Preseason Game 1 Wrap

There were encouraging signs for the Sharks, during their first preseason match against East Perth over the weekend, despite going down by 25-points. 

A number of Sharks gained much valuable experience in their first senior hit out against a strong East Perth outfit. 

The Royals made the most of the Sharks early nerves, kicking four goals before Old East settled. Momentum started to build towards the end of the first term, with recruit Nick Kommer coming through with his first major for the Sharks.  A George Hampson goal after the siren put the Sharks 10 points behind heading into the break.

The second term was a display of the type of football East Fremantle will be striving for throughout the season. The boys moved the ball swiftly and their team defence was outstanding, holding East Perth to just two points for the quarter. Alex Howson got the ball rolling, kicking his first goal from a set shot before assisting Liam Anthony boot one of his own on the run. A second goal by Howson put the Sharks 7 points in front for the main break.

Carl Green opened the third term with a nice set shot but the Royals weren’t giving up easily. Harry Creasey added to the scoreboard with a goal on the run, but the Sharks weren’t able to capitalise and a few costly errors, resulting in East Perth goals saw the Sharks head into the final term trailing by 6 points.

East Fremantle came out with intensity that saw Jesse Wynne kick his first major for the Blue and Whites. Carl Green added a goal on the run, however a late quarter fade out and one or two crucial missed opportunities saw the Royals take control of the final 10 minutes, kicking the last few goals to win by 25 points.

Outside of the first 15 and last 10 minutes, players and coaches alike would have been pleased with much of what they saw, but there still remains areas to work on over the next fortnight in preparation for round 1.

Nick Kommer was impressive in his first game, while Jarrad Jansen showed his importance throughout the midfield. Aaron Holmes made a seamless return to the Sharks and Sean Fletcher showed some he will be a player going forward. Carl Green and Alex Howson were strong targets up forward, while Dylan Winton was a stand out in the backline, shutting down AFL listed forwards.

The Royals proved too strong for the Sharks in the Development League, finishing 32 points in front.

Jonathon Marsh was a standout, coming in to the game for the second half, while Jayden Quill was very impressive in his first game at senior level after playing colts in 2017.

The reigning Colts premiers showed they will be a force to be reckoned with again in 2018, winning by 48 points. 

The 16’s carnival kicked off on Friday night against strong competition. A free kick after the siren cost the Sharks the game, with the Royals winning by 6 points.