PERTH 12.8 (80) def. PEEL THUNDER 5.10 (40)
Perth has continued to knock on finals’ doors, defeating the reigning premiers, Peel Thunder, by 40 points at Mineral Resources Park.
Mineral Resources Park is truly becoming an impenetrable fortress for the Demons, as they claimed their fourth win of the season in dreadful conditions.
Perth’s Brandon Parfitt (30 disposals, six tackles) and Peel’s Michael Sellwood (24 disposals, six tackles) were among their sides’ best and continued pleading their case for an AFL call-up in this week’s mid-season draft.
Charlie Constable also gathered plenty of the ball in a 36-disposal performance, with further midfield support from Michael Randall (28 disposals, five inside 50s).
Peel Thunder’s defence nullified forward Aaron Clarke’s impact, rendering him scoreless, but Perth found a way around it, with Blake Schlensog and Lochlon Paton booting four goals each.
For the Thunder, who boasted 12 Fremantle-listed players, Will Brodie stood out with 20 disposals and two goals, while James Aish had 28 disposals and eight marks.
SWAN DISTRICTS 4.10 (34) def by. CLAREMONT 11.10 (76)
Claremont has outmuscled an injury-ruined Swan Districts side to come away with a 42-point win at Steel Blue Oval.
The Tigers did themselves plenty of favours in the middle two terms to put them on the path to victory, kicking six unanswered goals.
Reigning Sandover Medallist Callan England’s return significantly lifted his side, putting up 21 disposals and four marks. Fellow Sandover Medallists Jye Bolton (32 disposals, one goal) and Bailey Rogers (30 disposals, seven inside 50s) were also key in getting the Tigers over the line.
Meanwhile, AFL midseason draft hopeful Oliver Eastland did not harm his chances, kicking three goals along with 14 touches and 47 hit-outs.
In a midfield lacking key players like Zane Trew and Jarvis Pina, Jye Chalcraft had little support, but powered through for 28 disposals and seven tackles.
Ayden Cartwright (23 disposals, eight marks) and Jehb O’Donohue (20 disposals and six tackles) were also solid.
SOUTH FREMANTLE 13.20 (122) def. SUBIACO 2.7 (19)
South Fremantle have comprehensively thumped Subiaco, handing them a 103-point thrashing and their largest defeat since 2012.
Subiaco, who could only score 2.7, were outscored by three Bulldogs, with Brandon Donaldson and Trey Ruscoe scoring four and five goals respectively, while Dylan Main kicked 3.2.
Ruckman Hamish Free had a day out, finishing with 60 hit-outs and allowing the Bulldogs’ midfield first use of the ball in wet conditions.
Jake Florenca (35 disposals, one goal), Matthew Parker (30 disposals, nine tackles), and Tom Blechynden (28 disposals, seven tackles) were outstanding for the Bulldogs, while Isiah Winder and Matthew Ward brought the defensive pressure, laying an impressive 10 tackles each.
For the visitors, Captain Greg Clark (24 disposals, 11 tackles) and Liam Hickmott (26 disposals, 12 tackles) battled hard, but couldn’t prevent the onslaught.
AFL midseason draft hopeful Taj Schofield can hold his head high, with 20 disposals, a goal and six tackles, while late call-up Richard Bartlett was the other goal scorer.
EAST PERTH 9.8 (62) def. by EAST FREMENTLE 12.10 (82)
East Fremantle have fired a warning shot to the competition, downing previous ladder leaders East Perth by 20 points at their home ground.
It was a mouthwatering clash between the two sides, with the Sharks simply cleaner with ball in hand in the second-half wet and wild conditions.
Sharks’ Jack Cleaver had an outstanding day, with 29 touches, seven marks, eight tackles and a goal. Through the middle, Cameron Eardley (24 disposals, nine marks) and Kyle Baskerville (24 disposals, five tackles) were also strong contributors.
For the Sharks, Griffin Vladich booted three goals, while Cody Leggett, Zach Rankin and James Spadanuda had two each. Sebit Kuek was the only multiple-goal scorer for the home side.
Although East Perth ruck Scott Jones (47 hitouts, 17 disposals) dominated the ruck battle, the Royals’ star-studded midfield failed to take advantage of his silver service.
Despite this, Tom North (26 disposals, five marks), Angus Scott (26 disposals, four inside 50s), and Coby Burgiel (18 disposals, one goal) still were among East Perth’s best.
WEST PERTH 17.10 (112) def. WEST COAST 8.7 (55)
West Perth sharpshooter Tyler Keitel has once again played a huge role in defeating the Eagles, who were thumped to the tune of 57 points.
The four-time Bernie Naylor Medallist has been an ongoing problem for the Eagles’ defence, with Saturday’s clash being no exception, where he snagged six goals.
Joseph Hinder also gave a notable performance, with three goals, 14 touches and four tackles.
But down the other end, Jack Williams helped his chances for an AFL recall, especially with All-Australian Jake Waterman set for a stint on the sidelines, kicking four goals of his own.
In the middle, Shane Nelson delivered a spectacular 35-disposal performance, while AFL hopeful Kane Bevan (29 disposals, eight inside 50s) impressed in his final audition before midseason draft night.
For West Coast, Harley Sparks was their strongest, with 27 disposals, five tackles and five inside 50s. AFL-listed players Hamish Davis (23 disposals, two tackles) and Lucca Grego (22 disposals, four inside 50s) were also solid.
IMAGE: WA Football