This weekend in the WAFL, it was a total mud fest, with Swan Districts and East Perth forced to get their hands dirty to secure victory. Meanwhile, West Perth had an upset win over Perth, South Fremantle claimed derby bragging rights, and Claremont held off Peel, who welcomed Nat Fyfe into the side.
Here is all the action from Round 17.
SOUTH FREMANTLE 18.7 (115) def. EAST FREMANTLE 11.5 (71)
South Fremantle dismantled their derby rivals, smashing East Fremantle in dreary conditions on Saturday afternoon.
The green of Fremantle Community Bank Oval quickly disappeared under mud patches and puddles, but South Fremantle adapted to the conditions, which saw them to their second derby win this season.
East Fremantle struggled with ball in hand, South Fremantle were clean and composed, showing why they’re provisional minor premiers.
South Fremantle’s Zac Strom brought up his 200th game in style after bagging five goals. But the whole forward line was unstoppable, with Brandon Donaldson kicking four majors, while Trey Ruscoe and Roan O’Hehir had three.
In the ruck, Hamish Free was outstanding with 44 hitouts, while Tom Blechynden (26 disposals, 7 tackles) and Jake Florenca (27 disposals, 5 tackles) amassed plenty of disposals through the middle.
For East Fremantle, Tom Joyce fought his way to 33 disposals and four inside 50s, with Milan Murdock (24 disposals, 7 tackles) and Jarrad Jansen (25 disposals, 9 tackles) for support.
Forward Jed Hagan also helped himself to five goals from 18 disposals and nine tackles, while Harry Marsh contributed well with 22 disposals and 7 tackles.
CLAREMONT 8.6 (54) def. PEEL 1.10 (16)
Claremont has taken down a Nat Fyfe-bolstered Peel Thunder side by 38 points at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers got down and dirty in the mud to keep Peel Thunder, who had 12-AFL-listed players, at bay, holding them to one goal, which came courtesy of Kyelan Sanders in the third quarter.
But the Dockers faithful will be glad to see Nat Fyfe make it through the game unscathed, racking up 27 disposals, six tackles and four marks on return from injury.
Claremont’s Jye Bolton gave an outstanding performance, finishing on 28 disposals, four tackles and a goal, as did Ben Elliott (27 disposals, 6 tackles) and Anthony Davis (23 disposals, 5 marks).
Up forward, Jaiden Hunter had a field day and kicked four goals, while Alec Waterman (19 disposals, 5 tackles) also got involved.
Forgotten Docker Will Brodie was Peel’s top ball winner with 35 disposals, four tackles and two marks. Quinton Narkle was also impressive with 27 disposals, seven tackles and four marks.
Scott Tuia (27 disposals, 5 tackles) and James Aish (25 disposals, 5 inside 50s) also had solid games.
SWAN DISTRICTS 6.7 (43) def. SUBIACO 3.7 (25)
Swan Districts have scraped their way through a torrential downpour to claim an 18-point win against Subiaco at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday.
It was a highly contested, low-scoring affair, with the playing surface rapidly disintegrating as the game went on.
But Swan Districts rose above the challenging conditions to control the game after getting ahead early on, despite the first goal going to Subiaco.
Like Black Ducks to water, Jye Chalcraft (29 disposals, 8 tackles) and Nathan Blakely (23 disposals, 30 hitouts) thrived in the wet and played crucial roles in getting the win.
Jehb O’Donohue (12 disposals, 9 tackles, 2 goals), Max Chipper (23 disposals, 4 inside 50s) and Bryce Watson (21 disposals, 7 marks) also gave notable performances.
But Jack Mayo (26 disposals, 37 hitouts) delivered a clinic in the wet, allowing Greg Clark (28 disposals, 8 tackles) and Stefan Giro (29 disposals, 7 tackles) to also have strong performances.
Meanwhile, Taj Schofield (23 disposals, 5 tackles) and Joshua Robbins (17 disposals, 13 tackles) also played well.
EAST PERTH 20.4 (124) def. WEST COAST 8.7 (55)
East Perth has stormed its way to a comfortable 69-point win over West Coast at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.
The win has widened the gap between them and Perth as the race for finals continues, with a tricky home run looming for the Royals with three rounds to go.
It was a five-goal masterclass from Mitchell Schofield up forward that saw the Royals over the line, while captain Hamish Brayshaw was let off the chain, finishing on 39 disposals and 8 marks.
He and Tom North (31 disposals, 5 tackles) benefited from a solid day out for Scott Jones in the ruck (19 disposals, 39 hitouts). Forward Tyler Lindberg (20 disposals, nine marks) also fought hard all day.
For West Coast, ruckman Matt Flynn showed resilience after his omission from the AFL side, winning 24 disposals and 30 hitouts. Other strong performances from AFL-listed players came from Malakai Champion (20 disposals, 5 marks) and Jayden Hunt (22 disposals, 6 marks).
Up forward, Joshua Burke kicked three goals, while Thomas Edwards-Baldwin (20 disposals, 2 tackles) and Shannon Lucassen (19 disposals, 6 tackles) also played well.
PERTH 9.12 (66) def by. WEST PERTH 12.9 (81)
West Perth’s finals chances have slightly brightened after a 15-point upset win against Perth at on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides wrestled with each other and torrid weather through the first half, with the Falcons sitting on a two-point lead at the main break.
However, it was a defining third quarter for West Perth, who piled on seven goals, leaving Perth without answer and unable to stem the bleeding.
Dual Bernie-Naylor Medallist Tyler Keitel kicked three goals and was among West Perth’s best, with Aaron Black (16 disposals, 2 goals) and Keegan Knott (21 disposals, 2 goals) also delivering solid performances up forward.
Falcons’ Stalwart Shane Nelson had a day out, accumulating 32 disposals and 6 marks, as did Kane Bevan, who finished on 24 disposals, seven marks and a goal.
Charlie Constable was a bright spot for the Falcons, amassing a game-high 35 disposals, six inside 50s and one goal.
Matthew Taylor (30 disposals, 3 inside 50s) and Corey Byrne (29 disposals, 5 inside 50s) also played well.
IMAGE: Peter Keleman / Action Imagery Australia