Select grade below

Rogers Cup - Round 13 Wrap

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 - 9:41 AM
It was Derby time this week, while the game may not carry the historical significance the WAFL games do, it is still a West Perth v East Perth rivalry, that both clubs were determined not to yield. The match was crucial for the Royals to maintain their Top 4 standing, as the finals are swiftly approaching. Conversely, a Falcons victory would bring them closer to securing top spot and a double chance in the final series.
The intense contest saw several momentum swings throughout the day with emotions running high. Ultimately, a valiant West Perth defence managed to fend off a last-quarter surge from East Perth, sealing a narrow 1-point win: 3.5 (23) to 3.4 (22).
The match kicked off with East Perth gaining the first inside 50. However, Sophie Fisher was vigilant and quickly turned the tide in West Perth's favour. The Falcons displayed impressive teamwork as they transferred the ball from one end to the other through a series of handballs. Mia Russo capped off this excellent play with a goal from a pack.
East Perth responded by rallying their numbers in their half-forward area, resulting in Sophie's switch turning into a 4-on-1 advantage for East Perth. They skilfully utilised this upper hand to score a goal.
Notable early performances from Jekylah Garlett, Sophie, Tayla Anthony, Mia Robis, and Zara Deschamps were restricting East Perth from inflicting any further damage given the ball mostly remained in East Perth’s forward territory.
Second Quarter was more about East Perth and their ground position, keeping it in their half.
Although Jamarah Woods who was playing well on the far wing helped drive the ball inside the 50, where Chloe Shearing found a loose ball during a stoppage near forward pocket and successfully snapped a goal, giving West Perth the lead.
East Perth's tackle pressure kept West Perth on the back foot and without Sophie Fisher and Chloe Smoker, successfully mitigated East Perth’s dominance, they may have scored more than the solitary goal, which had them go into the main break 2 point ahead.
The Falcons braced themselves for a challenging second half.
For the first 5 minutes of the third, neither team gained a clear advantage, until Bella Hill kicked forward from a stoppage; Kyra Abbott grabbed a contested mark in the goal square and scored.
Sophie, Jekylah & Chloe Smoker continued their strong defence, keeping the Falcons in contention.
Midfielders Bella Hill, Kaitlyn Roper, and Hayley Bidefeld stepped up their game to keep the ball in their forward half. However, the Falcons couldn’t take advantage as only manage several behinds.
Enter the last quarter, East Perth gained control of the game and territory for most of the quarter. A successful forward mark and goal reduced the margin to just 1 point.
There were several times where the Royals could have snatched the lead, but Paige Dodunski displayed her speed and quick thinking by refusing to concede a point. Her actions were crucial in allowing West Perth to emerge victorious by that single point.

Next Game - League

Round 6
Saturday, 04 May
V
2:10 PM at Lane Group Stadium
Game Preview

2024 Membership

Currently at
156
Click to Join

Current / Target

3920 / 2500

Upcoming Events

  • 2024 Hall of Fame Dinner

    Wednesday July 24 at 6:30am

    Function Room, Pentanet Stadium

    Event Information

OUR PARTNERS

2024 Corporate Classic

Proud to Belong

Next Game - WAFLW

Round 11
Saturday, 11 May
V
12:10 PM at East Fremantle Oval
Game Preview

BGC Housing Group Partnership