Finals still on Royals' radar

Vice-captain Jackson Ramsay believes East Perth has what it takes to qualify for finals, ahead of a must-win clash against Swan Districts on Saturday.

The Royals broke a five year drought by securing victory over Subiaco, their Leederville Oval co-tenants in round six. The nine-point – 9.9 (63) to 7.12 (54) – win was the Royals’ first over the Lions since round three, 2015.

It improves East Perth’s record to 2-3, and puts the side in a position to contend for a top four spot with three games remaining in the home and away season.

Ramsay said his team took plenty of confidence from the win, and believes a finals berth is still achievable for the playing group.

“We went in with a plan to keep possession of the football, and we want to start to make that our trademark and show teams that’s how we play,” Ramsay told 91.3 Sport FM on Wednesday.

“As long as we bring that against the Swans this week, finals are definitely an option and that’s what we’re thinking at East Perth.”

Ramsay continued his outstanding form, collecting 29 possessions (15 of those contested), nine clearances, six tackles and four inside 50s against the Lions, and hailed the triumph as one of his finest wins in the East Perth jumper.

“It would have to be up there at the top,” he said.

“Subi have been the team to beat for the last couple of years, it was good to get one over them after losing to them a fair few times.”

In the shortest WAFL season since its inaugural year in 1885, Ramsay said he was pleased with the way the midfield have been able to adapt, bolstered by recruits Nick Robertson and Aidan Lynch and wingmen Rohan Kerr and Angus Scott.

“We’ve just sort of clicked, to be honest,” Ramsay said of the midfield group.

“We’ve got a good balance between Lynchy and Robbo being inside midfielders, myself as a bit of a hybrid and two really classy wingers in Rohan Kerr and Angus Scott who can run all day and use the ball really well.

“It’s about knowing each other’s strengths and the more footy we play together, the better we’ll be.

“It’s definitely been a good midfield to be part of, that’s for sure.”

Veteran defender Nathan Blee was at his vintage best against Subiaco, providing run and carry for the Royals off half back.

“He sort of kick-started our attack," Ramsay said.

"He was setting up really well behind the ball and sling-shotting the ball forward.

“That’s one of the better games I’ve seen him play. He just couldn’t do a thing wrong, really. He was hitting his kicks and his run and carry was fantastic.”

Ramsay, the 2019 FD Book Medallist, is anticipating a tough challenge against Swan Districts on the Royals’ home deck of Leederville Oval.

“We’ve been reading some news articles that they’ve got a couple (of players) out, but that doesn’t change our thoughts towards them,” he said.

“They’re a very good side with Corey Gault leading the charge for them, they’ve got some dangerous players, as do we. It should be a really good battle on Saturday.”

Bouncedown is at 2.35pm. The match will be broadcast on 91.3 Sport FM, with coverage from 2.00pm.