Early Blitz from the Sharks helps guide them to a 24 point victory over Perth

A 10 goal opening quarter has led East Fremantle to a 24 point victory over Perth. The Demons fought hard to get themselves back in the game and kept challenging the Sharks right until the final siren, but . This victory caps off an excellent last month for the Sharks, winning their last four games. East Fremantle ended up defeating Perth 17.14 (116) to 14.8 (92).

James Bristow was dominant up forward, managing to kick four goals whilst still rucking well to finish with 19 hit-outs. In the absence of Brad Dalziell (knee) and Jamie McNamara (hamstring), Thomas Hooker, Liam Anthony and Mark McGough all performed well in the midfield. Each of them found lots of the ball and kicked a goal each. Mark McGough playing in his first game of WAFL since September 2014, topped the disposals for the Sharks.

In an unusual first quarter, both sides kicked 11 goals straight before a behind was registered well into time on. Despite conceding the first goal to Perth, the Sharks piled on the next five in a dominant first term. The first of which came from Jack Perham who side-stepped his opponent and snapped a goal from 40 metres out. At quarter time, the Sharks lead the Demons 10.2 (62) to 3.1 (19).

Perth got themselves right back into the contest during the second quarter, kicking four goals to East Fremantle's one. The Sharks pressure dropped and Perth started winning the ball out of the middle. Aidan Tropiano continued his good form for Perth and was crucial to the Demons comeback.

Ryan Lester-Smith thought he opened the third quarter with an early goal but was denied after the umpires decided the ball was touched. Thankfully, seconds later he was able to find the ball again and this time successfully snap the first goal of the quarter.

Julian Locantro and Josh Cuneo both performed well in the debut game for the Sharks, with Julian kicking 2 goals and Josh providing good run off half back.

Perth managed to reduce East Fremantle's lead to under 20 points in a tense last quarter. A crucial goal to Brandon Ellis managed to cool the situation down and from then on the Sharks locked the game away.

Unfortunately, the win came at a cost with Andrew Stephen injuring his hamstring and Mark McGough placed on report.

After banking another win, East Fremantle will look to play more of a four quarter game next week as they take on West Perth in a pivotal game for both sides. The Sharks currently sit in second place, just one win behind top placed Subiaco, with West Perth one win behind the Sharks in third. The game takes place at HBF Arena, this Saturday at 2:15pm.

Development League

Unfortunately the game before the League didn’t go to plan with the Sharks Development League side going down by 52 points to a red hot Perth side.  A trend that seems to have hampered the boys throughout the season has been consistency and for parts of Sunday’s contest the Sharks played well and in others areas and at other times they were poor.

The first half looked as though it was all Perth, however a couple of chances early in the game may have changed  the outlook at half time.  To the boys credit, plus a couple of moves, saw the Sharks return after the break with renewed intensity, with Holmes, Anthony, Bannister and Barone providing drive through the midfield.  Franklin was outstanding down back, often repelling many Perth forward thrusts and he was ably partnered by Ricciardello.

Unfortunately that couldn’t be sustained in the last quarter and Perth took full toll, taking 7 marks in forward 50 alone, and in the process kicking 7 goals to 3 to run out comfortable winners.  A tough day at the office, plus a few injuries see the East Fremantle boys having to regroup quickly as they take on West Perth this week.

GOALS

Perth – 3 D.Arangio, C.Walley, 2 B.Borrett, L.Dennis, 1 K.Germs, J.Hooper, C.Jones, A.Mercer, T.Stevenson

East Fremantle – 2 D.Anthony, 1 M.Bannister, J.Williamson, R.Jones, A.Holmes, M.Edwards, J.Fletcher.

BEST

Perth – L. Dennis, S. McGillvray, R. Garlett, K. Ransted, M. Parker

East Fremantle – M. Franklin, A. Holmes, D. Anthony, M. Bannister, A. Ricciardello

East Fremantle                  8.4 = 52                                 def by                   Perth                     15.14 = 104

Colts

The Colts had a great opportunity to play after the League and with 5 debutants and 14 changes to the team, due to State and PSA representation, the game provided a chance for a number to showcase their talent and the depth of the squad.

Perth got the jump early, controlling the play the ball and winning stoppages at will.  The Sharks boys couldn’t get their hands on it and with an extra 50 possessions for the quarter it was no wonder the Demons boys held a 5.2 to 3.1 lead.

With greater defensive pressure and much better ball movement our young Sharks gradually clawed their way back in to the contest, with skipper Fraser Perry leading the way.  Small forward Alex Newton was dangerous up forward, playing hard, aggressive football and had kicked three by ¾ quarter time. Joey Eardley {16 years old}, on debut, led up hard at the ball carrier and one mark in particular showed why he will be a very good player for the Sharks in the future.  The backs were back to their defensive best, with Hebiton back to his early season form and with Senna Grljusich, also on debut, providing excellent run and creativity off half-back.

The final quarter was all one way traffic, with the boys kicking 5 goals to 1, with Jayden Quill, another debutant, kicking two critical late quarter goals.  Jesse Adamini, who with Perry, was also providing the drive in to the forward line.  The pressure across the whole ground was excellent and the 29 point win was excellent reward for both players and staff who have been unwavering in their approach and faith in the squad.   

The win sees the Sharks back in the 5 and another win, in a critical match against West Perth this week, will be fantastic for the young squad.

East Fremantle                  12.12 = 84                            def                         Perth                     8.7 = 55