Sharks finish over the top of the Lions

by Ryan Miller

East Fremantle have started their 2014 pre-season positively with a 25 point win over Subiaco at East Fremantle Oval.

Michael Edwards kicked 4 goals as the Sharks won in stifling conditions 11.9 (75) to 7.8 (50).

Subiaco's loss was further soured by an injury to Andrew McDougall, who had to be stretchered from the ground with a knee injury late in the final quarter.

East Fremantle started the game solidly with Michael Edwards opening the scoring within the first minute.

The Sharks' disposal efficiency was noticeably improved on last year as was their ability to contain the ball within their forward 50.

New recruit and former Peel Thunder ruckman - James Bristow - impressed with his clean disposal as well as a 60 meter chase and tackle of Subiaco speedster Shane Yarran.

Despite dominating the inside 50 count East Fremantle failed to capitalise with inaccuracy keeping their quarter time lead to just 9 points.

Bradd Dalziell was noticeably impressive, the former West Coast Eagle looking comfortable as a part of the Sharks' midfield alongside Sandover Medalist Rory O'Brien.

Subiaco bounced back in the second quarter and took the home side by surprise with Simon Moore slotting a major within 30 seconds of the ball being bounced.

Yarran caused the East Fremantle backs some problems and kicked a fortuitous goal after a defensive mistake in the goal square, giving Subiaco the lead.

Edwards kicked his second goal minutes later to restore the lead, but Subiaco pushed back with a goal to Justin Joyce.

A goal on the siren to Tyler Chalwell saw East Fremantle take a one point lead into the main break.

Yarran's second goal saw the Lions regain the lead before Edward's third for the afternoon had the Blue and Whites back in the lead.

The sides exchanged goals for the quarter before Dion Anthony kicked back to back goals, giving East Fremantle a 16 point lead at three quarter time.

A slow an uneventful final quarter - other than McDougall's injury - saw just two goals scored by the home side as the Sharks won comfortably by 25 goals.

Dalziell, Bristow and Edwards were the best for East Fremantle whilst Lynn Medalist Andrew Stephen was solid off the half back alongside the returning Brock O'Brien.

East Fremantle 2.4, 4.4, 9.7, 11.9 (75)

Defeat

Subiaco 1.1, 4.3, 7.3, 7.8 (50)

Goals:

EF - Edwards 4; Lester-Smith, Anthony 2; Depane, Young, Chalwell 1.

S - Yarran, Hampson 2; Moore, Joyce, Stockley 1.