim the four points and keep its season alive in Saturday’s season-defining clash against South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval.

The Royals are just one win and percentage outside of the top four, with two home and away rounds remaining, and will need to beat the ladder leading Bulldogs to remain in the finals race.

“South Fremantle are obviously undefeated at this stage. It’s going to be a big test, but I think the way we’re preparing this week, we’re ready to take them on,” Scott told 91.3 SportFM on Wednesday.

“Everything is on the line – bring on Saturday.”

The last time the Royals clashed with the Bulldogs at Fremantle Oval was in Round 7, 2019, with the visitors going down by the smallest of margins.

“We’re expecting a really strong fight around the contest,” Scott said.

“Last year when we played them down there, we lost by a point. I think we can take a lot of confidence into the game knowing that we have been able to play the ground relatively well, against really strong opposition in South Fremantle.

“It’s their home deck but we don’t shy away from that.” 

Scott said the playing group could ill-afford to look too far ahead. Instead, they’ll be focusing on each contest, quarter by quarter.

“We can’t really think about the end result too much,” he said.

“It’s got to be quarter by quarter, especially against South Fremantle, such a strong opposition.

“If we get thinking too far ahead and we lose track of the next contest, we’re going to be in trouble. If we keep thinking contest by contest, quarter by quarter, it all adds up, and hopefully we’ll be able to get the four points at the end of the day and keep our season alive.”

The wingman said the addition of West Perth recruit Aidan Lynch, and the development of Matt Young, had freed him and Rohan Kerr up to be able to run and carry on the outside.

“Bringing in Aidan Lynch (from West Perth) and with Matt Young’s development through the midfield, it has allowed myself and Rohan Kerr on the outside to really use our attributes in terms of being able to run and kick the ball.

“They do a lot of great work on the inside and Ramma (vice-captain Jackson Ramsay) is having a really good year. We swap a lot in between mid and wing, and we do wax off each other and feed off each other in that regard, bringing one another into the game.

“It’s been a really pleasing year, we’ve been in most games to win probably besides West Perth. We’ve been in a really good position to challenge each game – we’re all benefiting from each other.”

Scott said the continued development of Jayden Magro was particularly pleasing for the group.

“It’s easy to get lost in how good his left foot kick is,” Scott said.

“Whether it’s a goal snap around the body or kicking one from 50 or 60, his energy and toughness is something that probably goes a bit underrated.

“Jayden’s a really loved member of the team, he brings a lot of energy every week.

“His ability to finish off the work up the ground going inside-50, is something that we probably lack sometimes, but he’s able to stay composed and use his skill to his advantage, and obviously the advantage of the team.”

Royals fans are encouraged to watch the match from an East Perth supporters’ zone and pop-up bar, located at the north east section of Fremantle Oval.