East Perth co-captain Christian Ameduri says his side will draw on experience from last year’s heartbreak to spur them on in this weekend’s WAFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium.
The Royals have a shot at redemption after qualifying for the decider in last weekend’s preliminary final after toppling the Tigers in a nailbiting five-point win in torrid conditions at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.
It was just less than 12 months ago, East Perth fell to minor premiers Peel Thunder by 33 points in a hotly contested grand final, also held at Optus Stadium.
Ameduri says last year’s experience has left them better prepared, as they will know what to expect.
“Everyone said to me that you’ve got to lose one to win one, as much as it would have been nice to win last year, we’ve got that experience now,” he said.
“We’ve had to do it a little harder this year, playing some really hard, close, contested games over the course of the finals. Hopefully, that helps us a little bit.
“We probably went in last year with this unknown feeling. We didn’t know what to expect. Now we know what to expect. That will definitely help, and we can help out the younger guys that haven’t had that experience yet.”
One player East Perth will want out on the field on Sunday afternoon is Sam van Diemen, who is set to be available after being a late withdrawal in the preliminary final, citing hamstring soreness.
In last year’s decider, forward Sam van Diemen booted three of East Perth’s eight goals and was the top goal scorer for the match, with East Perth hoping to see a repeat of last year’s performance.
Ameduri says missing last weekend’s preliminary final was a difficult call for van Diemen to make, but it was also the right one.
“I know how tough it would have been for him and how devastated he was that he wasn’t able to play and play his part in a preliminary final,” said Ameduri.
“The risk was, if he played on the weekend, we win, and he doesn’t get up for the grand final, then what would you prefer? He’s given himself every opportunity to play this week.
“Hopefully, he’s right to go. It speaks volumes of the team-first culture that we have at East Perth, and I was super proud of him to put his hand up to make that decision.
“In the end, it was the right call. We’re very happy. He’s a great player and teammate for our club.”
Should East Perth get the job done, it will be their first premiership since 2002, and it’s seventeenth flag in club history, but defeating South Fremantle will be no easy task.
Their premiership rivals have an almost unblemished record this season, with only one slight stumble against West Coast back in Round 5. The Bulldogs have also had more recent flag success – winning the premiership back in the COVID-19-interrupted 2020 season.
Ameduri says his side will need to put their best foot forward.
“South Fremantle have been the benchmark all year and a really strong, well-coached team. It’s gonna take our best from both sides, but I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
“It’s a great challenge and hopefully it’s two wins for us back at the East Perth rooms after the game, but it is what it is.”
IMAGE: WA Football / Salt Diaries