The East Perth Colts Premiership hopes have been ended after succumbing to Swan Districts by 65 points at the Arena.
Swans won the toss and elected to kick with a strong breeze and capitalised on their opportunities kicking 6.1 to set up a handy lead at the first break. East Perth had opportunities during the first term and worked with patience against the breeze but managed just 3 points, leaving Swans well in control.
The Royals started to find more football in the 2nd term but every time they surged, Swans could find an answer. The Royals again didnt grasp their opportunities heading in at half time with 2.8 against the Swans 9.3.
The Royals kicked their first goal against the breeze in the third term but again only managed 3 shots at goal to finish the term with 3.10 on the board. Conversely the Swans again relished the use of the breeze kicking 4 goals for the term to set up an insamountable 9 goal lead at the last change.
The Royals swung changes in a last ditch effort to battle their way back into the game but agian their goals were just met with a reply as the Swans started to push forward to open up the margin further.
Jamie Delborrello was the Royals leading forwrd kicking 3 goals for the game and was duely recognised as the Royals best. Freddie Clutterbuck was effective through the middle and at half-forward winning plenty of football and kicking a goal to be named amongst the best also. Jimmy Farrell didnt have the goals against his names he normally does but worked hard all day and was named in the best also along with Daniel Murray and Ryan Maldenis who has had a real purple patch since returning from State duites with the Under 16s. The only other goal scorer for the Royals was James Grierson.
Whilst the result was very dissapointing after an outstanding effort against Claremont just 7 days earlier, the Colts should be pleased with their achievements of 2008.
Moving forward Ryan Maldenis has the game of his life approaching as he runs out with the WA State 16s side on AFL Grand Final Day in front of almost 100,000 as WA takes on Vic Metro in the curtain raiser and closer to home Hamish Shepheard, Jimmy Farrell and Daniel Murray are working hard to keep their peak fitness in preparation for the WA State Screening which AFL Clubs will be eagerly awaiting results from.
