WAFL Wrap: Is the top five all but set in stone?

The WAFL’s top five is all but set in stone after round thirteen as the gap between the competition’s pacesetters and trailers extends further.

Claremont maintained their one-win buffer at the top of the ladder with a 4-point come-from-behind win over South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

A Chase Bourne major early in the final term extended the Bulldogs’ lead to 16 points but last-quarter goals from Anthony Treacey, Max Minear, Tyron Smallwood, and Bailey Rogers hauled the Tigers over the line.

East Perth extended their winning streak to six games by taking care of Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval, winning by 48 points.

Hamish Brayshaw (34 disposals, three goals), Angus Scott (36 disposals), and Angus Schumacher (32 disposals, seven tackles) led the way as the Royals’ midfield was dominant again, with Jesse Turner (44 disposals) and Aidan Clarke (31 disposals, eight tackles) giving their all for the Black Ducks.

West Perth’s premiership defence hangs by a thread after their disappointing 41-point loss to East Fremantle at Pentanet Stadium.

The big guns fired for the Sharks with Cam Eardley (32 disposals, one goal), Milan Murdock (30 disposals, seven tackles) and Harry Marsh (27 disposals, one goal) all in on the action, while the loss leaves the Falcons three wins adrift of the final place in the top five.

Peel Thunder moved up to third with a 14-point victory over Subiaco at Leederville Oval.

A see-sawing contest saw the Thunder overturn the Lions’ 12-point half-time lead in the third term but goals from Zac Clarke and Ryan Borchet saw them hit the front in the fourth quarter before Ethan Stanley and Bailey Banfield hit the scoreboard to take the ascendency back.

West Coast missed a chance to break their 20-game losing streak but secured their first premiership points of the season in a thrilling draw with Perth at Mineral Resources Park.

The Eagles trailed by 32 points at half-time before defender Zane Sumich (3 goals) was swung forward to inspire a big comeback, but an after-the-siren set shot from Demon Kristian Cary was parried through for a rushed behind to leave the scores level.

RESULTS

Subiaco 6.8 (44) def by Peel Thunder 8.10 (58)

Swan Districts 4.8 (32) def by East Perth 11.14 (80)

West Perth 7.8 (50) def by East Fremantle 12.19 (91)

Perth 15.8 (98) draw with West Coast 15.8 (98)

South Fremantle 8.8 (56) def by Claremont 9.6 (60)

IMAGE: WA FOOTBALL