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Ameduri sets sights on Sunday

Thursday, October 1, 2020 - 6:47 PM by Katie de Haer

Julian Ameduri knows East Perth will need to produce nothing less than their best as the side prepares to face Claremont on Sunday in what will be the Reserves third grand final appearance in just five seasons.

It’s been 37 long years since the Royals’ last Reserves premiership in 1983. Finishing the 2020 home and away season 7-0, East Perth secured a grand final berth after defeating Subiaco in the second semi-final a fortnight ago.

The Royals will enter the ‘big dance’ with confidence after claiming a four-point victory over the Tigers in round five. 

“We take confidence out of it knowing that we were able to get the job done that day, but also recognise that Claremont are a really good side and obviously pushed us all the way,” Ameduri said.

“That was our closest win of the year. We’re proud of our achievements to date, we haven’t lost a game just yet, but we’re also mindful that, on grand final day, we need to bring our ‘A’ game because anything can happen if you’re not 100% switched on.

“We’ve reflected on that game, their strategy, and the ways we can expose them and how we want to play. It gives us confidence going into this weekend, but it also makes us wary that they are a very good side and on their day, they can beat anyone.”

Ameduri played in the Royals’ grand final defeat at the hands of Claremont in 2016 and watched on from the sidelines during the 2018 loss to Subiaco.

“There are probably half a dozen guys in the side who played in both grand finals (in 2016 and 2018). Having gone through both of those losses, they sting pretty bad,” he said.

“We’re really keen to try and make it third time lucky and get the win this Sunday.”

Arriving as a Colts player from Noranda Junior Football Club in 2011, the 26-year-old will captain the Reserves team alongside Nathan Arbon in Sunday’s Grand Final.

“I’ve played with Nath over the last three or four years and built a really good relationship with him.

“I’m really proud to share that leadership role, but I’m also really proud to be able to lead a group of young men that are playing some really good football at the moment and who are in contention for something special.”

Ameduri said the prospect of winning a premiership alongside his teammates - and younger brother Christian - would be unlike any other experience.

“To win a premiership, first and foremost, would be absolutely unreal. It’s been my goal over the last few years as I’ve been coming through the ranks. Nothing would make me more happy and proud of the group than getting a win.

“To have my brother there playing alongside me, I know it’s going to be a proud day and a big day for the family if we’re able to get up.

“To see his development, playing the majority of his footy this year in the league side, has been fantastic. At the end of the day, if we’re able to be successful and win together, it’s definitely something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

This year's Grand Final will be played at Fremantle Oval and Ameduri is confident that East Perth supporters and members will be in full voice on the day.

“As Jeremy Barnard has said throughout the year, we’ve got the best supporter base in the competition,” Ameduri said. 

“To have as many of the East Perth fans and members as possible packed into Fremantle Oval will be fantastic, it will give us a massive lift.

“We know it’s an early start, but we’d encourage everyone to get down there if they can and support us along the way.

“We have 23 in our side but they (the crowd) will be the 24th man out there on the ground when the going gets tough, possibly late in the fourth quarter, they’re going to be the one that provides us with that lift.

“We’re really excited to be able to represent the football club, we understand that it’s a privilege but we also want to give back to all of the fans for their support - not only this year but over the last few years as well.”