EAST PERTH 0.1 (1) def by. SOUTH FREMANTLE 8.13 (61)
East Perth had no answers for the bounding Bulldogs, who charged to a massive 60-point victory at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.
The Bulldogs, high on confidence and fresh off a win against premiership contenders Subiaco, held the home side to one behind.
South Fremantle dominated all day and did well to keep the ball from escaping their attacking half, finishing on 40 inside 50s, to East Perth’s nine.
Tahleah Mulder (22 disposals, 2 inside 50s) won heaps of the ball and was a crucial cog in the engine room.
She received sufficient support from Charlotte Vanderberg (26 hit outs, 15 disposals), Hannah Burt (17 disposals, 6 tackles) and Jasmine Bazeley (15 disposals, 11 tackles).
Shannyn Pomersbach, Pippa Sideris and Annalie Polimeno all kicked two goals each.
For East Perth, Emily Boothman (16 disposals, 3 tackles) and Sabella Banks (14 disposals, 10 tackles) can hold their heads up after a disappointing result.
And although she didn’t quite get the goal she hoped for, Stefany Stack (14 disposals, 8 tackles) toiled away to be the Royals’ only scorer, kicking their only behind.
PEEL THUNDER 1.3 (9) def by. SUBIACO 9.8 (62)
Subiaco have gotten back on track after last weekend’s hiccup to put Peel Thunder away by 53 points at Lane Group Stadium.
After last week’s shock loss against South Fremantle, winning this weekend was a must for Subiaco to have any hope of regaining the top spot Claremont currently occupies.
Their experience was on display as they used the ball more effectively in their forward half, creating 17 scoring shots from 32 entries, while keeping Peel scoreless for two quarters.
Subiaco stalwarts Paige Sheppard (30 disposals, 5 tackles, a goal), Lisa Steane (22 disposals, 10 tackles) and Krstel Petrevski (28 disposals, 3 marks) all led the charge and delivered outstanding performances.
Chloe Shearing also kicked a match-high three goals, while Tess Lyons comprehensively won the ruck contest, finishing on 25 hit-outs and 16 disposals.
For Peel, once again, their more experienced players shone through, with Chloe Wrigley leading the match for disposals with 31, while Ebony Dowson was also strong with 29 disposals.
They also regained Ebony Bilcich, who came in and had an instant impact with 24 disposals and five tackles, while Tayla Cooper finished as their sole goal scorer.
CLAREMONT 6.2 (38) def. SWAN DISTRICTS 4.5 (29)
Claremont survived a slight scare from Swan Districts, but their class prevailed to take out a nine-point win at Revo Fitness Stadium.
Swan Districts took the fight to the ladder leaders, and even led at half time, before Claremont put in a mammoth defensive effort to keep their opposition to one goal in the second half.
It was always going to be a tough ask for the Swans, who needed to win this game to maintain third spot on the ladder.
Jayme Harken (17 disposals, 9 tackles) showed why she is a Dhara Kerr medallist and was one of Claremont’s finest, with Matilda Sergeant (14 disposals, 6 tackles) and Mackenzie Webb (13 disposals, 2 inside 50s) also putting in strong performances.
Hannah Seaborn was also exceptional up forward, finishing with three goals.
For Swan Districts, Summer Yarran (20 disposals, 3 inside 50s) and Indiana West (23 disposals, 5 tackles) gave their all in the loss, taking out the two highest disposal winners slot for the Match.
Kayley King also impressed with three goals from 15 disposals and eight tackles.
EAST FREMANTLE 6.4 (40) def. WEST PERTH 4.4 (28)
East Fremantle has made West Perth’s finals aspirations more challenging after a 12-point victory at The Good Grocer Park on Sunday.
The Sharks have peaked at the right time of the season, winning four of their last five games and could be an outside chance to make the finals, with one win separating third and sixth place.
Both sides brought hunger and intensity to the table, but West Perth couldn’t recover after conceding three goals in the second quarter.
Sarah Wielstra was the Sharks’ best, with 20 disposals, five tackles and two goals to show for her effort. Madison Evans was also rock solid down back, finishing on 25 disposals and an outstanding 13 marks.
Amber Kinnane (19 disposals, 6 tackles) and Noa McNaughton (17 disposals, 4 inside 50s) also played solid games. Larissa Versaci also kicked two goals.
Taylor Ferguson was among the Falcons’ best, winning 17 disposals and five tackles in her 50th game, while Madison Dodd also provided support with 22 disposals and five tackles.
They also regained Emily Bennett, put up a strong performance to finish on 17 disposals and 6 marks after missing the last few weeks due to a head knock.
Perth had the bye this week.
IMAGE: Shazza J Photography