This weekend in the WAFL, Claremont and East Perth mounted massive comebacks as finals begin to take shape, Peel claimed bragging rights over West Coast in a Derby weekend, and South Fremantle extended their winning streak.

Here is all the action from Round 16. 

SUBIACO 4.14 (38) def by. SOUTH FREMANTLE 15.9 (99)

South Fremantle has cruised its way to a 61-point smashing against Subiaco during Saturday’s clash at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. 

The weekend’s win sees the Bulldogs hold onto first place, extending their winning streak to nine straight games and keeping them well and truly on top of the ladder. 

South Fremantle pounced early, kicking the first goal within the opening minute and keeping the ball firmly in their possession to kick five straight goals. 

Sandover Medal fancy Matt Parker had a huge say in the final result, kicking four goals from 26 disposals. Brandon Donaldson was also prolific in front of goals, kicking three of his own. 

Jamaine Jones (28 disposals, 8 marks) and Tom Blechyden (26 disposals, 7 marks) were also solid, while Ethan Hughes had sticky mits, taking 15 marks and 24 disposals down back. 

For Subiaco, Stefan Giro was the game’s leading disposal winner, finishing on 35 disposals and 6 tackles, while Taj Schofield also played well, winning 27 disposals and 5 inside 50s. 

Liam Hickmott (24 disposals, 5 tackles) and Wil Hickmott (22 disposals, 7 marks) also played well, while Marlin Corbett (20 disposals, 12 marks) was marking everything at half back

EAST FREMANTLE 10.10 (70) def by. CLAREMONT 11.9 (75)

Claremont have snatched victory away from East Fremantle after staging a late comeback to win by 5 points at The Good Grocer Park. 

East Fremantle looked to have signed and sealed the win, leading by as much as 32 points at three-quarter time, before Claremont clawed their way back, kicking 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7) in the final term. 

As time dwindled on the clock, a goal from Alec Waterman put the Tigers in front, followed by a flurry of desperate defending that saw them to the final siren. 

Jye Bolton gathered plenty of the ball, finishing on 30 disposals and three tackles, and received support from Callan England, who had 29 disposals and a goal. 

Meanwhile, Jaiden Hunter (11 disposals, three goals) and Bailey Rogers (13 disposals, two goals) were strong up forward. Ruck Oliver Eastland (24 disposals, 44 hit outs) was also outstanding.

Midfielder Milan Murdock was outstanding, amassing 29 disposals and seven tackles in the loss, while Cam Eardley (26 disposals, one goal) and Kyle Baskerville (23 disposals, 5 inside 50s) provided plenty of support. 

Jono Marsh looked ready to have a day out, kicking two goals before being benched with a hamstring concern. 

WEST PERTH 11.9 (75) def by. EAST PERTH 15.11 (101)

East Perth bounced back from a slow start to take down West Perth by 26 points at HIF Health Insurance Oval.

The Falcons had the upper hand on the scoreboard at each major break, but a seven-goal final quarter brought the Royals into the lead in time for the final siren. 

East Perth ruck Scott Jones brought up the ton in style, racking up 22 disposals and 55 hitouts during his 100th WAFL match. 

Captain Hamish Brayshaw (36 disposals, 7 marks), Tom North (28 disposals, 5 tackles) and Angus Scott (28 disposals, 5 marks) were key beneficiaries from Jones’ taps. 

Meanwhile, forward trio Coby Burgiel, Ben Middleton and Mitchel Schofield booted three majors apiece. 

For West Perth, Shane Nelson impressed with 28 disposals, five marks and 6 tackles, as did Jack Demarte and Keegan Knott, who each kicked three goals. 

League-second gamers Jacob Farrow (24 disposals, 6 marks) and Sam Swadling (22 disposals, 9 marks) also left a strong impression after delivering solid performances. 

PEEL THUNDER 10.8 (68) def. WEST COAST 8.8 (56)

Peel Thunder kept a lively West Coast side at arm’s reach to claim a 12-point win at Lane Group Stadium on Sunday. 

Peel’s win saw their AFL affiliate side go three-for-three this weekend after winning the Western Derby and AFLW pre-season scrap against West Coast, both taking place on Saturday. 

It was a miserable, wet day, but that didn’t dampen West Coast spirits as they scrapped hard against the reigning premiers, even leading at points throughout the day. 

The experience of Quinton Narkle (42 disposals, 5 inside 50s) and Will Brodie (41 disposals, 6 inside 50s) shone through as they dominated through the middle throughout the day. 

Ruck Liam Reidy was also outstanding with 42 hitouts, 10 tackles and 19 disposals, as was Jeremy Sharp, who had 22 disposals and 6 inside 50s. 

Eagles’ first-year Tom Gross made his case for an AFL return after a solid 24-disposal outing, where he also kicked two goals. Campbell Chesser (20 disposals, 4 inside 50s) and Jacob Newton (17 disposals, one goal) also played well. 

Up forward, Loch Rawlinson kicked two goals, while son-of-a-gun Charlie Banfield also kicked a goal on debut. 

Swan Districts and Perth had the bye.

IMAGE: Phil Hevron