R8 WAFL Wrap with Jacob Landsmeer - thanks to The Left Bank

WAFL LEAGUE:

South Fremantle has recorded a 15th consecutive derby win over East Fremantle, clinching a 14 point victory at the WACA on Monday. 

In torrential rain and wind on a wet and wild afternoon that saw play halted for more than half an hour due to lightning and thunder in close proximity to the ground, Souths controlled field position and won crucial contests all day, winning 5.7 (37) to 2.11 (23) to continue their dominance over the blue and whites. 

Wet conditions greeted both sides for the 388th Fremantle Derby, the Sharks boasting a 5-2 2023 record while Souths were 3-4 but in ninth spot due to their eight premiership point penalty for a salary cap indiscretion, desperate for a win to keep their season alive. 

Heavy rain made skills difficult for players early, Souths winning the toss and kicking to the scoreboard end. 

There would not be a goal in the first quarter for either side, heavy conditions making clean possession difficult and Souths missing four chances in front of goal. 

East Fremantle’s only score came right on the siren from Josh Schoenfeld, scrambling a shot for a behind to see the score 1-4 at quarter time. 

A further 15 goalless minutes started the second quarter, Brayden Lawler eventually winning a free kick for holding the ball on Matthew Parker and kicking truly from the edge of the goal square. 

It looked set to be the only goal of the half before Kaden Harbour bobbed up late for Souths, the second term played in dry conditions as the rain abated. 

The game went up a year after half time, Cameron Eardley swung forward after two bruising hits having showed courage going back with the flight in the first half, playing as a defensive forward on Bulldogs defender Toby McQuilkin. 

Dillon O’Reilly plucked a strong mark and kicked truly as the heavens opened once more, lightning and thunder approaching the ground as the term transpired. 

Caleb Datson answered with a quick snap for Souths before play was halted for more than half an hour due to unsafe playing conditions, the Bulldogs up by two points. 

Play resumed at 3:43 PM, Souths extending their lead with consecutive goals before the final break to lead by 13 points.

Hugh Dixon was having an outstanding day in the ruck, dominating around the ground and giving a great contest in the middle as he tried to lift his team in the final stanza. 

While they dominated territory for much of the term they simply could not find a goal, Souths defence too strong as the Sharks kicked six behinds for the quarter, Harbour the only goal to seal the game for the visitors. 

Dixon was magnificent even in defeat for East Fremantle, recording 28 disposals, 8 marks and 35 hitouts to be his side’s standout player. 

Fraser Turner had 25 touches, 11 in the first term when the game was perhaps at its most fiercest while Milan Murdock (24) and Eardley (21) also had their moments on a disappointing afternoon. 

East Fremantle Football Operations Manager Brad Dodd reflected on a frustrating day for the league side. 

“In tough conditions for both teams, South were able to stand up in key moments that proved decisive,” Dodd said. 

“We gave ourselves a chance in the last quarter with 19 inside 50s but a lack of care with the kick inside 50, some poor efforts in the contest and some strong SF defending meant we struggled to create clear shots on goal”. 

Dodd hoped for a quick bounce back to winning ways in round nine.

“The performance reinforces the evenness of the competition and we need to regroup and prepare well for a big game against EP next Sunday.” 

The Sharks will face East Perth in a crucial round nine battle, the Royals slipping in to the five with a strong win over West Perth at Leederville Oval, the Royals to host the blue and whites at the same venue on Sunday June 11. 

RESERVES:

The East Fremantle and South Fremantle Reserves sides played out a thrilling draw at the WACA last Monday. In a tight and tough contest, the Bulldogs had a chance to win the game with an Aiden Hall set shot from 40m on a 45 degree angle sailing out on the full. 

Kicking against the breeze in the first quarter, South Fremantle took advantage of their forays forward to take an 11 point lead into quarter time. The Sharks had gone inside 14 times for 1 goal, a theme that would flow on through the rest of the game. Matt Williamson was finding plenty of the ball on his wing while Austin Ball was providing real nuisance value up forward, kicking 1.1 for the quarter. 

The Sharks were again the better team in the second, with 17 inside 50s but only registering 1.2. Orien Kerr was linking up well with 10 disposals for the quarter while midfielders Jackson McDonald and Matt Burton were working their way into the game.The Bulldogs held sway by 7 points at the main break. 

A big 3rd quarter was needed with breeze and the Sharks dominated with 19 inside 50s to 4, kicking 2.3 to 1 goal to take a 2 point lead into the last quarter. Lachie Blakiston, playing against his old team, started to dominate in the ruck and Burton, McDonald and half back Josh Ritchie were providing plenty of run. 

A big last quarter was needed. South Fremantle dominated field position but were unable to land the killer blow before a counter attack saw a Jack Walsh goal even the scores with 2 minutes left. The next centre bounce saw the Sharks push the ball forward and just needing any score before an Eddie Simpson errant handball saw the ball rebound down the other end before some resolute defending blocked numerous attempts on goal. A desperate kick out of defence saw Hall receive a free kick for a high tackle. His kicked missed and the game finished all square. 

Better players for the Sharks were ruckman, Lachlan Blakiston, with 18 disposals and 38 hitouts, Matt Burton with 25 disposals, 5 clearances and 6 inside 50s, Josh Ritchie with 25 disposals and 4 inside 50s and Jackson McDonald with 27 disposals and 8 clearances. 

The Sharks next take on East Perth this Sunday at Leederville Oval. 

COLTS:

The colts returned to the WACA yesterday on a cold wet winters morning to take on arch rivals South Fremantle in an important game.

After a disappointing effort against Claremont last week, it was important for the team to respond well in this game. With seven changes to the team from the previous week it was a new look team taking the park.

The first quarter commenced with us kicking against a 2-3 goal breeze. Our midfield started well and gave us plenty of drive allowing numerous forward 50 entries. Jack Cocking was on song early and providing a great focal point up forward whether it be marking it or bringing the ball to ground for our small forwards. With the ball locked in our forward line it provided plenty of opportunities and it was pleasing to hit the scoreboard with a 5 goal term whilst holding South to just 3 points.

The second quarter played out much like the first with us dominating the midfield and giving us plenty of opportunities. The forward line continued to function well and added a further four goals to go into the half time break with a comfortable 41 point lead.

With the rain setting in for the entire second half it turned the game into a tight affair with scoring becoming more difficult for both sides.

The pleasing aspect was the we continued to work hard and managed to maintain our lead across the half and run out convincing 43 point winners.

Jack Cocking was outstanding in the wet conditions finishing with 8 marks and 6 goals , Mitch Zadow enjoyed the conditions to finish with 24 disposals of which 20 were contested and he provided 11 clearances. Chadd Dunscombe also provided plenty of drive from the midfield and led the tackle count with 11 for the day.

Congratulations to Nic Verbruggen (Willetton JFC) and Blake Tazewell (Rovers FC ,GNFL) on making their EF colts debut.

This week we head to Leederville Oval on Sunday morning to take on East Perth at 9:10am.