Royals Review - Round 15 vs Perth

The Royals made it three wins from their last four starts overcoming an undermanned, yet fast finishing Perth outfit.

East Perth went into the match unchanged, avoiding the temptation to throw the magnets around after their poor showing the week before. In stark contrast Perth announced an injury list of 19 players and having many changes throughout the grades.

With this the home side could ill afford losing big man Fraser McInnes in the first quarter (hamstring) and Kasey Nicholls who copped a nasty ‘falcon’ which saw him unable to return to the ground under concussion protocols.

An arm wrestle of a first quarter saw the teams going into quarter time locked at 2.3 apiece. Nick Robertson looked dangerous up forward however he nor the rest of the Royals were able to apply scoreboard pressure. 

The second began as the first ended, however this time East Perth was able to capitalise on their possession ascendancy kicking the last five goals in the half, with the last three coming in a four-minute burst, in what would ultimately determine the game. 

Angus Schumacher’s first goal in the WAFL was one to remember. After receiving a pinpoint tap from ruckman Scott Jones, Schumacher’s ‘torp’ from the centre square carried the pack in the goal square travelling over 65 metres to give East Perth a 25-point lead at the half.

Tom Edwards Baldwin kicked the first of the second half as the two teams went goal for goal in the third. An Aiden Lynch set shot gave the Royals a 36-point lead five minutes into the last and the visitors looked to be cruising to victory. However, a resurgent Perth then kicked the last five goals of the game to get within seven points with three minutes to play. The Royals held on to run out nine-point victors

Schumacher had his best day in the black and blue since coming over from Carlton finishing with 33 touches and 2 goals. Angus Scott continued his fine form also collecting 33, whist skipper Jackson

Ramsay continues to remind the competition just how good a player he is finishing with 30 possessions. Rohan Kerr bought his own football across half back racking up a game high 41 disposals to go along with four tackles. Ruckman Scott Jones controlled the ball ups winning an enormous 54 hit outs.

The Royals will now turn their focus to West Coast, who are much improved since our first encounter last month. The win saw East Perth jump Perth to now sit 8th on percentage, but on level points with three other sides.

A goal-less third quarter cost the Reserves who went down to Perth. Sebit Kuek added three goals to continue his good form, whilst Adam Boules and Harley Sparks continued to press their cases for a League recall. Campbell Abbott collected 25 touches to go with 7 marks.

The Colts had 10 players playing in the State 19’s vs 17’s trial match however they still managed to find another gear despite having several debutants and a much younger side than usual. Kalani Brooks showed what he had learnt from his few games of Reserves gathering a season high 44 disposals, a goal and seven tackles. Tom Graham stepped up as key forward with Jye Amiss unavailable kicking one goal three. Jayden Peak (33) and Luke Lombardi (29) played key roles winning and controlling the ball in the Royals midfield.