WAFL Round 4 Wrap

South Fremantle has powered away from reigning premiers Subiaco to remain undefeated in the 2020 WAFL premiership season, defeating the Lions by 50 points at Leederville Oval.

In other round four results, Perth also maintained their unbeaten status with a tense six point win over East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval, four goals from Michael Lourey saw West Perth triumph by 32 points over East Perth at Arena Joondalup and Claremont overcame a plucky Peel Thunder to win by 23 points at Claremont Oval.

All eyes were on the 2019 Grand Final rematch at Leederville, as a wounded Subiaco took on the ladder leaders South Fremantle.

Both teams lost key personnel before the match, former skipper Kyal Horsley ruled out with a groin injury and Bulldogs midfielder Jacob Dragovich also a late scratching with soreness.

The Lions burst out of the blocks with the first three majors, before a Nick Suban goal steadied the visitors before the end of the first term.

The second quarter was a more dour low scoring affair, Todd Curley’s men working their way back in to the contest with two goals to one to only trail by four points at the half.

What followed after the main break was a red and white domination, as the Bulldogs mauled their opponents with a 12 goal to 3 second half to run away with a commanding victory, making a statement around their premiership credentials in the process.

Haiden Schloithe starred with 24 disposals and 2 goals, while skipper Dylan Main kicked 3 majors along with Mason Shaw.

Not one Subiaco player had more than 19 disposals, with reigning Sandover Medallist Lachlan Delahunty leading the way without his usual impact, the Lions now with little wriggle room in the run to finals at 1-2, their worst start to a season since 2013.

Perth ended a losing streak at East Fremantle Oval that extends back to round 7 2009 with a narrow six point triumph over the Sharks.

The sides traded majors in a fantastic opening term, the Demons kicking six goals to four as Marshall Jones, Keiran Delahunty and young gun Logan McDonald made their presence felt in attack.

The home side had their moments too in an absorbing contest, Lachlan Bailey the main danger up forward for the Sharks with two goals in the opening half.

Perth appeared to have the answers for most of the day, keeping a one or two goal buffer for the most part despite the Sharks best efforts.

Holding a two goal lead at the last break, Demons fans had some nervous moments in the final term as Bill Monaghan’s side attacked relentlessly, but only for a return of 2.4 to lose by a one straight kick.

Kieran Delahunty kicked three majors for the winners, while McDonald, Jones and Matt Rogers all kicked two in a crucial result for Perth’s finals hopes.

Jordan Snadden’s outstanding form continued with 20 disposals for the Sharks, Cody Leggett with 18 disposals against his old side. Jarrad Jansen (17 touches) and Milan Murdock (15) both found pnelty of thethe ball but combined for 0.4 in front of goal, telling in a close result.

The Falcons won their third game from four starts as they accounted for rivals East Perth at Arena Joondalup.

West Perth controlled the game from the outset, Michael Lourey’s two goals the only scores for either side in the first stanza as the home side had field position and control of the ball around the ground.

Former Falcon Aidan Lynch opened the Royals’ goal scoring account in the second term, but Lourey was a telling presence in attack for West Perth, too big and strong for opponents Thomas Hooper and Callum Hart as he had four goals by the main break.

The third term was a dour affair, but a brace of late goals for Jayden Magro had East Perth within 16 points at the last change despite the Falcons having the better of general play.

A superb goal from Keegan Knott to start the final quarter put the result almost beyond doubt, Tyler Keitel keeping the ball in and tapping the ball to his small forward in the right forward pocket, the former Tiger snapping superbly from up against the boundary.

Mitchell Peirce put the finishing touches on the result with two final term majors, West Perth with bragging rights in their 32 point win.

Shane Nelson (34 disposals) and Aaron Black (31) combined for 65 touches between them in another prolific midfield effort for the Falcons, Trent Manzone (25) and Connor West (23) also dominant.

Acting East Perth captain Jackson Ramsay was his side’s best player with 29 touches, 14 tackles and a superb third term goal, Angus Schumacher (28) and Angus Scott (26) also finding plenty of the ball through midfield.

Claremont improved it’s record to 3-1 with a scrappy 23 point win over Peel Thunder at Claremont Oval.

Cam Shepherd’s side made the most of their chances in the opening term, kicking three goals straight to the Tigers 2.2.

Hayden Ballantyne had two goals before half time, but Claremont had regained the lead by the break and wouldn’t relinquish it again for the match, despite Peel’s best efforts.

In what was seen as a percentage booster for the Tigers heading in, they would only emerge 23-point winners, kicking 3.4 in the last term.

Sandover Medallists Jye Bolton (34 disposals) and Kane Mitchell (23 disposals, 10 tackles and 2 goals) starred in midfield, with Ryan Lim and Declan Mountford providing great support.

Callan England’s good form continued with two goals and 16 disposals, joining his skipper and Aton Hamp as multiple goalkickers in the match.

Jackson Merrett was his side’s most prolific ball winner with 22 disposals, young midfielder Michael Randall (20) continuing his good form.

The Bulldogs are four wins from as many matches to sit outright top of the table, while West Perth, Claremont and Perth all on 12 points, the Demons having played on less match.

They have a two game gap on East Perth and Subiaco (both 1-2) and East Fremantle, with Swan Districts and Peel Thunder both still without a win.

Round five sees South Fremantle at home to Swan Districts, Perth hosting West Perth, Peel Thunder against Subiaco and East Perth facing Claremont, with East Fremantle having the bye.

For all the fallout from round four, make sure you tune in for WAFL World on Monday night from 5PM on 91.3 Sport FM.

IMAGE: WAFL website.