Royals Wrap Up Round 18

The Royals have kept up their finals form in their fifth-straight win against the Claremont Tigers at the Showground in Round 18.

East Perth could not afford to be complacent coming into Saturday’s game, despite Claremont sitting outside the top five. With August finals still not a definite reward, the Royals would have to shake-off the idea they were clear favorites coming into the match.

Rain graced the Showgrounds for the first quarter. The Royals kicked two goals by the end of the first term but it was clear the Royals were putting on an all-round team effort. Mitchell Fraser, Mitch Brown and Tom Lamb were effective in the backline keeping Claremont goaless, whilst Paul Johnson dominated the ruck and Paddy Brophy ran hard around the ground.

Claremont booted the first of the second quarter but East Perth responded well. They dominated possession 57% to 43% and managed to put on three consecutive goals that gave them a valuable lead flagging the end of the first half. Simon Tunbridge showed good promise as well, getting his hand on the footy and finding space inside 50.

The third quarter was played much in Claremont’s forward half, with four scoring shots that resulted into two goals for the Tigers. But East Perth finally scored their seventh major halfway through the third, giving them some breathing space. Patrick McGinnity also kicked into high gear, living up to his reputation as one of East Perth’s most dangerous ball carriers as he racked up possession after possession. 

Claremont won the last quarter booting three goals to two but East Perth still held on to take out the game by eight points, courtesy to Brandt Colledge who showed class and poise kicking two much needed goals in the final term to seal if for East Perth. Paul Johnson finished the game with 41 of East Perth’s 48 hit outs, and hard-working midfielders McGinnity, Brophy and Nathan Blee contributed to the Royals disposal count of 417, to the Tigers 315. 

The final score was East Perth 9.6 60 to Claremont 7.10 52.

East Perth have a bye this week but will take on Peel Thunder at Medibank Stadium on the 6th of August.