Round 10 Match Report: East Perth vs Claremont

East Perth vs Claremont Match Report
by Liam Maher

A wet and windy Sunday afternoon clash between East Perth and Claremont saw the Royals’ five-game winning streak snapped in a close contest. East Perth just couldn’t get over the line, falling to a 9-point loss - 6.14 (50) to 9.5. (59). 

The tough conditions impacted the game early on. Both teams took some time to adjust to the strong winds that echoed around the ground in the first quarter. East Perth’s ball movement was a scratchy to start the game, but they endeavoured to stick to their pacey style of play.  

The Royals attack on the ball was strong but it was matched by an equally physical Claremont. Each side had the same amount of inside 50’s (12) and scoring shots (five) for the quarter but it was Claremont who kicked with accuracy to take a 10-point lead in quarter time - 3.2 (20) to 1.4. (10). 

Claremont’s goals came on the back of mistakes from East Perth however the backline defended well, with intercept marking again a strength for the Royals and Corey Watts looking the most composed of all the backs. Mitch Crowden scored the Royals’ only goal of the quarter, continuing his great form for the season. 

The game opened up in the second quarter, as East Perth looked to spread the ball and work it up the wings. The Royals’ forwards presented well up the ground as Tom Medhat and Liam Tedesco got on the end ofs several marks to create chances at goals. Hamish Brayshaw also spent most of the quarter in the forward line. 

Inaccuracy in front of goals proved a problem for the home side. East Perth led the inside 50 count 14 to seven for the quarter but only had nine points to show for it (one goal, three behinds).  East Perth started to even up the numbers around stoppages, Claremont were still gifted easy chances at goal. 

The Royals trailed Claremont at half time 5.3 (33) to 2.7 (19). 

East Perth rallied again to start the second half to try to get back in front. A consistent effort across saw The Royals’ skills pick up as they won more ball. The game’s intensity lifted as Claremont went back to their physical style of play to curb East Perth’s influence on the game. 

The Royals led the inside 50 count again 13 to eight but didn’t convert their chances (two goals, four behinds). Mitch Crowden made something out of nothing for his second goal late in the quarter, which left East Perth down by five points heading into the final term. 

The Royals got off to a perfect start in the last as Tom Medhat kicked a goal in the first two minutes to win the lead back. The rain set in over the break so both teams looked to play to the conditions, moving the ball forward at all costs. 

East Perth had good moments throughout the quarter to stay in the game. Zack Raykos stood tall in the final quarter, contributing to what would be a man-of-the-match performance. He won a two-on-one in defence to stop a certain Claremont goal before going forward to kick one of his own and retain East Perth’s lead.   

As the quarter progressed Claremont regained the lead and put it all on the line to keep it. The Royals worked tirelessly to get it back, but Claremont refused to give in. East Perth had chances late to get the ball inside 50 but just couldn’t get their hands on the ball. Claremont held on to secure the win 6.14. (50) to 9.5. (59). 

East Perth battled hard all day but ultimately fell short. Early mistakes and inaccurate goal-kicking proved the deciding factors in the game as the Royals suffered their second defeat of the season. 

Mitch Crowden was one of the best on field, with two goals, 24 disposals, three tackles and three marks a great effort in trying conditions. Michael Randall was also great in his fiftieth WAFL game, amassing 20 disposals, four tackles, six inside 50s). Nathan Eaton (nine kicks, six Tackles), Scott Jones (40 hit outs, one goal), and Zac Raykos (17 disposals, one goal) were also among the best. 

East Perth will use their bye next week to rest and recover after an impressive start to the season. The Royals sit top of the WAFL ladder with a 7-2 record for the season. The first game back after the break is Saturday 22nd of June at 2.10 pm against Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval. Be sure to make the away trip as the team will look to get back on the winners list!