Football Department Update | June 1

Round 7 saw the League side take on West Coast at Mineral Resources Park.

West Coast’s challenges this season have been well documented, however, they were able to select their strongest midfield group for the season to date, as well as, some important key position player’s last round. This meant the Eagles had a few strong periods during the match that did test us. In the end, our boys were able to stand tall and play a good brand of football to register an important win and get us back on track after 3 consecutive losses.

Scott Jones enjoyed a strong outing in the ruck and spent a little time forward, registering two goals. The midfield brigade of Angus Schumacher, Hamish Brayshaw, Mitch Crowden and Angus Scott was highlighted by Crowden’s 31 touches, seven Inside 50s and one goal. They were complimented by Jacob Msando and Zach Raykos who both spent time in the engine room throughout the match.

Raykos enjoyed a break-out match, racking up 23 touches and kicking three goals in just his fifth League appearance after being recruited from Wanneroo in the off-season.

The forwards all had impact at various times in the match with Liam Tedesco, Sam Van Diemen and Tom Medhat each kicking two goals, Riley Saunders kicking three and providing plenty of pressure and Mitchell Schofield converting this week for four goals. Sam Van Diemen’s 12 tackles was the highlight for me, and his pressure acts went a long way in determining the outcome of the match.

As far as the defenders go, Stan Wright and Tom North continued to find a lot of the ball across half back while Nick Robertson continues to build his form of late, providing plenty of drive and breaking lines out of defence.

The Reserves combined with the Colts to play in a practice match against the WA State 18s which was played as a curtain raiser to the League match. The boys came out of the blocks early to register the first goal, but unfortunately the WA State 18s were a much classier outfit on the day and took home a result.

From the Senior side of things, Adam Boules continued his strong form with a 25-touch day while Spider Lockitt (21 touches), Shayne Hille (20 touches) and Michael Randall (20 touches) all had influence on the game at various points.

From a Colts perspective, Xavier Milner had a good game after returning from a broken finger with 20 touches across half back while Lucas Kemp battled away in defence against some talented opposition. Tyler Lindberg and Xavier Walsh both lined up for the WA State 18s in the match and showed promising signs as they look to sure up a spot in WA’s best side ahead of the 18s National Championships.

Moving onto this week and the focus is on the reigning premiers and our oldest rivals in West Perth as the WA Day Derby draws closer.

West Perth is still the benchmark of the competition and when playing their best football can put any side to the sword. We’ll need to put on a strong 4-quarter display in front of a packed house at Leederville top get the job done and I know our group are really looking forward to the challenge that lays ahead of them.

The side will be boosted by the inclusion of Co-Captain Christian Ameduri who is set to make his return after suffering and knee injury against Peel in Round 3. Nicholas Bonomelli has also recovered from minor surgery two weeks back and will put his hand up for selection in the League side.

We’ll train tonight (Thursday) followed by a session on Saturday Morning in preparation for Monday’s WA Day Derby which should be a great game between the two highest rated offensive teams currently in the competition. We’ll see what the weather does as it might spoil the party when it comes to goals

GO ROYALS!

Warren Parker, Football Operations Manager