Weekend Footy Wrap

WAFL 

Despite a very impressive first half, a poor third quarter ultimately cost us, resulting in another close loss for our team v East Perth this week.

Our strong effort and intent was evident in the first quarter, applying enormous pressure to East Perth, resulting in turnover goals for us kicking into a strong breeze.

We capitalised with good, composed ball use and continual pressure to kick six-goals in the second term, with some fluent passages of play. Whilst we had worked hard to earn a healthy half time lead, the players were warned that East Perth would respond if allowed.

After keeping East Perth’s run and carry game under wraps in the first half, we dropped our intensity to allow their overlap game style to kick into gear in the third quarter. We also became a little stagnant in our movement, both with and without the ball, and provided East Perth with opportunities to score. A poor quarter had cut the margin to nine-points.

Early in the last quarter, a brave, team-oriented act by Will Schofield, who had marshalled our backline with strong leadership all day, saw him leave the game with a significant injury. Reece Conca also was injured in the collision. This left us undermanned in the back half, and we struggled to stop East Perth’s momentum. Brayden Lawler [who presented well as a deep forward all game] and Ben Hancock showed good leadership to mark and goal for our side. However, East Perth’s tall players came into the game, taking several contested marks. Despite the lead changing numerous times, we couldn’t get the job done.

We were well served by Connor Blakely, Nathan O’Driscoll and Lloyd Meek through our midfield. Brayden Lawler and Stefan Giro worked well as forwards, and Will Schofield and Tobe Watson gave us strong effort down back.

We look forward to the challenge of a rebounding Subiaco next week. We have shown in recent games that we are a very competitive team, and with a four-quarter performance, a win is not far away.

COLTS 

We were graced with a sunny conditions and morning dew for Peel’s Round 12 match up against second placed East Perth. Coming off a workmanlike effort against fellow top side Claremont a fortnight ago, Peel were fresh with some confidence heading into the clash while the Royals were riding a three-game winning streak.

The match began with Peel dominating the contest with multiple forward forays and confident ball movement. Despite missing out on some opportunities the boys kicked 3.2 (20) and shut out the Royals, keeping them scoreless at quarter time.

Quarter number two would see the Royals awaken from their slumber, slamming on six goals to one in the second, moving into half time with an 18-point lead. The third quarter saw Peel once again lift their work rate and held their own against East Perth with each team kicking 3.1 (19). The last quarter would see the class of the Royals get over a tiring Thunder who had tried in vain to make the contest competitive but ultimately would fall short, signified by going scoreless in the last. The final margin would end up being a percentage killer with Peel losing the contest by 52 points.

Despite the team’s fadeout, there were many shining lights that stepped up to the plate:

1. Scott Tuia – seems to be in the better players every week and this one proved no different with 24-possessions and two-goals. Was on track for 1000 Super Coach points after having 10 and two after the first nine-minutes! Really pleasing to see his leadership skills developing at the same speed as his game. Growing every week and setting the standard for team mates to follow.
2. Brady Hough – the team’s leading possession getter with 27 and three inside 50’s, he found the ball with regularity and again made sound decisions. Building a consistent season and is considered a dangerous player by many opposition teams.
3. Darcy Wills – competitive and hits contests with ferocity, which is what you want to see from your key defenders. Still made some fundamental mistakes but cannot question his attack on the ball. Had 20-possessions and six-marks, many of which came from intercepts. Developing into a viable key position prospect for the side.
4. Kallian Levitt – challenged this week by playing on one of East Perth’s dangerous forwards. Stuck to his task and still had the ability to win some of his own ball showing a balance between offence and defence. A performance to set up the remainder of his season in terms of effort and defensive pressure.
5. Jackson Broadbent – a well-rounded game from the ruckman having 15-possessions and 24-hit outs, breaking even with East Perth’s number one ruckman (28-hit outs). Really shouldered the workload and was active throughout the game with some great ground coverage and all the effort you would want from someone 6’5.

Despite the loss Peel take on Subiaco this Sunday in what should prove to be a competitive matchup since the Thunder took the points the last time these two sides met. With a strong week on the track hopefully a similar result will follow and build on the current 2-7 season.

WAFLW Reserves & Rogers Cup

Prelim final weekend saw the ressies travel to Bassendean and take on Swans for a spot in this years grand final. The girls were outstanding and controlled the game most of the day running out winners 4.7 (31) to 2.3 (15).  Best players were Greta McKinley, Ariana Hetherington, Krystal Carter, Makinley Minchin and Savannah Ahearn. Goal scorers were Bailey Molloy; two, Carter and Cassidy Moyle; one each.  

The Rogers were also at Bassendean in their quest for a grand final birth against South Fremantle. Whilst the girls played their hearts out and had opportunities, South’s ran out winners 3.5 (23) to 2.4 (16) ending an outstanding season by our Rogers girls, the future of the club is very bright. Best players were Billie Jae Thompson, Jorja Haines, Tessa Kongras, Dakota Sexton and Megan Bain. Goal scorers were Leila Fotu and Rikki Lee Morgan with; one each. 

So proud of what we have achieved this season and a great result to have two teams in the Grand Final this Saturday. 

Hope to see you all at the David Grays Arena for the Grand final on Saturday 3 July. 

KEY DETAILS FOR THE WAFLW GRAND FINAL:

Saturday 3 July - David Grays Arena. 

Key Times:
8.30am– Gates Open
10.30am – Rogers Cup Bouncedown (West Perth v South Fremantle)
12.45am – Reserves Bouncedown (East Fremantle v Peel Thunder)
2.00pm- Activations Zones Open
2.00pm – Official WAFLW Grand Final Function
3.15pm – League Bouncedown (Peel Thunder v Swan Districts)
4.00pm – Half Time Competition
4.00pm - Little League
4.55pm – On Field Presentations

Tickets

Adults: $10
Concession and WAFL Members $10
Kids Under 16: Free

All tickets must be purchased at the gates on game day.