WEST PERTH 9.10 (60) def by. CLAREMONT 10.9 (69)
Claremont’s season has stayed on track after putting away West Perth by nine points under the Friday night lights of Joondalup Arena.
It was a tight tussle between the two sides, with the Falcons only trailing by two points at halftime. That battle continued, the Tigers kicking four goals to one in the third quarter, but the scoreboard pressure didn’t faze the home side, who got within a goal in the final term.
Bailey Rogers delivered a timeless performance, amassing 28 disposals and a goal in the win, while Jye Bolton (24 disposals, five inside 50s) was also solid through the middle.
Up forward, Kieran Gowdie stepped up in the absence of the injured Jaiden Hunter and kicked three goals. Down the other end, reigning Bernie Naylor medallist continued his defence, bagging four goals of his own.
Falcon Joseph Hinder had a career-best performance in the absence of captain Luke Meadows, finishing on 28 touches, eight marks and two goals. Kane Bevan (26 tackles, six tackles) and Corey Rundle (21 disposals, six tackles) also featured for the losing side.
SOUTH FREMANTLE 19.10 (66) def by. WEST COAST 12.10 (82)
The previously winless West Coast Eagles produced the shock of the round, handing heavy premiership favourites South Fremantle their first loss of 2025.
The Eagles burst out of the gates, holding the Bulldogs to 1.5 to 7.5 at halftime, and putting them on the front foot to break a nine-game losing streak.
Midfielder Clay Hall continues to plead his case for an AFL recall, finishing with 32 disposals and nine tackles, as did Sandy Brock, limiting Trey Ruscoe to two goals. Tyrell Dewar also responded well to his AFL omission, finishing on 26 disposals and seven marks.
Matt Parker starred for the Bulldogs, with 28 disposals, seven tackles and a goal, while former Eagle Isaiah Winder (26 disposals, eight tackles, one goal) also provided strong support.
Jake Florenca (22 disposals, four tackles) and Tom Blechynden (25 disposals, six inside 50s) also gave strong performances.
EAST PERTH 13.8 (86) def by. PEEL THUNDER 7.6 (48)
East Perth’s premiership redemption arc continued on Saturday, beating last year’s Grand Final rivals and eventual premiers, Peel Thunder, by 38 points.
The Grand Final rematch was an arm wrestle until the main break, where the Royals put the burners on and blazed away to victory, kicking 8.5 to 4.2.
East Perth’s midfield unit was formidable, with Angus Scott leading the charge on 39 disposals, 11 inside 50s and four marks.
Captain Hamish Brayshaw (32 disposals, eight tackles, one goal), also played well, while Tom North (28 disposals, four tackles) backed up last week’s outstanding display.
Peel’s usual suspects, including AFL-listed Neil Erasmus (16 disposals, four inside 50s) and Will Brodie (20 disposals, five tackles), fell away despite promising starts. But the latter was among Peel’s best, along with Michael Sellwood (20 disposals, eight marks) and Liam Reidy (30 hit outs, three inside 50s).
PERTH 10.10 (70) def. SUBIACO 7.12 (54)
Mineral Resources Park has become a fortress for Perth, handing Subiaco a 16-point defeat and extending their winning streak to four matches.
A late-out to star recruit Brandon Parfitt (Hamstring awareness) didn’t deter the Demons, who swiftly covered his absence and quickly got on top of the Lions.
Without his partner in crime, Charlie Constable finished on 36 disposals and eight tackles while Michael Randall (29 disposals, 10 inside 50s) and Noah Cachard (27 disposals, two goals) also racked up plenty of the ball.
Former Eagle Greg Clark was a highlight, finishing on 32 disposals, seven inside 50s and one goal, while Ryan Borchet kicked three goals for the Lions.
Defender Henry Berenger prevented Perth’s Aaron Clarke from repeating last weekend’s seven-goal haul, restricting him to two goals.
SWAN DISTRICTS 8.9 (57) def by. EAST FREMANTLE 9.8 (102)
Swan Districts are officially the only winless team in the WAFL, as East Fremantle breezed through to a 45-point win at Bassendean Oval.
It was a grim start for the Swans, who were scoreless come quarter time, but they reeled it back and gave themselves a chance, only two points down at half time. But the Sharks promptly ended any hopes of an upset, booting eleven goals to the Swans’ four in the second half.
Milan Murdock (31 disposals, six tackles, one goal) was simply unstoppable, tearing the Swans apart along with Harry Marsh (22 disposals, three goals) and Cody Leggett (four goals, 13 disposals, five tackles).
Leigh Kohlmann was a bright spot for the Swans, kicking five goals – the most of the round. However, the star forward is facing time on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring in the final quarter.
Skipper Jesse Turner (32 disposals, one goal), Nathan Blakely (13 hit outs, 26 disposals, one goal) and Aidan Clarke (28 disposals, four marks) also gave handy performances in the 45-point defeat.
IMAGE: Claremont FC