Royals rumble as finals footy looms

More than 46,000 WAFL fans tuned into Channel Seven’s round 21 telecast, which East Perth won by a convincing 32-points over an insipid Peel Thunder. The win springs East Perth into third spot behind Subiaco and West Perth, and caps off a solid five game winning streak ahead of this weekend’s bye.

Tom Lamb opened the account for East Perth on Sunday, kicking back-to-back goals within three minutes of each other. It was a dominant start from a fired up Royals side who managed to keep Peel to just four behinds in the first quarter. Co-captains Brendan Lee and Craig Wulff worked seamlessly in attack to help put East Perth ahead by 20 points at quarter time.

The Thunder managed a drought-breaking major in the second quarter after 40 minutes of game time, but Wulffy snuffed any flare of excitement hitting back instantly to retain a double-digit lead for East Perth. Peel failed to capitalise on several opportunities in the first half, but remained in contention courtesy of the Royals inaccuracy in front of goal. The main break saw East Perth hit the sheds with a 17-point lead and a gust of wind in their sail.

In a blistering assault, the Royals launched thirteen shots on goal in the third term to stretch the lead out to 47-points. A weak skillset and a drop in contested ball dominance punished the Thunder who have been a much better side this season. The four competition points and third spot on the ladder looked indisputable for the Royals at the final break.

Peel did well to fight back in the final term outscoring the Royals 4.4 to 2.1, but their late surge proved short-lived as East Perth rolled to an important win. The Royals impressed from the get-go and never looked like surrendering the lead, which they clung to for the entire game. East Perth had winners all over the ground with Brendan Lee, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls and Mitch Fraser impressive on the ball, while Tom Lamb, Craig Wulff and Mitch Howlett led the way with two goals each in an attack that had 10 different goalkickers.

The Royals have been fantastic in recent weeks pulling off some spirited performances to set themselves up nicely for finals footy. The bye has come at a good time for East Perth allowing the squad to rest and recuperate before engaging in a final round showdown against flag favourites, Subiaco.