WAFL Match Report: Round Fourteen v Perth

by Liam Maher

It was an important game in the context of the season, and East Perth put on their most dominant performance of the year, running out 80-point winners over Perth (19.10 – 124) to (7.2 – 44). A four-quarter display where the Royals showcased their absolute best and sent a message to the rest of the league that they’re ready to contend again this season.

The game began in lovely conditions, despite the ground being a little hacked up after hosting multiple games earlier in the week. There was plenty of intensity early, with several spotfires breaking out across the quarter. Co-captain Christian Ameduri found himself in the thick of it, flying the flag and setting the tone for his side.

The contrasting game styles were evident early as Perth looked to play a fast, handball-heavy brand, while East Perth favoured a more composed kick-mark approach. The Royals’ strategy proved more effective in the opening term, as they transitioned the ball end to end with precision, leading to a 14–seven inside 50 advantage. East Perth looked sharp early and converted their dominance into a narrow lead, taking an eight-point lead headed into the first break (3.2 – 20) to (2.0 – 12).

East Perth started to make the game their own in the second quarter. They began winning more of the ball at the coalface, and their ball use on the outside was brilliant. Once again, they dominated the inside 50 count 14–seven, but this time they made it count on the scoreboard, generating nine scoring shots while restricting Perth to just two.

The Royals were firing across all lines, with the midfield, defence, and forward unit all clicking into gear. Their structured and disciplined style had well and truly taken control of the contest. Off the back of a strong first half, East Perth took a five-goal advantage into the main break and looked full of confidence heading into the second half (8.6 – 54) to (4.0 – 24).

As the third quarter began, East Perth looked to put the game to bed. The effort and intensity they brought in the first half remained, as the Royals continued to maintain a stronghold on the contest. Once again, East Perth’s footy DNA was on display with sharp intercept marking down back and strong contested grabs inside 50.

While the midfielders were challenged more in this term, they made the most of the clearances they did win, setting up key forward entries and maintaining pressure. Another five goal to two quarter extended East Perth’s dominance and placed them in a commanding position heading into the final break with a 47-point lead (13.6 – 84) to (6.1 – 37).

The result looked in the bag heading into the final term, but East Perth wanted more. The Royals were determined to send a message and put the rest of the league on notice; they’re ready for any challenge that comes their way this season.

East Perth was in full control in the last quarter, running rings around Perth and leaving the opposition with no answers. The stoppage work was elite, the ball movement was crisp, and the team looked united in their purpose. It was a dominant display to finish the game, capping off a statement performance with a massive 80-point victory (19.10 – 124) to (7.2- 44).

An all-around great day out for East Perth sets them up nicely heading into their bye. Tom Medhat had a career-best performance, finishing with 22 disposals, 12 marks, and four goals, including a stunning contender for Goal of the Year. No surprise to see Tom North racking up plenty of the footy once again, collecting 32 disposals, six marks, and two goals in another dominant display. He was well supported in the midfield by Hamish Brayshaw, who finished with 24 disposals, six tackles, and two goals, leading from the front. Scott Jones was a force in the ruck with 17 disposals, seven marks and 39 hitouts, while Jonah Brooks was also among the best with 22 disposals, five marks, and four tackles, continuing his consistent form.

A great performance sees East Perth sitting in 2nd place on the ladder heading into the bye. The Royals are riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive wins and a healthy percentage of 139.55%. With five games remaining in the home and away season, including three away games and three matchups against current top-five sides, it’s a challenging run home. The bye comes at a good time, giving the team a chance to reset and recharge before a massive final push toward finals action.