WAFL Round 20 Wrap

THE top four teams all won on Saturday in Round 20 of the WAFL season to remain in the positions they were heading into the finals while Peel Thunder then booked in their spot with a dominant win over Swan Districts on Saturday.

It shaped as a fascinating last round of the 2022 WAFL season across the weekend with all positions in the top five still possible of changing with any of the top four teams able to finish anywhere from first through fourth depending on how the results panned out.

However, as it turned out, West Perth, East Fremantle, Claremont and South Fremantle all won their games against the bottom four sides meaning they all finished in the same order they were in coming into the round.

That left it all up to Sunday to determine who the last team to qualify for the finals would be and it was the Thunder proving too strong for Swans in Mandurah to set up their crack at the finals once again.

The Round 20 action began on Saturday afternoon with East Fremantle shaking off a slow start to defeat East Perth 7.11 (53) to 3.14 (32) at Leederville Oval to secure second position.

Jarrad Jansen kicked two goals for East Fremantle with Josh Schoenfeld racking up 32 touches and Kyle Baskerville 31. Tom Graham kicked two goals for East Perth with Angus Scott collecting 28 disposals.

West Perth then locked away its first minor premiership since 1993 by beating Subiaco 13.11 (89) to 5.12 (42) thanks to a dominant second half at Joondalup's Pentanet Stadium.

Tyler Keitel kicked five goals for West Perth with Aidan Lynch amassing 30 possessions, Aaron Black 28 and Luke Meadows 28. Bernie Naylor Medallist Ben Sokol kicked three goals for Subiaco while Stefan Giro picked up 30 touches.

Claremont then guaranteed a finals double chance and third position by beating the West Coast Eagles 10.8 (68) to 6.9 (45) at Revo Fitness Stadium.

Alex Manuel kicked three goals for the Tigers while Ryan Lim collected 31 touches, Lachlan Martinis 30 and Jye Bolton 30. Patrick Naish racked up 33 possessions for the Eagles and Jackson Nelson 32.

South Fremantle then remained in fourth position as they prepare for a seventh consecutive finals campaign by beating Perth 14.8 (92) to 4.4 (28) at Lathlain's Mineral Resources Park.

Nick Suban and Mason Shaw kicked three goals each for South Fremantle with Haiden Schloithe collecting 31 disposals, Steely Green 31 and Tom Blechynden 30. Corey Byrne finished with 31 possessions for the Demons.

The round then wrapped up on Sunday afternoon at Mandurah's Lane Group Stadium with Peel Thunder and Swan Districts battling over fifth position and the last spot in the finals.

Peel proved too strong going on to win 18.20 (128) to 5.6 (36) to mark their first finals appearance since winning back-to-back premierships in 2016 and 2017, and to end the season of Swans in the process.

Sam Sturt kicked four goals for Peel and Lloyd Meek three while Mitch Crowden amassed 38 possessions, Neil Erasmus 32, Connor Blakely 31 and Ethan Hughes 30. Ryan Kemp kicked two goals for Swans with Jesse Turner collecting 31 touches and Aidan Clarke 28.

The results mean that West Perth (13-1-4) finishes on top of the WAFL ladder with East Fremantle (13-5) second, Claremont (13-5) third, South Fremantle (12-1-5) fourth and Peel Thunder (11-7) fifth.

Outside of a finals position are Swan Districts (10-8), Subiaco (7-11), East Perth (6-12), Perth (3-15) and West Coast (1-17).

The finals get underway this coming weekend starting on Saturday afternoon with East Fremantle hosting Claremont at New Choice Homes Park in the qualifying final. The winner will advance to take on West Perth in a second semi-final while the loser will host a first semi-final.

Then on Sunday it will be South Fremantle hosting Peel Thunder in an elimination final at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. The winner will advance to a first semi-final and the season will be over for the loser.

 

WAFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 20

EAST PERTH 3.14 (32) lost to EAST FREMANTLE 7.11 (53)

East Fremantle shook off a goalless opening quarter to score a comfortable 31-point win against East Perth on Saturday to lock away their return to finals action from second position.

East Fremantle needed to win the game to remain in second position and to be a chance of claiming top spot should West Perth lose at the same time, but East Perth wasn’t about to hand them anything at Leederville Oval.

The Royals kicked the only goal of the first quarter, but managed just two more the rest of the day with the Sharks able to work their way on top to end up winning 7.11 (53) to 3.14 (32).

The result means that East Fremantle will enter its first finals appearance since 2014 from second position after finishing the season with a 13-5 record to set up a home qualifying final match up with Claremont this coming Saturday.

East Perth finishes its season with six straight losses in eighth position with a 6-12 record.

It took more than 15 minutes for the first goal of the game at Leederville Oval and it went the way of East Perth thanks to young gun Tom Graham.

That would prove the only goal of the opening term with the Royals adding three behinds and East Fremantle four with East Perth going into quarter-time leading by five points.

It only took two minutes of the second quarter for the Sharks to breakthrough for their opening goal of the contest thanks to Reuben McGuire, but former Shark Nick Bonomelli responded immediately to keep the Royals on top.

It wouldn’t last, though, with a goal for East Fremantle to Jarrad Jansen soon after levelling scores once again and then the Sharks hit the lead when Tom Bennett kicked truly and that's where they would stay the rest of the afternoon.

The Sharks only led narrowly by five points at half-time but they pushed that out to a nine-point edge early in the second half when Jansen kicked a second goal of the game.

Alex Montauban added another and then just before three quarter-time Tom Monaghan added another and the Sharks had moved out to a 21-point advantage with a quarter to play.

There was just the one goal to either team in the fourth quarter but it was enough for East Fremantle to win 7.11 (53) to 3.14 (32) and lock away second position on the WAFL ladder.

Jarrad Jansen was the only multiple goal scorer East Fremantle kicking two as he continues to thrive as another option in attack for the Sharks. Jonathon Marsh was held goalless by the Royals to miss a chance to make a run at the Bernie Naylor Medal.

Josh Schoenfeld put together a tremendous showing in the midfield for East Fremantle with 32 possessions and five tackles while Kyle Baskerville continued his outstanding form with another 31 touches and Milan Murdock 27 to go with eight tackles.

Jamie Meade also finished with 24 possessions, Ryan Lester-Smith 23, Matthew Jupp 22, Luke English 21, Tom Bennett 19 and Michael Tassone 19.

Tom Graham kicked two goals from 12 touches and five marks for East Perth with Nick Bonomelli their only other goal scorer in the game.

Angus Scott finished another tremendous season for the Royals by collecting 28 possessions while retiring captain Jackson Ramsay signed off on his career with 24 touches.

Angus Schumacher also gathered 24 disposals for East Perth, Jack Cooley 22, Kye Willcocks 21, Hamish Brayshaw 21 and Christian Ameduri 18.

 

WEST PERTH 13.11 (89) defeated SUBIACO 5.12 (42)

West Perth shook off a slow start against Subiaco on Saturday to kick nine goals to two after half-time to win by 47 points and lock away a first minor premiership since 1993.

The Falcons just had to win on Saturday at Joondalup's Pentanet Stadium to remain on top of the ladder and to earn a week off to start the WAFL finals for 2022, but the Lions were playing their last game of the season and last as reigning premiers and weren’t about to make it easy.

West Perth was only clinging to a three-point advantage at half-time but then the Falcons kicked away in the second half with nine goals to one to end up winning 13.11 (89) to 5.12 (42).

The result sees the Falcons finish the season with 13 wins, four losses and a draw to end up in top spot to see them claim a first minor premiership since 1993 despite winning flags in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2013.

Subiaco's season finishes with seven wins and 11 losses to see them end up in seventh position as reigning premiers.

After West Perth missed a couple of shots on goal to start the game, Subiaco kicked the opening goal courtesy of Ben Sokol as he looked to sew up the second Bernie Naylor Medal win of his career.

It took until the 20-minute mark for West Perth to kick a goal and eventually it came courtesy of Sasha Kernutt. Conal Lynch added another just before quarter-time and that saw the Falcons lead by a goal at the first break.

Sokol kicked his second of the day to open up the second quarter to keep the Lions in the contest but then Tyler Keitel got on a roll kicking two goals in just over a minute.

However, Sokol responded with his third to keep Subiaco in touch and then Angus Dewar added another for the Lions just before half-time and that cut the Falcons lead to only the three points at the major break.

West Perth's hold on top spot was up for grabs in the second half with the potential the Falcons could slip as far to as fourth position if they didn’t win, and debutant Corey Rundle kicked the first goal of the second half in the third quarter.

Keegan Knott then added another and when Nathan Alexandre scored just before three quarter-time, West Perth had assumed control to lead by 21 points.

Two quick goals from Keitel to start the fourth term then guaranteed West Perth the victory and the Falcons would end up kicking six goals to one in that last quarter to end up winning 13.11 (89) to 5.12 (42) and lock away a first minor premiership since 1993 and to earn a week off.

Tyler Keitel had a day out in attack for West Perth kicking five goals from 23 possessions and nine marks to give him 35 goals for the season.

Aidan Lynch might have had a stint in the reserves mid-season but he's finished the year in terrific form back in the league team with another 30 possessions, six marks and four tackles in Saturday's win.

Aaron Black racked up another 28 touches for the Falcons while Luke Meadows finished with 28 disposals, Tristan Hobley 21, Mitch Peirce 21, Shane Nelson 20, Ben Johnson 19 and Zac Guadagnin 19 to go with 10 marks.

Ben Sokol wrapped up the Bernie Naylor Medal as the league's leading goalkicker by kicking three goals for Subiaco to finish the season with 41 goals.

Stefan Giro finished his first season at Subiaco by collecting another 30 possessions to go with eight tackles and six marks. 

Harry Marsh also picked up 23 touches for the Lions, Wil Hickmott 23, Chad Harris 23, Liam Hickmott 21 and Drew Rohde 19.

 

CLAREMONT 10.8 (68) defeated WEST COAST EAGLES 6.9 (45)

Claremont didn’t have it all its own way against the West Coast Eagles on Saturday, but did enough for the 23-point victory to guarantee a third place finish for the 2022 season.

The Tigers were looking to bounce back from a disappointing 45-point loss to East Fremantle the previous week and needed the win to guarantee a third place finish and to earn a finals double chance.

Claremont did kick four goals to one in the opening quarter and then another four to one in the third to set up the eventual 10.8 (68) to 6.9 (45) victory at Revo Fitness Stadium.

The win means that the Tigers finish the season in third position with a 13-5 record to earn a spot in this coming Saturday's qualifying final against East Fremantle at New Choice Homes Park.

West Coast's horror season ends with an eighth consecutive loss as they claim a second straight wooden spoon with a 1-17 record.

Claremont needed to win the game to stay at least in third position heading into the finals and to bounce back from last week's rough showing against East Fremantle, and the Sharks made the perfect start with two early goals to Jye Bolton and Alex Manuel.

West Coast were able to steady and get on the board thanks to Jack Williams unlike going goalless for three quarters last week, but the Tigers still finished the first term with goals to Oliver Sheldrick and a second to Manuel to lead by 17 points at quarter-time.

The Eagles were able to start the second term strongly, though, to breathe some life into the contest with goals to Jackson Nelson and Zac Langdon, but they couldn’t keep the momentum going.

It did take Claremont more than 20 minutes to kick a goal in the second quarter and it came from Bailey Rogers. That would be the Tigers' only goal of the term as well as they took a 13-point lead into half-time.

Claremont then started the second half strongly with two goals inside the first four minutes courtesy of Ryan Lim and Tyron Smallwood.

Manuel then added a third goal for the afternoon soon after and Smallwood kicked his second, and Claremont was still 29 points to the good by three quarter-time.

West Coast actually outscored Claremont in the last quarter with two goals to one but the Tigers still did enough to get the 10.8 (68) to 6.9 (45) victory which keeps them in third position heading into the finals.

Alex Manuel rediscovered some strong form in attack for Claremont ahead of the finals by kicking three goals from 18 possessions and eight tackles with Tyron Smallwood and Oliver Sheldrick kicking two goals apiece.

Ryan Lim capped off the best home and away season of his career with another 31 possessions, six marks and a goal for the Tigers with Lachlan Martinis and Jye Bolton both racking up 30 touches as well.

Callan England racked up another 27 possessions with Bailey Rogers finishing with 26 touches, Ben Edwards 23, Jack Lewsey 21, Ronin O'Connor 21, Jared Hardisty 18 and Oliver Sheldrick 18.

West Coast's goalkickers were all singles while Patrick Naish finished off his season on a high with 33 possessions, 11 marks and a goal. Jackson Nelson also had 32 touches, seven tackles, six marks and a goal.

Greg Clark picked up 23 touches, Sam Petrevski-Seton 21, Luke Foley 19, Ethan Hansen 18, Zane Trew 17 and Jai Culley 17.

 

PERTH 4.4 (28) lost to SOUTH FREMANTLE 14.8 (92)

South Fremantle gave themselves a chance to climb up the WAFL ladder with a 64-point win against Perth on Saturday, and while the other results didn’t go their way, they ensured they enter the finals in strong form.

The Bulldogs had to take care of business and beat Perth at Lathlain's Mineral Resources Park on Saturday to be any chance of finishing higher than fourth position on the WAFL ladder heading into the finals.

While they didn’t end up moving up from fourth spot thanks West Perth, East Fremantle and Claremont all winning as well, South Fremantle controlled the contest all afternoon on the way to the eventual 14.8 (92) to 4.4 (28).

South Fremantle will now enter its seventh consecutive finals campaign from fourth position having finished the 2022 season with 12 wins, five losses and a draw.

The Bulldogs will now host an elimination final this Sunday against Peel Thunder at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

Perth finishes another tough season in ninth position with a 3-15 record.

South Fremantle made a flying start with two quick goals to veterans Nick Suban and Mason Shaw inside the opening seven minutes to set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

Perth responded soon after with a goal from Corey Byrne on his return from suspension with the Bulldogs heading into quarter-time holding a 10-point advantage.

It was again Suban who gave South Fremantle the fast start to the second term with his second goal of the afternoon before Zac Strom added another. When Caleb Datson added another, the Bulldogs were running away with it.

The Demons did get a goal back before half-time from Austin Davis, but four goals to one from the Bulldogs saw them in control by 27 points at the major break.

It was more of the same throughout the second half with Suban adding his third goal to continue his trend of goals early on in the quarters. 

Datson then added a second with Haiden Schloithe and Brendon Ah Chee getting on the board as well before three quarter-time to see South Fremantle extend its advantage to 45 points by the last change.

Shaw kicked his third goal of the day to open up the last quarter and then two quick goals to Tyson Headland blew the margin right out. 

By the final siren, South Fremantle cruised to the 14.8 (92) to 4.4 (28) win but with the other results it wouldn’t change their finishing position.

Nick Suban ended up kicking three goals for the afternoon for South Fremantle and it's the first time he's done that in 86 games for the Bulldogs, and it's just the second time in his 119-game WAFL career.

Mason Shaw also continued his run of season-best form for the Bulldogs with another three goals from 17 touches and nine marks while Zac Strom, Caleb Datson and Tyson Headland all kicked two goals as well.

Haiden Schloithe continued his stunning form with another 31 possessions, seven tackles, seven inside 50s and a goal in his 199th game for South Fremantle while Steely Green played the best of his seven-game career with 31 touches, seven tackles and seven inside 50s.

Tom Blechynden racked up another 30 disposals to go with eight tackles for the Bulldogs with Brendon Ah Chee finishing with 26 touches, Blake Schlensog 21, Toby McQuilkin 21, Steve Verrier 19 and Josh Cuneo 18.

Hamish Free capped off the season with another strong showing in the ruck made up of 14 touches, 43 hit outs, five tackles, four marks and four inside-50 entries.

Perth's goals came courtesy of Corey Byrne, Sam Stubbs, Austin Davis and Simon Hayward.

Corey Byrne made his return for Perth and put in a terrific performance to close the season with 31 possessions while Sam Stubbs finished with 21 touches, Chris Mayne 21, Andrew Fisher 20, Kasey Nicholas 20 and Denzel More 19 to go with 10 tackles.

 

PEEL THUNDER 18.20 (128) defeated SWAN DISTRICTS 5.6 (36)

Peel Thunder sent an ominous sign to the rest of the WAFL finals competitors that they could be a real threat after booking in fifth spot with a 92-point thumping of Swan Districts on Sunday.

Peel and Swan Districts were locking horns at Mandurah's Lane Group Stadium on Sunday with the winner to finish in fifth position and to play finals in 2022.

Even though Swans kicked the first goal of the game, the Thunder soon took over to stamp their authority on the contest and that set the tone for a dominant showing all afternoon long.

Peel finished off the game by racking up 108 more possessions than Swan Districts along with 65 inside-50 entries to 26 and then ultimately 38 scoring shots to 11.

The Thunder ended up winning the game emphatically 18.20 (128) to 5.6 (36) to see them book in their first finals appearance since winning back-to-back premierships in 2016 and 2017.

Peel will now face South Fremantle in an elimination final this Sunday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

It was a tough way to end the season for Swan Districts who just miss out on a second straight finals appearance with a 10-8 record by the end of the 2022 campaign.

Swan Districts made the perfect start when Sam Fisher received a free-kick in front of goal for a high tackle and converted, but things quickly turned sour. Fisher rolled his ankle to virtually end his afternoon and Peel quickly took over the contest.

It started with a goal to Sam Sturt and while Lloyd Meek and Josh Treacy also added goals, Swans were lucky that Peel was inaccurate only managing to kick 3.8 for the quarter to lead by 20 points at quarter-time despite 20 inside-50 entries to four.

The Thunder started to covert their dominance more in the second quarter beginning with a second and third goal of the day to Sturt on his left-boot.

Treacy then kicked his second, Sturt his fourth and Matt Taberner got on the board and Peel was blowing the game wide open to put themselves back into the finals for 2022.

Ethan Hughes, Neil Erasmus, Karl Worner and Travis Colyer also kicked goals before half-time and even though Swans got one back through Brayden Noble, the nine-goal to one quarter saw the Thunder head into the main break with a match winning 70-point advantage.

While the Thunder opened the second half with the first goal through Colyer to stretch their lead to 76 points but they couldn’t keep it going and Swans actually had the better of the rest of the third quarter.

The black-and-whites kicked goals through Ryan Kemp (two) and Elijah Hewett and that saw the margin back to 56 points at three quarter-time.

Peel kicked away again in the last quarter with another five goals to nil with Taberner kicking his second of the day, Hughes his second, Mitch Crowden his first, and then Meek his second and third as the Thunder cruised to the 18.20 (128) to 5.6 (36) win to lock in a finals berth.

It was a dominant showing from Peel to lock in a finals appearance with Sam Sturt kicking four goals all in the first half while Lloyd Meek made a statement in the ruck with 22 touches, six marks, five tackles, 29 hit outs and three goals.

Travis Colyer, Matt Taberner, Josh Treacy and Ethan Hughes all kicked two goals apiece as well for the Thunder.

Mitch Crowden had a huge afternoon for Peel racking up 38 possessions to go with eight marks, seven inside 50s, four tackles and a goal.

Neil Erasmus also gathered 32 touches to go with eight tackles for Peel with Connor Blakely amassing 31 possessions, Ethan Hughes 30, Karl Worner 24, Haydn Matthews 23, Travis Colyer 21, Liam Henry 21 and Nathan Wilson 21.

Ryan Kemp kicked two of the five goals for Swan Districts with their other goals coming courtesy of Sam Fisher, Brayden Noble and Elijah Hewett.

Jesse Turner still battled hard against the odds for Swans to finish with 31 possessions, 10 marks and six tackles while Aidan Clarke also had 28 touches, six tackles, five marks and three inside-50 entries.