Royals Review - Rd 20 vs East Fremantle

It was promising, sometimes inspiring and occasionally frustrating but our clash on Saturday vs East Fremantle was always exciting. With plenty still to play for both teams bought finals like intent with the see-sawing contest going down to wire.

The Royals had the better of the first half, however, wayward kicking cost East Perth a bigger half time lead.

The Sharks came out firing in the third quarter kicking seven goals to two. Nick Robertson kicked a goal at the 24-minute mark to bring the Royals within eight points, however two late goals to East Fremantle pushed the lead out to 21 points at the final break.

The brave, young East Perth team showed plenty of fight in the final stanza, kicking six of the first seven goals of the last term to hold a five-point lead, but it was to be short lived with the Sharks kicking a goal a minute later the wrestle back the ascendancy, then adding another in time on. Matt Young kicked his fifth to make it a two-point game, however the Royals just ran out of time.

Young’s career best five goal haul took his season tally to 20 and showed that the Augusta-Margaret River product is quickly becoming a very important player in the Royals setup. Eddie Simpson was also dangerous bagging three goals himself. Nick Merritt provided a constant target however inaccuracy prevented him from getting just reward for his output.

Rohan Kerr and Angus Scott found plenty of the ball again with 30 and 31 touches respectively. Angus Schumacher excited the crowd bursting out of clearances and forming a good understanding with Scott Jones, who dominated the ruck.

Young backs Kye Willcocks and Jacob Msando showed their growth in 2021 showing plenty of composure under pressure. Nick Robertson demonstrated why he was such a highly rated recruit displaying some good signs building towards 2022.

The Reserves a comfortable win over the eighth placed Sharks. Ciaran Allsop, Luke Furlong and Sebit Kuek all kicked three goals, whilst usual back man Will Young’s move forward proved fruitful bagging two goals himself.

Mitch Dobson pushed his claims for a League recall gathering 36 possessions. As too did Shaquille McKenzie. Young ruckman Jedd Edwards put together his best game of the season winning a massive 48 hitouts whilst collecting 23 disposals.

We return to a full fixture this week against Subiaco at Leederville Oval. It is an East Perth home match. It will be the final fixtures for the League and Reserves, whilst the Colts have two games left against the Lions and East Fremantle on the 2^nd of September. The League will be hoping to retain the North Perth Community Bank Cup