East Perth vs Peel Thunder - Match Review

There have been a number of landmark moments for the Royals in the past three seasons. This weekend did not shape up as one of them, however, yesterday’s match could prove definitive for this current playing groups future endeavours.

After a hard-fought victory against the reigning Premiers a fortnight ago, East Perth, buoyed by the return of captain Jackson Ramsay and Nick Robertson headed down the freeway to take on a talented Peel side who were full of confidence off the back of a strong showing against Claremont and memories of the 105 thrashing they handed the Royals in Round 2.

An uninspiring first half by East Perth saw Peel, lead by Dockers Connor Blakely and Bailey Banfield, up by 33 points at the main break. Banfield stretched the margin out to 34 points just after half time, at which point the match seemed to be heading to an all too familiar result for the travelling side.

It was to be a ‘fork in the road’ moment for the Royals season. The East Perth side sprung to life led by Ramsay and half forward dynamo Jayden Magro. The Royals kicked four goals to none in the Premiership Quarter, reducing the margin to 9 points at ¾ time.

The Thunder kicked the first of the last to be back out in front by 15 points. Rather than knocking the wind out of the East Perth sails the Royals again rallied, kicking the next three goals of the match with Ruckman Ajang Ajang putting East Perth in front for the first time for the afternoon.

In a see-sawing last quarter, a brave act by Peel recruit Will Schofield, who played 21 games for the Royals, went back with the flight of the ball, unfortunately into the path of a rampaging Robertson. Schofield walked from the field gingerly, but this effort started the link of play to set up a goal for Bailey Banfield drawing the Thunder back even. A point to Valente gave Peel back the lead.

The resulting kick in, led to a tight shot on goal from the pocket from Eddie Simpson, who comfortably snapped on his left after a strong mark to givie the Royals a five-point advantage.

Makeshift ruckman Ben Hancock kicked truly to again put the Thunder up by a point with 27 minutes gone.

Angus Schumacher, who was in and under all day, got caught holding the ball in the middle of David Grays Arena by Banfield. Banfield looked to play on quickly and Schumacher, quite remarkably, whilst still on his knees managed to not only hold onto Banfield but in turn had him adjudged holding the ball.

A Rohan Kerr kick to the goal line looked to have been rushed over the goal line to the protests of the East Perth players who argued that Simpson had taken another strong mark. The field umpire awarded a mark to Simpson, who then kicked truly from point blank range, wrestling back the lead for the Royals.

With the game deep into time on, a string of strong contested marks down the outer wing led to a Jackson Ramsay shot on goal. His behind, all but assured East Perth would get two points. It was a point to Simpson, who had a huge last 15 minutes, that sealed a famous victory.

Ramsay finished with a game high 32 touches including nine inside 50’s. Magro was the spark with four second half goals. It was the Royals team ground pressure lead by ‘tackling machine’ Christian Ameduri rushing Peel with plenty of smoothers, tackles and impressive team press that was the difference in the second half.

Earlier in the day the Colts good season continued with a 52 point win thanks to 7 goals off the boot of Jye Amiss and a game high 30 possessions to Kalani Brooks, back with the Colts after a stint with the Reserves.

The Reserves were back on the winners list for the first time since Round 2 with a comfortable 48-point win making it 3/3 for the Royals for the first time in 2021. Sebit Kuek was impressive with six goals whilst Adam Boules continues to impress with 30 touches as he pushes for a League recall.

The Royals are back at Leederville next Saturday to take on East Fremantle in a huge clash. Stay tuned for updates on any restrictions throughout the week.