R19 WAFL Wrap Up with Jacob Landsmeer - Thanks to The Left Bank

Seven goals to forward Cody Leggett was the catalyst for an eighth straight East Fremantle win, powering past Perth in a 49 point triumph at Lathlain Park on Saturday. 

Leggett tormented his former side with an equal career high seven majors, support from McGuire cousins Reuben and Ben (three each) up forward as the Sharks maintained their game lead on top of the table in a 17.10 (112) to 9.9 (63) result. 

The match up loomed as a one sided one, East Fremantle on a seven game winning streak on top of the ladder while Perth came in having failed to record a win since round 7, their closest effort being their draw against West Coast in round 13. 

In perfect conditions the game got off to a scrappy start, both teams trading behinds before Leggett slotted the first major from a set shot from 35 metres out. 

Ben McGuire was looking dangerous inside fifty, kicking consecutive goals as the visitors pushed out to an early 17 lead at the first change.

Both teams were punished for turnovers in the second term, the teams trading goals as Reuben McGuire kicked his first goal of the season and cousin Ben kicked his third of the first half. 

Perth twice closed to within ten points, Josh Schoenfeld with a lovely running goal on the run from right half forward to steady East Fremantle at half time. 

Fraser Turner had bought his own football to Lathlain Park playing on a wing, recording 21 disposals in the first half to be his side’s most influential player.

The game opened up the Sharks way in the third stanza, more direct efficient ball movement seeing forwards Leggett and Reuben McGuire prosper in what was a seven goal term. 

Leggett broke free of Demons defender Connor Sing to boot four majors for the quarter, his strong hands and elite set shot goal kicking proving dynamite for an undermanned Perth backline, Matthew Taylor out early with an ankle injury. 

Ruck/forward McGuire also slotted two goals of his own, the result beyond doubt with a quarter to play. 

Perth won the final quarter to gain some responsibility, but not before Leggett added goals six and seven in another superb showing from the mid-sized forward.

Leggett and the McGuire’s shared 13 goals between them to dine out on the Demons, Josh Schoenfeld also with two majors as the Sharks covered the absence of key forwards Dillon O’Reilly and Jonathon Marsh with ease, also losing Brayden Lawler and Alex Montauban before the game as late withdrawals. 

Jackson McDonald (28 disposals and 1 goal) and Kyle Baskerville (26) had excellent games but Turner was a standout with 37 disposals, jostling with Leggett for best afield. 

East Fremantle coach Bill Monaghan was happy to get through the match unscathed and record an eighth straight win. 

“ It wasn’t our prettiest performance,” he said. 

“ They (Perth) ran hard, they worked hard. They made us earn it. 

“Not all wins are pretty, you don’t always perform at level you want to. We were probably off a little bit. 

“In midfield I thought we struggled in the first half, we fixed a few things up after half time and then took our foot off the pedal in the last ten or fifteen minutes as well. Middle of the road is probably the best I could describe it as.” 

East Fremantle will head to Leederville Oval to face Subiaco, a win required to confirm the minor premiership against the second placed Lions.  

COLTS:

It was first versus third at Mineral Resources Park, as Perth looked to keep top spot while East Fremantle looked to cement their chance of securing the double chance.

The affair was expected to be hotly contested, with both teams possessing strong midfields and a very potent forward line. The first term was dominated by the Sharks, as they restricted the Demons’ game style and restricted them to a scoreless quarter. Leading by 14 points at the first break.

East extended the margin through debutant Jesse Burden before a miracle goal from boundary from Perth got the Demons up and about. The Sharks went up another level to their lead to 29 points at the main break through goals from Tyler Messina and Sam Otto.

After the main break, spectacular goals from Phoenix Knight and Tyler Messina extended East Freo’s margin to game high 43 points. However, a shift in momentum Perth’s way brought them back into the contest, through free kicks and sloppy defending from the Sharks. Reducing the margin to 19 points at 3 quarter time.

With a 3-goal momentum shift, the Sharks were sent the challenge to recapture their brand. A 4-goal burst from small forward Dante Wiseman including 2 goals coming from the first 2 minutes, wrestled back control in East Freo’s favour. Goal on the siren from Perth, reducing the margin to 35 points. East Freo claiming another top 2 scalp.

Full time score East Fremantle 11.13.79 to Perth 7.2.44.

A 9^th win in a row for East Freo, as they look to build the momentum towards a flag push in September.

Another week of strong performances from East Freo’s senior players with Mitch Zadow and Koen Sanchez (18 and 24 disposals) leading the Sharks midfield ascendency. Sam Otto backed up last weeks performance, with another 2 goals and 19 disposals and Jack Eastaugh always solid in defence with 21 disposals and 7 marks.

Congratulations to #12 Jesse Burden who made his debut for the club.

Next Saturday, East Freo and Subiaco fight for third spot at Leederville oval.