Royals claim victory in clash with Peel

East Perth have started their 2014 season campaign with a 19-point, 12.11 (83) to 9.10 (64), opening round win over Peel at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.

It was an impressive afternoon for the Royals with the club also notching wins in the Reserves and Colts.

East Perth led at every change – the smallest margin just one point at quarter time before their 19-point lead at half time was maintained in the following break and at full time.

Reigning Bernie Naylor Medallist, Josh Smith, had a notable return from pre season surgery kicking three goals, despite a quiet first half. While the rucking combination of Paul Johnson and Scott Lycett, that was damaging in 2013, again dominated – taking a 47 to 38 advantage in ground hit-outs. Wingman Freddie Clutterbuck and Ash Smith also contributed to the scoreboard each gathering 23 disposals and kicking two goals.

The experienced hands of Craig Wulff with 29 possessions led the young brigade. Adam Carter racked up 31 possessions, Brad Sheppard 28, Steven Payne 25, Jacob Brennan 23 and Brant Colledge 23.

Payne, who is nearing his 50th league game for the club (47 games), produced another consistent performance, capitilising with two goals from his 25 possessions.

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Mitch Fraser and Brant Colledge also registered a goal.

Peel's cause wasn’t helped with injuries to first Colin Sylvia and then Max Duffy (shoulder) and Tanner Smith (hamstring), who didn't return to the field for the remainder of the match.

Kristin Thornton and Brendon Jones were prominent for the club. Thornton booted two goals for the Thunder with Jones collecting 27 possessions. Josh Simpson 25, Anthony Morabito 23, Sam Menegola 22, Matt Brown 18 and Garrick Ibbotson 18.

Captain, Craig Wulff, spoke of the win and the new partnership with the West Coast Eagles.

“I suppose it’s a lot better a way to start the year than it was to finish it last year, so it’s good to finally get a win and put last season behind us”, he said.

“It’s not much different (the partnership). We’ve still got the same head coach, the same core of East Perth players and a very similar game plan to what we had last year. Our values don’t change, we’re East Perth and we’re just happy to get the win and happy that those guys bought into our brand of football and I think it went well".

East Perth sit in third position on the WAFL ladder and will face Swan Districts at home on Saturday afternoon.

Reserves

East Perth’s Reserves, 14.11 (95) to 5.8 (38), 57-point victory was bolstered through strong performances from Sam Ims who kicked four goals, along with Matt Gordon (18 disposals) three goals and Malcolm Karpany and Kane Moulton who kicked two majors each. Agid Gardoud was a standout, along with Julian Locantro and Tom Omodei who also impressed.

Colts

The Colts started their 2014 campaign in a promising way with a 7-point, 7.3 (45) to 4.14 (38), win after finishing 7^th last season. Tyler Keitel kicked four goals, while Tom Gorter, Will Young and Jack Gare booted a single each. Marty Zambotto collected 24 disposals and Kaine Buckley had 20.