East Perth spoiled Claremont’s centenary celebration over the weekend, with a 39-point thrashing giving the Tigers their first loss of the season.
With two-points the margin at the break, it was a second half shootout for the Royals that saw them chalk up the win over the premiership favourites, kicking 8.9 to 3.2.
Seven inclusions was the story of the week after a narrow loss to Peel before the state game bye – each of those players having impact in what was a fantastic victory, sure to be a highlight of East Perth’s season.
Head Coach Ross McQueen joined Sports Breakfast this morning.
“It’s probably not ideal, making seven changes going from week to week… but we understood the challenge that was in front of us – playing Claremont, who started the season strongly – and yeah, I walked away a very happy man, I must admit,” he said.
“It was very tight and in the third quarter we played really strong. We managed to keep the ball in the front half and get some territory.
“I must admit, we had a number of shots on goal and we were missing and I was thinking we haven’t taken our opportunities here. But we’re a class side and we managed to maintain that and probably in the second half in particular we were really consistent about playing a front half game and putting some scoreboard pressure on.”
Liam Tedesco made his return to WAFL football for the first time since last year’s Grand Final.
His versatility saw him notch up 19 touches, also providing four entries for the Royals.
“I think that’s what Liam brings, his ability to play in a number of positions and you know exactly what you get from Liam. He’s a guy who runs both ways, he’s really strong in the contest and he kicks it well.”
19-year-old Jake Soutar has been making his mark in the Royals’ league side recording 20 disposals and also providing four entries, using his body to put on defensive pressure in the back half with four tackles for the day.
“In the third quarter he had I think 10 intercept possessions which is a huge number in terms of any individual for a game let alone a quarter, so he’s really developing and he knows he’s still going to keep getting better but he had a really strong game on the weekend.”
“I really would love these young guys to get an opportunity [in the AFL]. They work so hard at it and if they don’t get the opportunity, so many of them put their head back down and work hard at the WAFL level.”
Sebit Kuek has had a new lease on life at the Royals, now given the new role of assisting Scott Jones in the ruck.
The 199cm tall alongside Jones struggled to compete with Claremont’s Oliver Eastland on Saturday, but Kuek was still able to make an impact with two goals among his 13 disposals.
Christian Ameduri seemed to cop a knock as he limped through the back half of the game, taking on an offensive role deep in the forward line and slotting two major scores.
“I think it’s just a bit of a knock, Christian doesn’t give too much away. He managed to get through the second half of the game. He moved a bit deeper in the forward line as a result and like I said, found a way to impact and his leadership is terrific.”
East Perth now prepare for their derby against the Falcons, enjoying an extended break as they’re fixtured to clash on Monday over the long weekend.