R16 WAFL Wrap Up with Jacob Landsmeer - Thanks to The Left Bank

East Fremantle has broken through for its first derby win in 2,244 days, producing a thrilling comeback to defeat rivals South Fremantle by 12 points at Fremantle Oval on Saturday. 

The win ends a 15 game losing run at the hands of Souths, extending all the way back to round 12, 2016. 

The result pushes Bill Monaghan’s side in to the top two on the WAFL ladder, with a month remaining of the 2023 home and away season. 

The 388th Fremantle derby loomed as an intriguing battle, Souths well out of finals contention but clinging to their derby streak while East Fremantle were looking for five straight wins in the 2023 season. 

Slippery conditions greeted the players after morning and early afternoon rain, Brandon Donaldson opening the scoring after five minutes for the home side with a major on the run. 

East Fremantle responded strongly in a tight physical contest, Jonathon Marsh with his sides first goal before a fast break from defence saw Ben McGuire score from the goal line and Hugh Dixon convert from a strong mark deep inside 50.

Jackson McDonald and Harry Marsh were in excellent midfield touch, Dixon and Reuben McGuire having an excellent battle with Jimmy Miller in the ruck. 

Scoring dried up as the heavens opened in the second term, Souths stopping the Sharks ball movement on their way to kicking the only two goals of the quarter, the Bulldogs leading by five points at the half.

Jimmy Miller steered a long bomb through early in the third term before the Sharks responded, a brilliant individual from Jono Marsh breaking the Sharks goal drought, Brayden Lawler then able to snap truly as scores drew level. 

In front of a crowd of more than 2500 at the Port the game went up another gear, both team’s physicality at the contest a hallmark of a low scoring hard fought contest. 

South Fremantle slowly regained control late in the quarter, Donaldson with his third as the red and whites kept East Fremantle at arms length, leading by seven points at the final charge. 

Donaldson loomed as the difference when he ran in to an open goal in the fourth minute of the final term, the margin out to a game high 14 points with East Fremantle’s top 3 and derby drought hopes on the line. 

Jono Marsh produced a moment of individual brilliance when he volleyed the ball out of the air from the ruck contest, then causing a turnover with a superb piece of desperation that set Alex Montauban away to goal, the margin back to two points. 

Austin Ball broke in to the goal square from a long Cody Leggett kick to give the Sharks the lead, and when Ben McGuire snapped truly all of a sudden the Sharks were two goals in front as time on arrived.

McGuire’s major would prove the final score of the match, as East Fremantle’s leaders stood up in the final ten minutes to deny Souths any further opportunities. 

Cameron Eardley was outstanding across half back, captain Matthew Jupp also terrific while Hugh Dixon lifted in the ruck, along with midfielders Jarrad Jansen, Harry Marsh and Tom Bennett. 

Having been quiet earlier in the game Ball and Ben McGuire proved vital to the outcome, kicking the game clinching goals and having significant impact in the final 15 minutes of an absorbing contest. 

Fraser Turner (24 disposals) continued his solid form on a wing while Eardley and Jack Cleaver (both 22 disposals) both were more than steady down back. 

Jono Marsh perhaps had the most impact on the match with 3.4 from his 14 disposals, brother Harry with 20 touches in another strong showing. 

East Fremantle football operations manager Brad Dodd praised the sides never give up attitude. 

“It was pleasing that the team found a way to get over the line,” he said.

“South Fremantle are a well drilled side who make it hard to score, but we felt we defended well for the most part which kept us within striking distance.” 

The Sharks return to the WACA for the start of a season defining fortnight, hosting Claremont next Saturday with the league decider from 2:40 PM. 

COLTS

It was the second Derby of the season, with both Fremantle teams looking to secure the four points.

South Freo got off to an impressive start to the game with the first 2 goals of the game. However, the Sharks wrestled back the momentum, with Jack Cocking 3 goals in the opening term. Scores were levelled 3.1.19 at the end of the first quarter.

East Freo started the second quarter with 3 consecutive goals, through Darcy Wills, Tyler Messina, and debutant Jaxon Graham, leading by 15 points close towards half time. The Bulldogs pegged back the margin to 9 points, before Wills’ second goal restored the 15-point lead. Half time margin was 16 points to the Sharks.

It wouldn’t have been a Derby without a fiery scuffle, as both teams got in each other’s faces at half time.

Looking to respond after an ordinary first half, the Sharks dominated play in the third term. As their reward at the contest was shown on the scoreboard kicking 4 goals, to lead by 32 points at 3 quarter time.

In the final quarter, East Freo looked to continue applying their 2^nd half intensity, however it was an arm wrestle. Both teams dominating play for a certain period of time, as South trimmed the margin to a respectable 27 points.

Full time score was 14.4.98 to South Freo 9.7.61.

There was a strong group of contributors this weekend, highlighted by Jack Cocking’s 5 goal haul. Declan Pauline and Harry Pickett were the drivers of the Sharks’ midfield with 23 and 18 disposals respectively. In defence, Jack Eastaugh stood tall with 21 disposals and 8 marks.

Congratulations to the four debutants Marco Madafarrari, Rourke Drage, Jaxon Graham and Kaiden Summerell for playing their first colts game for the club.

Next Saturday, The Sharks take on second place Claremont at the WACA.