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Round 17 Match Report: East Perth v Claremont

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 11:19 AM

East Perth vs Claremont Match Report
by Liam Maher

A Saturday afternoon trip down to Claremont presented a tough test for East Perth. On this occasion, the challenge proved too much for the Royals as they fell to their biggest loss of the season, Claremont (13.9 – 87) to East Perth (3.10 – 28). 

The game begun with the sun out, minimal wind and near-perfect conditions for football. The tone was set early, with heightened physicality and scraps off the ball, and both teams struggling to advance the ball and create opportunities at goal.  

As Claremont begun to win the early arm-wrestle, the East Perth defenders were able to absorb the pressure and stand tall against the persistent attack. Bradley Fullgrabe, Corey Watts and Jacob Msando had numerous spoils and intercept possessions to stop the Tigers’ attack. The Royals were able to win ball around the ground, but this was not converted as chances for their forwards. Christian Ameduri scored the only goal of the quarter as the margin stood at two goals to Claremont at the first break (3.2 – 20 to 1.2 – 8). 

The second quarter started with East Perth on the back foot straight away. Claremont were switched on right from the start and scored three goals before the Royals could hit the scoreboard. East Perth couldn’t handle to pressure as they made poor decisions and simple skill errors resulting in turnovers.  

Once the Royals settled into the game, they were able to restrict Claremont’s ball movement. East Perth found some of their quick skills and gain repeat inside 50s. Conversion was still an issue, but they were able to chip away at Claremont’s lead, going to halftime down by 16 points (6.3 -39 to 3.5- 23). 

Tom North was able to hit the scoreboard in the second term, scoring both of East Perth’s goals for the quarter. Stan Wright (15 disposals), Angus Schumacher (14 disposals) and Mitch Crowden (13 disposals) were all able to find plenty of the footy in the first half.  

After half time the game became tough for East Perth. The Royals were barely able to get their game going as Claremont forced them into slow ball movement and pressure situations, creating numerous turnovers. This style of play was a far cry from the slick, fast-paced movement that Royals fans had become accustomed to throughout the season. 

As East Perth struggled to find their game plan, Claremont took full advantage and opened a nice lead heading into the final quarter (10.6 – 66 to 3.7 – 25). The game was not over but East Perth had a lot of work to do if they wanted to mount any sort of a comeback. 

East Perth looked better to start the final quarter as they won more contests around the ground. Despite this, the Royals still had difficulty finding their rhythm in the game. Constant turnovers, caused largely by poor decision-making, made it difficult for East Perth to regain consistency in their ball movement. 

Claremont got back on top in the contest and added another couple of goals to their tally, putting the game out of reach for East Perth. The Royals tried their hardest to finish the game on a positive note but just couldn’t figure it out on the day. Claremont finished 59-point winners (13.9 – 87 to 3.10 – 28). 

Stan Wright toiled hard all day for the Royals (29 disposals, 21 kicks, seven marks, three inside 50s). His defensive efforts and constant run off the half back line contributed to a highlight performance on a tough day. Brad Fullgrabe (12 disposals, five marks, two tackles) also played one of his best games for the season as he limited scoring shots from Claremont’s tall forwards. Captain Hamish Brayshaw (25 disposals, six tackles, three inside 50s) also tried hard all day through the midfield. 

A tough loss for any team, but East Perth will take learnings from this game as they look to sharpen up come finals time. The Royals sit 2nd on the ladder to the end round. With four games left to finish the season, there is everything to play for as ladder positions are still to be locked in. 

The Royals have three home games and one away day to finish the season. The first this weekend is a derby against West Perth. Get down to Sullivan Logistics Stadium this Saturday, August 3rd at 2.10 pm as East Perth look to make it two for two this season against their rivals.