Round 19 Match Report: East Perth v West Coast Eagles

East Perth vs West Coast Match Report
by Liam Maher

East Perth made their final away trip of the season on the weekend, taking on West Coast at Mineral Resources Park in Lathlain. With three games remaining in the season, every match is important as teams are vying for crucial ladder positions to gain favourable finals draws. This week the Royals were at their best as they outclassed West Coast to secure a 67-point victory, East Perth (17.16 – 118) to West Coast (7.9 – 51). 

East Perth made their intentions clear from the start of the game. The attacking play and ball movement of the Royals in the first quarter was fun to watch. Their ability to run through the middle of the ground and link up with fellow teammates made it difficult for the opposition to defend. The first quarter stats reflect that this game style as East Perth recorded 63 kicks and 27 marks for the quarter. 

The most impressive stat of the quarter was the Royals’ efficiency inside 50. East Perth recorded 10 inside 50s for the quarter and were able to convert eight shots on goal. Tom Medhat was the best of forwards kicking two first quarter majors. West Coast still made sure to challenge the Royals’ defenders, but they worked well as group to limit the scoreboard impact. Kye Willcocks was the most impressive with his defensive efforts, particularly in aerial battles. At quarter time East Perth had built a handy lead to start the game (5.3 – 33 to 2.4 – 16). 

The second quarter was a dominant display by East Perth. West Coast could not defend the Royals’ fast paced ball movement as they worked the ball up the ground with ease. Defensive pressure, hard running, and contested marking was all at an elite level for East Perth this quarter. West Coast simply had no answers. This showed in the score for the quarter, East Perth (4.5 – 29) to West Coast (0.1 – 1) 

While East Perth controlled the quarter, inaccuracy in front of goals stopped them from blowing out the score line. However, the efficiency to convert inside 50s to score was still very high with 22 inside 50s for 17 scoring shots in the first half. The Royals’ ability to control the game was evident in the stats too. East Perth had recorded 48 more kicks than West Coast (119 – 71) and 38 more marks (59 – 21)., demonstrating the clear gap between the performance of both teams in the first half. The Royals were in a strong position, heading into the major break with a 45-point lead (9.8 – 62 to 2.5 – 17).  

East Perth continued to control the game in the third quarter. West Coast effort had improved after halftime, but East Perth were ready for the challenge. The game was harder around the contest as West Coast tried to fight their way back into the contest. The Royals’ elite work rate and pressure had carried over from the first half and they were able to combat the efforts from West Coast. 

In the third term, the Royals put their bodies on the line to either maintain possession or halt a West Coast attack. Jacob Msando had one play through the middle of the ground where he won the mark despite copping extra physical attention. Zac Hill also took a few strong contested marks where the odds were against him. Shayne Hille also showed lots of courage to win a free kick from a high tackle by West Coast ruckman Matt Flynn. All these efforts made a difference on the scoreboard as the Royals were able to open a 59-point going into the final term (13.11 – 89 to 4.6 – 30). 

East Perth looked to finish the game to start the last quarter however West Coast had other plans. The Eagles scored the first two goals of the quarter as they tried to mount some sort of comeback, but it didn’t eventuate, as the Royals responded and took control of the game. The contest around the ball was even but once again East Perth had the advantage in open play. The Royals had another nine scoring shots in final quarter to assure victory, with a final score line (17.16 – 118 to 7.9 – 51).  A true team performance that puts the Royals in a great position to finish the season of in top form heading into the finals. 

Shayne Hille was on the best players on the day (23 disposals, seven marks, two goals). His work rate around the ball and up forward to create chances really underpinned the team’s performance. Jayden Peak (15 disposals, six marks, three goals) partnered well with Hille as a small forward in one of his best performances of the season. Zac Hill (20 disposals, 10 marks, one goal) also had on his best performances for the club. His marking and strength will be much needed in future weeks. Liam Tedesco (27 disposals, nine marks, four tackles) was also impressive, playing midfield in a positional change that is proving successful. 

The win sees East Perth remain second on the ladder with two games left before finals. The next two games against East Fremantle and Peel Thunder are crucial in getting good preparation for what to expect come finals time. East Fremantle is first up this week on Saturday August 17th at Sullivan Logistics Stadium at 2:30pm. These teams have had a couple of close matches in recent times so make sure to get down to watch what promises to be another exciting game.