Round 16 Match Report: East Perth vs Perth

East Perth vs Perth Match Report
by Liam Maher

Coming off a bye round, East Perth jumped straight back into action on Saturday afternoon with top spot up for grabs. A few unexpected turns made for an intriguing contest, but the Royals prevailed to win their 10th game of the season, East Perth (11.15 – 81) to Perth (11.8 – 74). 

The game begun with strong winds blowing across the ground and it was East Perth who used it to their advantage. The Royals looked to take the ball through the corridor and run play through the middle of the ground. Defensively, East Perth adjusted quickly to the conditions as they opted to take front position against their opponents. 

East Perth saw lots of the footy in the first quarter, playing a high handball game leading the count 37 – 24. Perth led the Inside 50 count 13 – 12 for the term but it was the Royals who took the most of their opportunities, creating eight scoring shots from their inside 50s. East Perth threatened to score at every chance they got. 

This good start saw the black and blue take a 14-point lead into the first break (3.5 – 23 to 1.3 – 9). The Royals’ wingers both started the game well, as Zac Raykos had nine disposals for the quarter and James Sturrock had eight and a goal. Scott Jones was also influential early with eight disposals to accompany 11 hit outs. 

East Perth’s fast paced, high pressure game style increased in the second term as they looked to take control of the game. The Royals pressure constantly forced Perth into bad decisions, allowing them plenty of chances to capitalise on an overturned ball. East Perth capitalised on this with great forward half efficiency, having nine scoring shots from 12 inside 50s.   

When moving the ball inside 50, East Perth midfielders looked to centre the ball where possible to find the best possible shot. The forward accuracy woes prevailed, with the minor scores outnumbering the majors (4 goals, 5 behinds). Tom Graham scored the best goal for the quarter, kicking a pinpoint set shot from tight on the boundary against testing winds.  

The Royals strong 2nd quarter performance was reflected on the scoreboard as they opened a five goal lead heading into the main break (7.10 – 52 to 3.4 – 22). Mitch Crowden was the main man in the middle, leading the team with 15 disposals at the half. Nicholas Bonomelli also made a strong start in his return to the league side with two first half goals. Tom Graham also had two for the half. 

Kicking four goals straight to start the third quarter, the Royals begum the second half positively. East Perth’s strong attack on the ball and tackling game opened this lead, as Hamish Brayshaw and Angus Schumacher set the standard for their team.  

East Perth looked like scoring every time they went inside 50. Nicholas Bonomelli carried on from his great first half performance adding two more goals to his tally, bringing his total to four for the afternoon. Perth fought back, towards the end of quarter as they kicked the last three majors going in three quarter time. Nevertheless, the Royals took a commanding 45-point lead into the final break (11.14 – 80 to 5.5 – 35). 

Going into the last quarter the scoreline suggested the Royals would be unlikely to lose however, Perth tried to defy the odds. East Perth once again suffered from a fourth quarter fade out. The Royals players lost control of the game and their game plan fell away despite a commanding lead. 

Perth had all the running in the 4th quarter trying to get a result in a game that was supposedly already in the books. Kicking all the goals for the quarter whilst restricting East Perth to just one point, Perth came very close to stealing victory. It came down to some clutch defensive moments from the Royals as they managed to hold on to victory (11.15 – 81 to 11.8 – 74). 

Angus Schumacher was one of the best performers for East Perth with (28 disposals, five marks, five inside 50’s), courtesy of his His attacking mindset and impetus to move the ball forward. Hamish Brayshaw was also impressive in his return game from injury with 27 disposals, nine marks, eight inside 50’s. Nicholas Bonomelli was the standout forward on the day, collecting ten disposals, six marks, and four goals.  

The Royals are now a game clear on top of the WAFL ladder ahead of Peel Thunder. East Perth still has room improvement and with spots in the team up for grabs, the next few games should be exciting as the Royals look to stake their claim as premiership contenders.  

East Perth’s next game is away against Claremont. Get down to Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday July 27th at 2.30pm to support the black and blue!