R13 WAFL Wrap Up with Jacob Landsmeer - Thanks to The Left Bank

League: 

East Fremantle has ended a nine year drought at Arena Joondalup, powering away from reigning premiers West Perth to win by 41 points on Saturday. 

While inaccurate in front of the goal, the Sharks kicked six of the last eight majors of the match to run out convincing winners, 12.19 (91) to 7.8 (50). 

Jonathon Marsh was back to his best inside forward 50, kicking three goals from 25 disposals to be the dominant player on the ground, the Sharks midfield overwhelming West Perth as Bill Monaghan tasted success against the club he coached to a premiership in 2013. 

Under overcast skies the Falcons made a fast start, kicking the opening two goals despite East Fremantle controlling possession.

A brilliant clearance from Jackson McDonald set up Jono Marsh for the blue and whites first goal at the 14 minute mark, fellow spearhead Dillon O’Reilly converting in the first minute of time on to pull his side back level. 

The first half was an arm wrestle on the scoreboard but the Sharks were winning the stoppage battle and giving their forward line supply, Cody Leggett playing further up the ground to offer a link role between half back and half forward. 

A crafty snap from Ben McGuire opened the scoring in the second term, Jono Marsh in everything as he set up older brother Harry for another major. 

The former Magpie and Saint Marsh was having one of his best games in a Sharks jumper, hauling in a big contested mark to kick his second goal with the teams trading scoreboard blows. 

East Fremantle led at the half thanks to some selfless work from Ben McGuire, handing off to Dillon O’Reilly to boot his second from the goal line as the visitors held an eight point advantage at the main break. 

The third term was marred by poor goalkicking from the Sharks, dominating general play and inside 50’s but unable to put it on the scoreboard, registering 1.6 for the term with Alex Montauban the only man to find the major opening. 

A 13 point lead at the last change kept the door open for West Perth, whose premiership defence was on the line heading in to the final quarter. 

The Sharks were a man down with Ben McGuire ruled out with a dislocated finger, but they finally got reward for effort in the last half hour,  powering away from the beleaguered Falcons with three goals in five minutes to start the quarter. 

Rain arrived to wash away any chance of a Falcons comeback, Cameron Eardley with a long running goal to make the margin six goals. 

Tom Bennett added another as East Fremantle finally got scoreboard dominance for effort, the final margin 41 points as the Sharks retained the Jayde Kinane Cup in NAIDOC Round. 

Cameron Eardley (32 disposals and a goal) played another outstanding game across half back with midfield group Milan Murdock (30 disposals), Kyle Baskerville (29) and Harry Marsh (27 and 1.3) also impactful. 

Brother Jonathon was best afield with 3.1 from a game high 14 marks, while Cody Leggett claimed 11 marks and had 9 inside 50’s to show his versatility further up the ground. 

The win puts East Fremantle in to fourth position on the table with an 8-4 win/loss record, now three games plus percentage inside the top five with six rounds remaining. 

Coach Bill Monaghan praised his side for a terrific performance,shrugging off their third term inaccuracy. 

“It was a bit of an arm wrestle, both sides were desperate. It was a game played at a very high intensity,” Monaghan said. 

“In the third term we dominated field position and just couldn’t put any score on the board. 

“Against good sides and particularly West Perth it can be a bit of an issue late in the game when you don’t take your opportunities.

“I thought we burst out of the blocks in the last quarter and started to take our chances.” 

The Sharks mentor praised Marsh’s performance, one of his finest in an East Fremantle jumper. 

“It’s probably the best game he’s played since I’ve been here (as coach) ,” Monaghan said. 

“Some of his marking and play up the ground was outstanding. 14 marks, couple contested. It’s a pretty decent day for a key position player.” 

Round 14 sees East Fremantle head to its regional zone in Geraldton, hosting Peel Thunder at Country Builders Stadium next Sunday.

Colts:

East Fremantle travelled to Joondalup in their clash with West Perth, where a win was crucial for both sides’ finals aspirations. The surface of the ground was slippery, so a contested affair was expected.

The Sharks got on top of the first quarter, dominating possession and field position and it was rewarded on the scoreboard with 4 goals. West Perth fought back late, kicking a late goal to make the margin 19 points at quarter time.

The second quarter was an even contest, as the ground dried up allowing both sides to kick and mark their way to scoring opportunities. Debutant Cahil Fitzgerald who was a late in, kicked his first goal for club with a left foot snap and the players got around him in delight. 19 points was again the margin to East Fremantle at half time.

The second half was where the Sharks did the damage with their trademark style of using the corridor, while also forcing turnovers from West Perth. Leading as much as 51 points, West Perth kicked 2 late goals to trim the final margin to 38 points.

This result was important, as the win moved the team one game behind 3^rd position while it also gave separation from 5^th.

Jack Cocking was a threat up forward with 4 goals and 8 marks, Declan Pauline, Ashton Warner and Mitch Zadow starred in the midfield with 21, 20 and 21 disposals respectively. Jack Eastaugh made the move down to defence and provided rebound to set up the counter attacks.

Congratulations to Kane Bruce and Cahil Fitzgerald who made their debuts, while Luke Urquhart and Darcy Wills made their returns to colts footy after long term injuries at the start of the season.

East Fremantle take on Peel Thunder at Revo Fitness Stadium in Claremont, with the game being a Sharks home game as the seniors travel to Geraldton.