Round 18 Match Report: East Perth v West Perth

East Perth vs West Perth Match Report
by Liam Maher

The second instalment of the East Perth and West Perth Derby was played over the weekend at Sullivan Logistics Stadium and was typical tough Derby encounter. Both teams left it all out there, but the Royals were able to rally together to secure the win, East Perth (10.7 – 67) to West Perth (6.13 – 39). 

Round 18 saw both teams eager to find some late-season form. East Perth came off a tough loss the week before, but they started positively on Saturday, employing a quick running game, strong defence, and high pressure around the ball.  

The Royals had clear possession dominance in the first quarter with 113 to 60. Despite this advantage, inside 50’s (13) and scoring shots (three) were the same for both teams at the first break. East Perth were clinical in front of goal, giving them a 10-point lead at quarter time (3.0 – 18 to 1.2 – 8). James Sturrock was fantastic in the first quarter, collecting 11 disposals up and down the wing. 

The second quarter was once again to be a test for East Perth. The Royals regained control of the possession but couldn’t find a way through West Perth’s defence. West Perth pressed up defensively, pushing East Perth back, blocking them from proceeding past halfway. The inside 50 count reflected West Perth’s strong positional advantage with 16 to seven for the quarter. 

East Perth’s defence was under the pump for most of the quarter, but still managed to halt multiple West Perth attacks. Harrison Macreadie’s return to the side proved pivotal as the key defender made numerous intercepts throughout the first half. East Perth were still able to create chances when going forward, however they were wasteful, only registering three behinds for the term. On the back of another goalless quarter, the Royals trailed by 16 points at halftime (3.3 – 21 to 5.7 – 37).  

The third quarter begun with both teams going hard at the ball. East Perth got off to a strong start as they kicked a couple of early goals, closing in on West Perth’s lead. The game became more contested, but the Royals were able to find their run out of stoppages, using the give-and-go handball to advance the ball on attack.  

The Royal’s defence was under pressure again, but they stood strong against the hard-working West Perth forward group. Pressure from the East Perth players kept the game close in the third quarter, with strong tackling and intercept marking key to stopping the opposition. The Royals still couldn’t gain control of the game with some skill errors costing them opportunities to score. The game was set up for a blockbuster finish with only two points separating the sides going into the final term (6.4 – 40 to 5.12 – 42). Mitch Crowden stepped up in the third quarter to lead the East Perth midfield, as Hamish Brayshaw and Scott Jones both left the ground injured. 

The challenge was set for the Royals in the fourth quarter as they were two rotations down and still behind on the scoreboard. The East Perth players showed how much they wanted to win as they dug deep to put on a fantastic team effort in the final term. The pressure was up, and the hard running of the players was clear for all to see as the Royals willed themselves over the line in a gutsy performance. 

Captain Christian Ameduri set the standard in the last quarter with seven disposals, three marks, a goal and a goal assist. Tom Medhat was also instrumental in moving into the ruck in the absence of Scott Jones, competing brilliantly and lifting his team with efforts in the air and at ground level. Stan Wright copped a hit halfway through the last term, and left the field gingerly, but would return and provide the Royals with leadership and support. 

The last quarter was a strong team performance and West Perth couldn't withstand the East Perth. The Royals kicked four goals to one for the quarter showing how good they can be when they play their best football. The siren sounded and East Perth claimed the Polly Farmer Shield (10.7 – 67 to 6.13 – 49).  

Mitch Crowden was among the best players on the day once again (36 disposals, 24 kicks, 12 marks, five tackles). He found plenty of ball through the midfield and was able to bring his teammates into the game. Christian Ameduri (18 disposals, nine marks, nine tackles, two goals) played an important role up forward for his team, leading by example with his pressure game at its best. Harrison Macreadie (16 disposals, 11 kicks, 5 marks) was also crucial in the win as he led a solid Royals’ defence. 

The win keeps East Perth in second spot on the ladder with three games to go in the season. With such a tight season, every result is important as teams vie for the best possible finals chances. The Royals’ next game is away at Mineral Resources Park against West Coast on Saturday, August 10th at 11.10 am. Come and support the black and blue as they look to finish in strong form heading into the finals.