WAFL Match Report: Round Thirteen v Peel

by Liam Maher

On the biggest road trip of the season to Mandurah, East Perth showed their grit with a commanding 28-point victory over Peel Thunder, (10.9 – 69) to (6.5 – 41). Facing a side stacked with 12 AFL-listed players, the Royals showcased exceptional discipline, courage, and team cohesion to secure the win and maintain their push towards finals contention.

As the match kicked off under pleasant conditions, it quickly became clear that this would be a tightly contested game. The stoppage battle was evenly matched, with both teams vying for control early on. East Perth had a slow start, taking some time to settle into their game plan.

Peel Thunder capitalised with three quick goals to establish an early lead. However, Zac Raykos, once again positioned up front, halted their momentum with a crucial goal for the Royals. At the break, the margin was just seven points, with Peel Thunder leading (3.2 – 20) to (2.1 – 13).

The second quarter saw a noticeable shift in intensity as East Perth ramped up its pressure around the ball. This heightened effort led to early opportunities, with Tom Medhat opening the scoring just two minutes into the term. Jonah Brooks then added to the Royals’ tally, slotting his first goal of the season with a running shot from outside 50, following a superb tackle by Jordyn Baker.

East Perth’s relentless pressure around the ball was key, enabling them to control the game despite the contest at the stoppages remaining tight (18 to 16 clearances in favour of Peel Thunder). The Royals’ ability to move the ball effectively away from these stoppages ultimately gave them the edge, and they went into the main break with a one-goal lead (5.5 – 35) to (4.5 – 29).

The pace of the game slowed significantly as both teams entered the second half, with changing weather conditions making ball movement more difficult and limiting scoring opportunities. East Perth’s backline was exceptionally disciplined, keeping Peel Thunder to just one goal for the quarter. Key defenders Harrison Macreadie, Ethan Regan, and Corey Watts stood tall, ensuring their team remained in control.

The Royals appeared to break the game open at one stage, with Sebit Kuek scoring the first goal of the quarter after 13 minutes, followed closely by Tom Medhat’s goal to extend the lead to 18 points. Peel Thunder managed to slot one goal late, narrowing the margin to two goals, but East Perth were in a strong position as they headed into the final quarter (7.5 – 47) to (5.5 – 35).

The game remained tightly poised heading into the final term, but East Perth came out determined to seal the victory. Full of energy and drive, the Royals set the tone early, with Sam Van Diemen kicking a contender for goal of the year – a stunning banana from deep in the pocket.

From that moment on, East Perth took control, their backline remaining rock solid and once again conceding just one goal for the quarter. Although some inaccuracy in front of the goal that kept the margin tighter than expected, the Royals powered through in the final stages, running out 28-point winners to finish the game in style.

Another great win for the Royals as they keep building momentum heading into the latter stages of the season. Tom North (33 disposals, three marks, two tackles) once again found a stack of the footy in a strong performance in the midfield. He was well supported with other stars Angus Scott (26 disposals, eight marks, eight tackles), Liam Tedesco (22 disposals, six inside 50s, one goal) and Hamish Brayshaw (23 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s). The work of these guys in a big midfield battle was crucial to securing victory in this game. Also, the efforts of key backmen Harrison Macreadie (15 disposals, nine marks) and Corey Watts (17 disposals, seven marks) went a long way in this game.

Maintain 3rd spot on the ladder, East Perth are well placed to secure a finals berth once again this season. Their next game against 4th-placed Perth is set to be another big challenge for the team. The game is next Saturday, 12th of July, at Sullivan Logistics Stadium with a 2.10 pm bouncedown. Come down and show some support for the Mighty Royals!