WEST COAST 6.9 (45) def by. CLAREMONT 13.18 (96)
Claremont flexed its muscles against West Coast to secure a comprehensive 51-point win at Mineral Resources Park.
The ball flowed into Claremont’s 50-metre arc with ease, finishing with double the scoring shots West Coast had and keeping them goalless in two quarters.
But despite having 31-15 in scoring shots, wayward goal kicking cost Claremont a larger winning margin, booting 13.18.
Son of an Eagles gun, Alec Waterman the most damaging, booting four goals, with Kieran Gowdie contributing three goals of his own to the final score.
As usual, Bailey Roger showed his class, recording 27 disposals and seven marks, while Benjamin Elliot did well to finish on 27 disposals and five inside. Claremont’s midfield was also provided with silver service from Oliver Eastland, who has 37 hit-outs.
Young Eagle Tom Gross (28 disposals, six inside 50s) battled hard all day, as did Rhett Bazzo, who had a career-high 30 disposals and 10 tackles.
Forward Joshua Burke also kicked a career-best three goals.
SOUTH FREMANTLE 10.9 (69) def. PERTH 7.5 (47)
South Fremantle continues to build its case as flag favourites after putting away Perth to the tune of 22 points at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.
The Demons took the challenge to South Fremantle early on, but the Bulldogs lifted to another level that just couldn’t be matched.
Despite inside 50s being 38-39, Perth didn’t capitalise on their opportunities as they came, finishing with seven fewer scoring opportunities than their opponent.
It was also a rough day on the injury front with star Bulldog Matt Parker (Ribs) and Demons’ forward Lochlan Paton (Hamstring) going down during the game
Tom Blechyden (27 disposals, 8 tackles) and Brandon Donaldson played starring roles in the 10.9 (69) to 7.5 (47) win, with the latter booting four goals.
Hamish Free also played an important role in the ruck with 43 hit outs to his name, while Aaron Drage (23 disposals, 6 marks) and Jake Florenca (24 disposals, 7 inside 50s) won plenty of the ball.
Perth dynamic duo Charlie Constable (34 disposals, 8 tackles) and Brandon Parfitt (31 disposals, nine tackles, one goal) continue to show their class.
Matthew Taylor (27 disposals, 6 marks) and Blake Schlensog (28 hit-outs, 19 disposals) also played well.
SUBIACO 16.7 (103) def. EAST FREMANTLE 16.6 (102)
Subiaco continues to meddle with the top sides’ finals hopes after stunning East Fremantle in a one-point win at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.
Both sides threw everything into the final quarter, but it was Subiaco who remained composed despite being without captain Greg Clark, who was benched at half time with a shoulder concern.
East Fremantle came so close, but their final shot on goal, courtesy of Milan Murdock, was thwarted by a Subiaco defender’s finger.
Liam Hickmott (22 disposals, 7 tackles) and Stefan Giro (23 disposals, 1 goal) gave inspired performances through the middle, especially in Clark’s absence.
Meanwhile, Richard Bartlett bounced back from a quiet game last week to finish with three goals, along with Jack Mayo, who also provided support in the ruck.
Despite his last-ditch shot on goal falling short, Milan Murdock gave a captivating performance, finishing on 31 disposals and eight tackles. Cameron Eardley played well, with 23 disposals, seven marks and a goal.
Jed Hagan, Reuben McGuire and Mitchell Zadow also impressed in the forward half, kicking three goals each.
SWAN DISTRICTS 7.4 (46) def by. EAST PERTH 13.8 (86)
East Perth shattered Swan Districts’ hopes of having a fairytale ending for a club great, knocking them off by 40 points at Steel Blue Oval.
It was an emotional day for Swan Districts as they farewelled club games record holder Tony Notte, who decided to hang up the boots after 323 games last week.
The 35-year-old literally sent himself off on a high, sneaking forward to take a hanger before slotting the final goal of his career.
Although it was an arm wrestle, East Perth managed to get on top, with Angus Scott (31 disposals, 6 marks) and Tom North (27 disposals 7 inside 50s) both playing impressive games.
Ruck Scott Jones assisted his midfield well, with 46 hit outs and 21 touches, while Tom Medhat and Zach Raykos both kicked a noteworthy three goals.
Captain Jesse Turner fought hard all day for his outgoing teammate, notching up a match-high 35 disposals,15 marks and kicking a goal of his own.
Both Jye Chalcraft (31 disposals, 10 marks) and Joshua Cipro (29 disposals, one goal) also played well and provided Turner with solid support in the engine room.
WEST PERTH 11.12 (78) def. PEEL THUNDER 10.9 (69)
West Perth has put an adversity-filled week behind them to secure a 9-point win against reigning premiers Peel Thunder at HIF Health Insurance Oval.
The Falcons made headlines this week after coach Jason Salecic parted ways with the club after just 28 games, with coaching staff and premiership captain Dean Munns choosing to walk following the decision.
With caretaker coach Paul Sanzone at the helm, West Perth held on tight to get their first win under a restructured coaching panel.
Fill-in captain Tyler Keitel thrived in the middle, racking up 25 disposals, 13 marks and two goals, while Jack Demarte put up three goals.
Down in defence, both Zac Guadagnin and Ben Johnson were reliable, each finishing on 23 disposals and a combined 19 marks.
Peel lost another key cog, with ruck Liam Reidy joining Will Brodie on the sidelines after being pulled from the game with sore ribs.
Quinton Narkle (20 disposals, two goals) was clearly Peel’s best, with Charlie Nicholls also up there after kicking three goals.
IMAGE: Bartucciotto Photography