Round 8 Match Report: East Perth v Subiaco

East Perth vs Subiaco Match Report 
by Liam Maher 

A Saturday afternoon contest between the co-tenants of Sullivan Logistics Stadium East Perth (2nd) and Subiaco (8th) proved to be a tough battle for both teams, with the Royals coming out on top as they secured a four-goal win. 

It was difficult to split the two teams early on with both employing contrasting styles of play. East Perth looked to impliment a fast-paced attacking game, using the corridor where possible, while Subiaco opted for a controlled possession tactic.  

East Perth’s first goal of the game was off the back of a clever handball through traffic from Zac Raykos, releasing Mitch Crowden on stride towards the forward 50, hitting Tom Medhat on the chest. 

Tom Graham looked the threat up forward during the first term, taking several contested marks and kicking a goal. 

At the first break the inside 50 count was 11-10 in favour of East Perth and the score also saw the Royals up by one point - 2.3 (15) to 2.2 (14). 

The second quarter remained a close battle as the game slowed and became more contested. Both teams struggled to convert their opportunities in front of goal kicking three (East Perth) and five (Subiaco) behinds  

East Perth notched their only goal of the quarter thanks to a beautiful kick off the backline from Stan Wright, who found Angus Scott open on the wing, sending the ball forward to where Adam Boules was able to convert from a snap out of the pack. 

East Perth again favoured quick ball movement in the third term; however, they gave up too much ground to the opposition at times. 

Harrison Macreadie was impressive down back in the first half taking multiple intercept marks. Mitch Crowden and Tom North were the standouts in the midfield. 

A late Subiaco goal left the Royals trailing by seven points at halftime -  4.7 (31) to 3.6 (24).  

The start of the second half saw the intensity raised as the rain set in over the main break. Both teams looked to get the ball forward at all costs to start the quarter, but it was East Perth who handled the conditions best.  

Angus Schumacher lifted in the second half, winning contested ball all over the ground and kicking the first goal of the quarter. Liam Tedesco also hit the scoreboard for the first time in the match, kicking his first of three. 

East Perth began to handball effectively, spreading the ground in the second half. Stan Wright’s elite kicking out of the backline set up play ahead of the ball, while Mitch Crowden and Angus Schumacher also started to get on top of the Subiaco midfield in the clearance battle. 

Although East Perth managed to get back in front, Subiaco kept the scoreline close. Another Lions goal late in the third quarter had the Royals up by only two points. The scoreline was 6.7 (43) to 5.11 (41) heading into the final term. 

East Perth looked to finish the job in the final quarter, winning the ball all over the ground and seeking to hit the scoreboard every time the ball entered their forward 50.  

Tom Graham kicked the first with an impressive finish from the boundary before Tedesco found another to give the Royals their biggest lead of the game (15 points). 

Subiaco got one back shortly after, but that didn’t faze East Perth as they kicked the next two in quick succession thanks to Darcy Craven and Liam Tedesco. 

Darcy Craven put the finishing touches on the game as he rose to take a high-flying mark through the middle of the ground before delivering a pinpoint kick to Schumacher. 

Schumacher kicked truly after the siren to secure the Royals’ sixth win of the season, defeating the Lions 12.11 (83) to 8.11 (59). 

Angus Schumacher was the best on the day with 29 disposals, 9 marks, 2 tackles, and 8 inside 50s. Harrison Macreadie (17 disposals, 6 marks), Liam Tedesco (15 disposals, 3 goals) and Stan Wright (17 kicks, 5 marks) were among the other standouts. 

Scott Jones also played a key role in his first game back from injury amassing 54 hitouts, 5 Inside 50’s and 6 marks. 

Ben Ramshaw enjoyed a win in his league debut, collecting 16 disposals, 4 tackles and 4 Inside 50s. 

East Perth currently sits second on the league ladder behind Peel Thunder on percentage. 

East Perth’s next game is the WA Day Derby against West Perth on Monday, June 3rd. Bouncedown is 2.30pm at Pentanet Stadium. Be sure to get down and support the Royals as they look to carry on with their winning ways in 2024!