Round 13 Match Report: East Perth vs South Fremantle

East Perth vs South Fremantle Match Report
by Liam Maher

Another game and another close finish for East Perth over the weekend. The Royals came out victorious over South Fremantle to return to the winners’ list with the final score of East Perth (10.8 – 68) to South Fremantle (10.5 – 65) 

East Perth started the game strong. Their ball movement looked elite as they easily worked it up the ground. The switch kick was used often to help set up attacking plays from the backline. Marking was heavily featured for the Royals in the first term, showing a clear dominance in this area of the game, with 23 more marks than the opposition (37 to 14). 

The team effort across the board was solid. All players bought into the game plan and made a conscious effort to run and get forward at all costs. The early dominance from East Perth was reflected in the score as they opened a 20-point lead at the first break (4.2 – 26 to 1.0 – 6). Kye Willcocks’ return to the team made an early difference. He led the team in disposals (nine and eight kicks) to set up lots of attacking play. Tom Graham also started the game strong, kicking two first-quarter goals. 

The second quarter saw South Fremantle fight back as they found more ball. East Perth didn’t deviate from the game plan and was able to match the efforts of the opposition. The Royals still looked to use the switch where possible and continued to look for a quick transition up the ground. 

The game started to even up around the contest, but East Perth managed to maintain strong pressure and intensity levels. Christian Ameduri led the way for his team. He scored The Royals’ first goal of the quarter after an impressive intercept mark inside the forward 50, which he converted from a set shot. Nathan Eaton’s strong defensive efforts were also rewarded as he managed to sneak forward courtesy of a 50-metre penalty to score his first goal of the season. An evenly contested second quarter saw East Perth take a 15-point lead into halftime (6.5 – 41 to 4.2 – 26). 

The third quarter was another impressive team display from East Perth. The Royals came off the main break looking to build on a strong first half and take control of the game. The difference between the two teams was clear. East Perth was running harder, working for each other and a more composed team on the ball.  

The ball spent significant amounts of time in The Royals’ forward half, and they capitalised on their chances with a 13 to 5 inside 50 differential and created 6 scoring shots for the quarter (four goals, two behinds). Milestone Man Liam Tedesco, the pick of the forwards, kicked two goals for the quarter. Jayden Peak, Michael Randall and Stan Wright starred this quarter, winning lots of ball and setting up teammates. East Perth was in a good position heading into the final quarter with a 35-point lead (10.7 – 67 to 5.2 – 32). 

The fourth quarter started and did not go the way of The Royals. Right from the start, it appeared as if East Perth had moved away from their game plan and looked to play a more conservative style. South Fremantle, however, looked to make a move and try to mount a comeback. 

Despite a 6-goal margin, South Fremantle pressed hard for the win. South Fremantle kept running while East Perth stopped. The Royals struggled to get any positive play going as South Fremantle outplayed them all quarter as they looked to steal the victory. Several tackling and defensive efforts from Christian Ameduri, Taylor North and Riley Saunders helped keep The Royals alive in the game. As the quarter drew to a close, East Perth managed to hold on to secure a 3-point victory over South Fremantle.  

Michael Randall was among one of the best players again for East Perth. His hard work out of the midfield helped lift his teammates all day, with multiple efforts leading to East Perth goals. He finished the day with 25 disposals, including 15 kicks and a goal.  

Captain Christian Ameduri was another standout player. Playing more midfield time this week, his tackling and hard running led the way for this team’s pressure standards throughout the game. His final stats were 16 disposals, ten kicks and ten tackles. 50th game milestone player James Sturrock (18 disposals, 11 kicks, six marks), Tom North (20 disposals, 15 kicks, eight marks) and Stan Wright (22 disposals, 17 kicks and 8 marks) were all among the best player on the day.  

Scott Jones would also be thrilled to have secured victory in his 100th WAFL game. The big ruckman is a key part of this Royals team and deserved a win in this milestone game. He dominated the hit-out department again with 42 for the game.  

The win sits East Perth in the 2nd spot on the ladder only on percentage, as Peel Thunder lost against Subiaco. The Royals play Subiaco next week in what should be another cracking game. The game is Saturday, 2.30 pm at Sullivan Logistics Stadium (please note this is a Subiaco Home Game). Come support the team as they look to fight for a position at the top of the WAFL ladder.