Royals Wrap Up Round 17

East Perth have made a statement that they are serious final contenders after defeating third place West Perth at home on Saturday.

After losing to their rivals earlier this season in Round 12, the Royals were on a mission to prove themselves against the Falcons this time around. 

It was a low scoring affair in the first quarter with both teams only managing to put on major on the scoreboard. Jonathon Giles booted the Royals first and opening goal, but West Perth couldn’t take advantage of multiple scoring opportunities, only leading by three points by the end of the term.

The Falcons hit the ground running in the second quarter and dominated possession. But for all their efforts West Perth only added on goal and seven behinds to their score. East Perth only trailed by eight points by the end of the first half.

The Royals hit back in the third quarter and put on a five consecutive goals, with a strong offensive effort led by Jonathon Giles and Simon Tunbridge. Eric Mackenzie was impeccable down back, keeping opponent Michael Lourey at bay, whilst racking up 20 possessions by the end of the game for himself. East Perth Midfielder Corey Adamson was also influential, generating some run and ball movement for the Royals through the ground. By the end of the third the Royals led by five goals, which would hold them in good stead going into the final quarter as heavy rain descended onto Medibank Stadium. 

The final quarter was slogged out in the wet and worked in East Perth’s favor, making West Perth’s comeback an impossible task. Despite the Falcons kicking two goals to one in the final term, the Royals already did the damage in the third quarter. Paul Johnson led the ruck work for East Perth and was also effective at half forward with five inside 50’s. Overall the Falcons inaccuracy coupled with East Perth’s crushing effort up forward in the third term, led to the Royals coming out winners by 13 points at the final siren.

Paul Johnson was also awarded the Silcock Family Award post-game for his standout effort in the ruck.

The final score was East Perth 8.7 55 to West Perth 4.18 42.

The Royal remain in the top five and take on Claremont next weekend at Claremont Showgrounds.