FW2 WAFL Wrap Up with Jacob Landsmeer - Thanks to The Left Bank

East Fremantle has qualified for its first Grand Final since 2012, withstanding a late Peel Thunder charge to win by 5 points at Fremantle Oval on Saturday. 

Leading by 28 points at the six minute mark of the final quarter the Sharks looked to be cruising to their first decider in more than a decade, only for Peel to have the final eight scoring shots of the match, the visitors left to rue their inaccuracy as East Fremantle’s backline held firm, triumphant 9.6 (60) to 7.13 (55) in front of 3746 fans at the Port. 

Having secured their first minor premiership since 1998 East Fremantle entered the finals series fresh off a week off under the top 5 format, history in their favour to qualify for the big dance with the last four sides winning through to the Grand Final at first opportunity. 

Peel were coming off a stirring win over Subiaco, charging home to beat the Lions by ten points at Leederville Oval in the qualifying final to set up a date with the Sharks. 

The game had all the hallmarks of a final early, possessions hard fought and tackles ferocious from both sides. 

Hugh Dixon kicked the game’s opening major against his former side, showing great skills below his knees to dribble a goal from 15 metres out. 

Peel ruckman Liam Reidy grabbed the ball out of the ruck to snap his side’s first minutes later, but East Fremantle were having the better of the contest with their pressure and skill’s overwhelming the Thunder. 

Alex Montauban was in almost everything in the first term with and without the ball for his side, Jackson McDonald with a long range goal and Josh Schoenfeld continuing his good form with a six pointer of his own before time on of the first. 

The Thunder were capitalising on their opportunities at the other end, late goals to Brody Wemm and Jack Sears reducing the margin to two points at the first change. 

The second quarter was an absorbing arm wrestle dominated by defence, Peel starting strongly but denied by a resolute back six for the Sharks with Matthew Jupp, Cameron Eardley and Finn Gorringe featuring prominently. 

It was Eardley who broke the goal drought, taking a mark and running through 50 to kick a major for the Sharks, playing their first “home” game at Fremantle Oval since 1953. 

Milan Murdock was having a brilliant game in midfield with support from Tom Joyce, Will Brodie and Blair Bell with their moments for the visitors. 

Some clever play from Brayden Lawler set up Fraser Turner for the only other goal of the term, giving East Fremantle a 13 point lead at the half.

Dixon and Cody Leggett started strongly for the Sharks in the third, pushing the margin out to 24 points before Peel awoke from their slumber, able to lock the ball In their forward half and put Bill Monaghan’s men under pressure. 

However they only kicked one goal through Josh Corbett, his second shot missing before Alex Montauban scored down the other end for East Fremantle, steadying the Sharks heading in to the final change. 

When Schoenfeld kicked the first of the last term the game appeared as good as over, the margin a game high 28 points. 

Peel then rallied to come home with a wet sail, Joel Hamling pushing forward to kick a goal and Brady Grey and Ben Middleton also quickly found the major opening, setting up a barnstorming finish. 

East Fremantle’s backline was resolute, standing tall for the last ten minutes to deny Peel the match winning goal, the visitors twice hitting the post in a tense conclusion to an outstanding match. 

Fittingly it was milestone man Tom Bennett who won the crucial clearance in the dying moments, clearing the danger area with a long kick as the siren sounded on a famous East Fremantle victory. 

Milan Murdock marked his return after two months out with 31 disposals, Cameron Eardley outstanding all day with 30 disposals and 1.1, Fraser Turner also excellent on a wing with 30 touches of his own.

Key defenders Jupp, Lachlan Bailey and Lennon Marlin were all terrific, particularly late when Peel had the momentum and looked to snatch the game. 

East Fremantle Football Operations Manager Brad Dodd was delighted to see the side book a Grand Final berth. 

“It was a tough and tight game, where neither team cracked,” he said.

“Both teams would’ve felt like they could’ve made more of their chances but in the end our boys defended stoutly and came away with the win.” 

“Both teams lacked a dominant forward but it was pleasing we took our chances when they presented.” 

“We’d like to get more out of our entries- but Peel defend strongly so it’s important you nail your goals.”

Dodd was full of praise for midfield tyro and reigning Lynn Medalist Murdock, playing his first game since round 14. 

“Milan was really important- he looked outsized but he makes up for it with competitiveness and hardness.”

“He looked like he hasn’t missed a beat- despite being out for multiple weeks.” 

East Fremantle now await the winner of the preliminary final between Peel Thunder and Subiaco on Sunday 17th September, the Grand Final at Optus Stadium seven days later. 

COLTS:

On Saturday morning at Fremantle oval, East Fremantle hosted Subiaco in the first semi-final, as the victor would progress next week to the preliminary final.

East Fremantle came into the game with a valiant 13-point loss to Claremont, while Subiaco’s dominant second half propelled them to a 37-point win over West Perth.

With a poor start last weekend, East Fremantle started off strongly with the first two major of the game through Dante Wiseman and Griff Vladich. Subiaco responded with next couple of goals, but the Shark held on to a slender 1-point lead at quarter time.

After the quarter time break, the Lions hit the front early in term. Looking to restrict Subiaco’s potent forward line, in an 8-minute burst, East Fremantle kicked 4 goals including 3 from key forward Jack Cocking to open by a 21-point lead at halftime.

The game wasn’t played without ferocity, with massive bumps and crunching tackles certainly increasing the intensity.

Like their elimination final at half time, Subiaco upped their intensity winning contested ball and pressured the Sharks into turnovers. At one stage the scores were level, before Dante Wiseman recaptured the lead for East Freo. At 3 quarter time, the Sharks had a 7-point margin.

As the game is looked destined to a have last quarter thriller, the Sharks forwards capitalised on early forward 50 entries, skipping out to a 19-point lead. Throughout the fiery contest, moments of ill-disciplined errors cost the Lions scoring opportunities with free kick reversals the main theme. Subiaco did bring the margin within 9 late in the game, but just like the previous clash between the 2 clubs East Freo held on to record the well-deserved victory.

Full time score East Fremantle 11.11.77 defeated Subiaco 10.8.68.

With the forward line failing to fire last week, it was pleasing to see the likes of Jack Cocking (4), Dante Wiseman, Griffin Vladich and Tyler Messina (2) recording multiple majors. James Spadanuda backed up last weeks performance with another 25 disposals and 5 marks, with support from Zac Petersen spending time between the midfield and forward line (20 disposals, 1 goal). The defence lead by Kobe Austin (16 disposals, 5 marks) were superb in nullifying Subi’s forward line, aided by Jack Eastaugh (13 disposals, 7 marks) and Harry Pickett (18 disposals, 3 tackles).

At Lane Group stadium next Sunday, East Fremantle and Perth will fight for the coveted second spot to play Claremont in the 2023 colts grand final.