Rd 8 League - The Left Bank Wrap Up with Taylor Cowper

At the end of the round East Fremantle sit atop the WAFL League ladder and hold on to the inaugural Jayde Kinane Memorial Cup after winning a two-point epic at the WACA Ground against West Perth-13.12 (90) to 12.16 (88).

Despite both teams played in the derbies 5 days prior, both teams threw everything at each other in order to take home the 4 points. With the Sharks trailing at 3/4 time,  they showed heart and spirit to hold onto the lead against the desperate Falcons late in the game.

There were nine lead changes in the game with five coming in the third quarter alone as the Falcons roared back into the game after trailing by 15 points at half time.

Cody Leggett was outstanding for the Sharks booting five goals in the victory and Captain Matthew Jupp was equally impressive down back.

Jupp kept the one of the league’s best forwards in Keitel goalless in the game contributing to his 20-possession, 10-mark performance as the Sharks announced themselves as true challengers in the competition.

Victorian recruits Jackson McDonald and Matt Williamson were also among the standouts, while youngster Milan Murdock’s career-best season continued.

Half-back Cameron Eardley had the most touches on the ground for the Sharks adding 32 possessions for the boys in blue and white.

Sharks Captain Matthew Jupp said he was happy to beat the top side in West Perth. “It was a very emotional game. Today the way we honoured Jayde was the most important part of the day and then to knock off the best team in the competition is the icing on the cake”.

“We played poorly at times especially when we had the chance to close the game out”, said Jupp. “It is really good to be on the other side of close games. We are in a good position where we can learn with a smile whilst we are winning”.

The Sharks take on Claremont next week at the WACA and Jupp said he welcomes the challenge of playing another top side. “It doesn’t come any easier. We roll into playing Claremont next week and we welcome the challenge”.

EAST FREMANTLE 4.5, 8.7, 10.10, 13.12 (90) def

WEST PERTH 2.3, 6.4, 10.12, 12.16 (88)

Goals – EAST FREMANTLE: C Leggett 5 F Gorringe R Lester-Smith R McGuire A Montauban L English B Boekhorst M Murdock J McDonald

Best – EAST FREMANTLE: C Leggett J McDonald M Jupp M Murdock M Williamson T Bennett. 

Images: Phil Elliott