Sharks Gallant but Miss Opportunity

The Sharks looked on track to record their second consecutive win to start the 2016 McDonalds WAFL season when they led by nine points in time-on of the final quarter. Veteran Brett Peake had just kicked his fifth goal, but two late goals to young Fremantle key position player Alex Pearce saw Peel get over the line by three points.

It will be a game that the Sharks team will see as a missed opportunity, as for much of the day in the difficult conditions, it was the visitors that controlled the game.  With East Fremantle having seven more scoring shots, 11 extra inside-50 entries and 42 more possessions, it was inaccurate kicking in the first quarter and a lack of composure late in the game that cost the Sharks dearly. 

Despite the loss there continue to be encouraging signs for the Sharks, who are still building knowledge and execution of a new game plan under coach Rob Wiley. 

Speaking after the game, Rob commented, "It was obviously a disapointing result but the players tried their hardest and gave their all. There will always be losses, but the key is to learn from it and I think the players will be stronger and better for the experience."

"In the end, there were many reasons why we lost and it gives us a good chance now to work on those areas before we take on West Perth on the 9th."?

The players' effort, commitment and endeavour on field can’t be questioned and with the Development League boys securing a massive win there is much greater depth in the senior ranks.

Brett Peake hit the scoreboard again kicking an impressive five goals in his second game back from retirement, with Josh Simpson chipping in with two.  Cameron Eardley continued his good run of form compiling 29 disposals and 7 clearances for the Sharks, whilst Jesse Crichton and Mitchell Boyle constantly harassed and put pressure on the opposition, racking up 19 tackles between them. 

East Fremantle  9.16.70 defeated by  Peel Thunder  11.7.73

GOALS: 5 B.Peake, 2 J.Simpson, 1 J.Bristow, J.Crichton

BEST: B.Peake, C.Eardley, J.Crichton, M.Boyle

Development League

The Development League overcame a sluggish start to win their first game of the season by a convincing 72 points.  Despite leading by just two points at the main break it was the second half that was most impressive for the Sharks, holding Peel to just the solitary goal, whilst piling on 9 goals themselves.  The Sharks amassed a huge 443 disposals for the game with Julian Locantro leading the way with 43 of his own, along with 14 marks and a goal.  Other major ball winners for East Fremantle were Jake Schleicher with 31, Miles Franklin 27, Jesse Adamini 26 and Jacob Green 25.  Dylan Winton, playing against his former club for the first time, was miserly down back whilst collecting 19 possessions and 5 marks, with fellow defenders Denholm King and Josh Cuneo also gathering plenty of the ball.  Up forward live-wire Lewis Krakouer made the most of his 6 possessions, kicking 4 goals, whilst Matthew Bannister put his hand up for a League berth with 23 possessions and 3 goals, running through both the midfield and forward line.

All in all a very good team performance by the Development League boys.

East Fremantle  16.12.108 defeated Peel Thunder 5.6.36

GOALS: 4 L.Krakouer, 3 M.Bannister, 2 J.Green, 1 F.Perry, J.Adamini, T.Marshall, J.Locantro, T.Hooker, L.Cronan, T.Chalwell

BEST: J.Locantro, J.Adamini, J.Green, J.Schleicher, M.Bannister

Colts

The Colts also responded well to last week’s loss in defeating Peel by 55 points in the first match of the day.  After missing a golden opportunity against the Swans the week before, the boys came out very determined and with far greater physical pressure, forcing Peel into a number of turnovers which our boys were able to capitalise on.

The midfield were strong around the contest all day and with the conditions wet and slippery stoppages were going to hold the key to success.  The Sharks held advantage in that area winning the clearances by a massive 41-24, with Valentine (7), Quill (6) Burton (5) and Parfitt (5)  leading the way.  Skipper Kyle Baskerville returned to form with strong running amassing 23 disposals, whilst Corey Holmes continued his good form also gathering 23.  Burton  topped all possession getters on the ground with 27, whilst laying 8 effective tackles.   

The back line was led by Lachlan Bailey and Jamie Meade who both had the task of nullifying a couple of strong key Peel forwards.  Up forward Drew Blurton was outstanding around the goals making the most of his opportunities, kicking 3.2 but it was his pressure  that was the highlight, laying 5 effective tackles inside the forward 50.  Cameron Zurhaar also continued his early season good form, kicking 2.3 before he had to leave the field with a slight leg injury.

East Fremantle 15.11.101  defeated Peel Thunder 6.10.46

GOALS: 3 D.Blurton, 2 A.Ryan, D.Campbell, C.Zurhaar, 1 L.Strnadica, A.Montauban, G.Parfitt, J.Valentine, C.Holmes, K.Baskerville

BEST: D.Blurton, M.Burton, K.Baskerville, C.Holmes, L.Bailey, C.Zurhaar