Sharks fall short against Perth

The Sharks, despite coming out with greater urgency and desire, couldn’t get over the line on Saturday, recording a 13-point loss to Perth at Lathlain Park. 

From the first bounce the boys showed they were ready to put the last two rounds behind them, and within the opening minutes, recruit Jesse Mirco booted his first League goal; the result of some bold ball movement that had been lacking early in the season.  Perth were quick to respond, with a costly free in front of goal allowing them to kick their first.  The two sides battled for the lead in the first term and despite Brett Peake and Cam Symonds registering goals, the Sharks trailed by 7 at the quarter time break.

One hundredth gamer Brock O’Brien managed a goal in his returning game, with Ryan Lester-Smith and Symonds adding to the scoreboard. Matthew Watson was strong in the second half, finishing with 3 goals while Peake and Symonds managed 2 apiece. Andrew Stephens, Jonathon Marsh and Jesse Adamini also got on the scoreboard.

Debutant Corey Holmes kicked his first league goal and collected 12 disposals, while Joel Kalajzic had 21 possessions in first senior game for the Blue and Whites.

Jonathon Marsh continued his good form with 33 disposals (21 of those contested) and 11 clearances, while Liam Anthony was strong with 29, before leaving the field in the third quarter. Jayden Schofield and Ryan Lester-Smith used the ball well and were solid throughout the game, as well as Sam Read who kept Brennan Stack to just one goal.

Despite the loss, Rob Wiley and the coaching staff were encouraged with that bolder ball movement and work at stoppages, with more inside 50s and possessions than the past two games.

Focus turns quickly to this Saturday with East Fremantle taking on the undefeated Swan Districts at home this weekend for the MND (Kerry Coates/Joyce Allen) Cup, in recognition of those whose lives are effected with Motor Neurone Disease.

The Development League struggled against a young Perth side, going down by 45 points.  Inaccuracy in front of goal was costly in the first term, with the Sharks taking only a 5-point lead into the break.

The second quarter was dominated by the Demons and once they took that ascendancy, the Sharks struggled.  Zac McCarrey was strong up forward kicking 3 goals, Jye Clements and Alex Howson finished with 2 while Peter Delaney, Dion Anthony and Alex Moreno kicked one apiece.

The morning started with a far better result from our Colts, who were particularly impressive after half time for their 55-point win.

Captain Tom Eastaugh was a standout, finishing with 31 possessions while the form of Jayden Quill and Gab Parfitt was of high quality.

The Colts like our League side, turn their attention to an undefeated Swan Districts who currently occupy the top spot on the ladder.