Royals continue on winning way

EAST Perth have continued their winning form over Swan Districts with an 18-point, 16.13 (109) to 14.7 (91), win in wet conditions at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.

They overcame a Swans side that led at every change. Swan Districts had the breeze in the final quarter and an Adam Faulkner goal from 55 metres out stretched the margin to nine points, but when the heavens opened early in the fourth, East Perth clicked into gear.

Paul Johnson put the Royals ahead at the nine-minute mark and with goals to Josh Smith and then Dom Sheed, they overran the Swans to start the season unbeaten joining Perth and Subiaco after two rounds.

Led by Adam Faulkner and Blake Boekhurst in the midfield, Swans applied plenty of scoreboard pressure.

Faulkner, Matthew Rogers and Blaine Boekhorst kicked two goals each. While eight players contributed with a goal each.

Faulkner collected 25 possessions, Aaron Elari had 24, Justin Simpson 24, Matt Riggio 21 and Boekhorst 20. 

East Perth were served strongly by a number of players across the field. Josh Smith finished with three majors, as did Fraser McInnes, while Scott Lycett and Paul Johnson controlled the ruck, taking a 54-19 advantage in ground hit-outs over Swan Districts young developing ruckman, Nathan Blakeley, who battled gallantly against them over the afternoon.

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls was influential (17 disposals, 8 marks), he kicked consecutive goals in the third quarter to keep the Royals in touch at the last change. While, Steven Payne had another notable performance with 24 touches and a goal.

Dom Sheed (23 disposals, six inside 50s) and Craig Wulff (17 touches, two inside 50s) added two goals each.

Adam Carter 24 disposals, Sam Butler 24 and Nathan Blee 23 also had plenty of the ball.

East Perth will travel to Fremantle Oval on Friday night to take on South Fremantle Football Club who are looking for their first win of 2014.

Reserves

East Perth sit on the top of the Reserves Ladder after running out, 14.12 (96) to 8.9 (57), winners.

Dean Cadwallader, who returned from injury, collected 25 possessions, five inside 50s and a goal. Jacob Payne (22 disposals, one goal), Matt Gordon, (13 touches, three goals), Dylan Main (16 disposals, four inside 50s, two goals) also contributed well for the Royals.

Julian Locantro had 26 possessions, Mitch Howlett 26 and William Magginness 22 and Agid Gardoud had plenty of the ball and controlled the play.

Colts

East Perth suffered a 48-point, 4.8 (32) to 11.14 (80), loss. Mitchell Walsh, Matthew Marinoni, Alex Di Placido and Tyler Keitel kicked a goal each. While, Shayne Hille 25, Zach Dent 23, Marty Zambotto and Tony Kalimeris had 21 disposals each.