Encouraging Signs for Sharks Despite Loss

Despite another improved performance and best efforts last Saturday in playing for the MND Cup, the Sharks didn’t quite do enough to get over the line, going down by 32 points to Swan Districts.

The boys showed they were there to put the previous losses behind them, with a competitive attitude that kept the unbeaten Swans within reach for much for the game.

Brock O’Brien landed the Shark’s first major and a late goal from debutant Tyler Sorrell kept the Sharks within one point going into the quarter time break.

The Swans came out firing in the second, kicking four consecutive goals to blow the lead out to 25 points but our boys worked hard to stop the run, showing real character and grit. Goals from Cam Eardley, Jonathon Marsh and another from O’Brien kept the Sharks in the game, trailing by 10 at half time.

The momentum shown in the second continued after the break and an excellent goal from the returning George Hampson, closed the margin to four points. Unfortunately, the Sharks weren’t able to make the most of the stiffening breeze, until Matthew Watson came through with his first. East Fremantle’s defensive pressure was strong throughout the third, holding the Swans to only one goal, trailing by a mere point into the final break. However the Sharks may have rued inaccuracy in front of goal, kicking 2.6 for the quarter.

With the breeze in favour of the Swans in the final quarter the challenge was always going to be a tough for the Sharks to kick enough goals to win. The boys held on and threatened for most of the quarter until Swan Districts finally broke our backs kicking the last few goals in the final few minutes to record a winning margin not indicative of the contest.  

Eardley had his best outing of the season thus far, finishing with 32 disposals, 12 tackles and 2 goals, willing himself to every contest to try and get the boys over the line. 

Jayden Schofield continued to play a crucial role in defence with 32 possessions and 13 marks, while Ryan Lester-Smith (25 disposals) also provided a great drive from the backline. 

Jonathon Marsh worked his way into the game nicely, racking up 30 touches, 7 marks and a goal. Marsh was reported for a jumper punch to the chest in the last quarter but has received a reprimand.  

Tom Marshall is looking more at home in the league side every week, working hard all day to finish with 20 disposals and 14 tackles. 

George Hampson played his first game of the season and spent the day forward for 20 disposals and a goal.

The Sharks now turn their attention to cross town rivals, South Fremantle, ahead of the ANZAC Derby next Tuesday.

After a slow start, the Development League fought their way back in to their contest for a nail biting 8-point win.

The boys struggled to get on the board in the first half, while the Swans made the most of every opportunity. East Fremantle came out a different side after the long break, kicking four goals while holding the opposition to just 2 points.

The scoreboard looked dangerous in the final term, but the boys managed to hold on for a great win.

Captain Tom Bennett was impressive, collected 26 disposals, 5 marks and 5 tackles.

Jake Schleicher continued his good form, finishing with 32 possessions while Dion Anthony worked hard for 20 touches and three goals.

The Colts game was billed to be a super contest with the undefeated Swans team taking on our boys, who had just come off an impressive victory and who are playing very pleasing football.  The young Sharks came out firing in the first quarter piling on 6.4 from 16 inside 50’s and restricting Swan Districts to 1.1. 

The second quarter was a real arm wrestle, with both sides unable to impact on the scoreboard.  The Sharks defence has been a strength all year and that showed again restricting Swans, with the aid of a slight breeze to just the 1 goal again to hold a comfortable 25-point lead at the major change.

In a repeat of the first quarter the Sharks made the most of their opportunities going forward, piling on another 6.5 (from 15 inside 50’s), whilst restricting Swans to the solitary point.  With the midfield on top at stoppages, the forwards looking dangerous and the defence miserly the Sharks went in to the final quarter with a 65-point lead.

While the boys were outscored in the final quarter they never let up or stopped trying and eventually ran out 53 point winners to move up to second spot on the WAFL colts ladder.

Jayden Quill continued his slid early season form collecting 27 possessions (14 contested), 7 clearances and 6 tackles, while Baskerville (23), Parfitt (22) and Chris Scott (20 quality possessions off half back) were the major ball winners.  Dwayne Nevill and Josh Ritchie were dangerous up forward, both kicking 3 goals, while the entire back 6 or 7 were resolute.

The  boys head in to this week’s match full of confidence, but as we know with derbies will not be able to take the foot off the pedal for one moment.