R20 WAFL Wrap Up with Jacob Landsmeer - Thanks to The Left Bank

LEAGUE:

East Fremantle has claimed the WAFL minor premiership for the first time in a quarter of a century, producing a blistering nine-goal final quarter to power past Subiaco at Leederville Oval on Saturday.  

Having wasted opportunities in front of goal in the first three quarters the Sharks booted 9.3 in the last quarter to the Lions 1.1 to make it nine straight victories in the season, triumphant 15.19 (109) to 9.5 (59). 

In what was a battle between the top two teams on the ladder, East Fremantle were looking to claim top spot for the first time since their premiership year of 1998, powerhouse opposition Subiaco having won a staggering 11 minor premierships in that period that led to seven flags.  

Beau Wardman’s side could still claim top spot, needing a five goal win to close the percentage gap on the Sharks and claim the coveted week off and most straightforward passage to the Grand Final.  

Jonathon Marsh was a late withdrawal for the visitors, not risked after picking up a minor calf concern on the training track during the week, giving Jack Cleaver a late reprieve for his first game since round 16.  

Subiaco made an impressive start, kicking the game’s first three goals with Zac Clarke having a dominant influence in ruck.  

Jarrad Jansen took his chance to get the Sharks on the board, producing a classy checkside goal to steady his side early in the contest from right full forward.  

Still Subiaco had four of the first five goals of the game on the board by quarter time, East Fremantle looking for a response after a sluggish start.  

The margin pushed out to 23 points early in the second term before the Sharks surged back in to the game, Josh Schoenfeld snapping truly before Brayden Lawler produced two set shot majors to level the scores.  

East Fremantle were negating Clarke’s influence as Hugh Dixon went in to the ruck having started the match forward, Tom Joyce outstanding at stoppages along with Jackson McDonald and Harry Marsh.  

A late goal to South from a Reuben McGuire error pushed Subiaco ahead, but the momentum had turned the visitors way by the time the teams headed for the change rooms at half time.  

On a warm afternoon the Sharks looked the fitter side, the Lions down a key player early with Taj Schofield injuring a hamstring in the opening five minutes of the match.  

East Fremantle dominated every aspect of the third quarter but failed to put it on the scoreboard, wasteful in front of goal as they produced a tally of 2.8 for the term.  

Cody Leggett had five behinds to his name by the final change, he and Ben McGuire sharing five behinds between them for the quarter to be the serial offenders in front of goal.  

As good teams do the Lions capitalised on their opportunities at the other end, Ryan Borchet with two goals for the term to see scores remarkably locked up at 52 points apiece at three quarter time.  

The Sharks dominance told in the final term, a brilliant Dixon handpass setting Schoenfeld on the path to goal 30 seconds in to the quarter, Lawler with another a minute later as the Lions tired.  

It was the start of a dominant quarter for the blue and whites, Lawler booting three goals for the term to kick five majors for the first time in his 137 game WAFL career as the Sharks put the contest to bed.  

Schoenfeld finished with four goals, Dixon also with three as the Sharks found a way to kick a winning score without spearheads Marsh and Dillon O’Reilly.  

At the other end of the ground captain Matthew Jupp produced a trademark defensive performance on Subiaco spearhead Ben Sokol, keeping the dual Bernie Naylor Medallist goalless in a typically dour display.  

Jack Cleaver and Finn Gorringe were also terrific for East Fremantle, often putting their bodies on the line to win contests for their team.  

A nine goal final term saw a comfortable win for Bill Monaghan’s side, their ninth in succession to finish two games plus percentage clear in top spot.  

The result also sealed the Rodriguez Shield for the club, awarded to the champion club across all three grades for the home and away season.  

Monaghan was delighted with the performance of his side, and their ability to overcome their early inaccuracy.  “I think after quarter time we were good. We turned the game in the second quarter, gave up a late one and then felt like we really controlled the game in the third quarter but kicked 2.8 from 19 inside 50’s,” he said.  

“Yes Subi kicked two goals (for the quarter) but the ball lived in our half. The last quarter was good reward for what was two pretty solid quarters of footy. Then the dam wall burst and the goals came really quickly.  

“We were really happy with the way our players turned it around after quarter time.”  

Monaghan was confident his side would handle the pressure and expectation of a finals series as they await their opponent in the second semi-final.  

“We’ve got a really level headed group who have been together for a while now, we’ve been building. We won a final last year and then we lost two in a row after that,” he said.  

“It’s something the players need to understand you can’t take for granted. From adding Lawler and Harry Marsh we’ve got a few more steady heads around, so I’m sure they will keep a lid on it this time.”  

With the home and away season now complete East Fremantle will sit out week one of the finals, awaiting the winner of Subiaco and Peel Thunder from their qualifying final clash.  

For the first time since 2012, all three men’s grades have qualified for finals, giving the Sharks the opportunity to win premierships across all competitions for 2023.  

COLTS:

On Saturday morning, the clash between East Fremantle and Subiaco was significant for both clubs, as a win would secure the winner 3^rd spot and the double chance.

Both teams boasted strong lines with potent forwards, midfielders who are strong in the contest and defensively solid backlines. The team who could sustain the pressure for the longest would end up victorious.

In first 10 minutes of the game, East Fremantle set up a 13-point lead through goals from Ashton Warner and Chadd Dunscombe. Subiaco responded with 2 of their own, but Noah Dean steadied with a shot at an open goal to give East an 8-point quarter time margin.

In the second quarter, it was even contest as Subiaco’s pressure went up however both teams couldn’t capitalise on forward 50 entries. A 4-point margin went East Freo’s way.

The third quarter was dominated by the Lions, as they continued to pressure the Sharks into fumbles and turnovers in their half back. Their dominance helped them to a game high 16-point margin. The reliable Jack Cocking steadied with right foot snap to reduce the margin to 10 at 3 quarter time.

Throughout the season, the results have either been a comfortable buffer, or a margin too big to claw back at 3 quarter time. A 10-point deficit with a Subiaco side full of confidence, set the Sharks their biggest challenge to overcome this season so far, with a double chance opportunity on the line.

Dominating early possession and forward 50 entries, however, couldn’t convert them into scores, the Lions transitioned coast to coast and opened up a 16-point margin at the 5 minute mark of the last term. Enter Luke Urquhart. 2 quality set shots from difficult angles, combined with the pressure at stake, Urquhart delivered and East Freo were back in the contest. Feeding off the energy, quick centre clearances won by the mids gave the Sharks forwards first opportunity to take the front.

Resting ruckman forward Darcy Wills took a contested mark on the goal line to give East the lead, then Dante Wiseman crumbed a loose ball to extend the margin by 8. With the momentum going East Freo’s way, Subiaco looked to regain the ascendency, and they were back within 2 points through a snap from small forward Malakai Champion.

Defending with all their might, trying to force stoppages and not let the ball into any open space, the Sharks prevailed in an epic 2-point victory to secure their 10^th win in a row.

Full time score East Fremantle 9.7.61 defeat Subiaco 9.5.59.

It was the clubs tenth win in a row, showing much resilience and a game style that can beat the best.

James Spadanuda led the way in the midfield, as the highest possession getter with 26 disposals and 8 tackles. Chadd Dunscombe was also strong in the coalface with 14 disposals, 9 tackles and a goal. Ruckman Darcy Wills was immense with 22 disposals, 20 hitouts and 1 goal, delivering the taps to his midfield brigade. Presley Campbell showed poise and rebound off half back with 14 disposals.

With a top 3 finish and an opponent locked in, the Sharks will take on Claremont next week. The winner will get the opportunity to play minor premiers Perth, for a spot in the colts grand final.

Tickets for the finals series are available HERE.