Corey Chalmers kicked three goals.
Camera IconCorey Chalmers kicked three goals. Credit: Supplied/Dan White

Falcons soar ahead of finals

Staff WriterJoondalup Times

In a typically tight clash between the sides, the Falcons were three points down at the final change but kicked four goals to none in the last quarter to emerge 14.12 (96) to 11.9 (75) victors.

Aaron Black (32 disposals, two goals) and Trent Manzone (30 disposals) led the possession count with Manzone also adding an impressive 10 tackles.

Young forward Corey Chalm-ers booted three goals.

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The Falcons remain a game clear in second spot with just two games remaining.

With the revival of the top five this season, second place earns home ground advantage in the first round of finals.

The Falcons' strong percentage will all but guarantee them a top-two finish should they beat South Fremantle on Saturday.

Negotiations are continuing with West Perth and the WA Football Commission to resolve the club's Channel 9 sponsorship issues ahead of Channel 7's finals broadcasts.

Channel 7 will not televise Falcons' finals games if their jumpers feature the Nine News logo. The saga entered a new chapter last week when West Perth's eight rival teams declared they would support any measure necessary, including a Falcons finals ban, to ensure September games were televised.

The WAFC has given no indication it would take such a drastic measure.

A WAFC statement on Friday said the commission "greatly appreciates" the support from the eight clubs, but made no mention of excluding West Perth from the finals. "It is critical for the competition that the successful broadcast partnership with the Seven Network continues," the statement said.

"A key part of achieving this goal is to ensure that any 2015 WAFL finals featuring West Perth Football Club can be broadcast on the Seven Network. The WAFC and all the WAFL clubs will continue to explore all options to reach a resolution for the greater benefit of the competition."

The clubs' united stance against West Perth has prompted debate from a variety of sectors, with Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard becoming the latest community identity to share a view.

Mr Pickard said he was "shocked and very disappointed" by the eight clubs' decision to unite against West Perth.

"Given this issue is between West Perth and the WAFC, it is very disappointing that other clubs have tried to intervene when in reality they should be trying to learn from the Falcons and aspire to attract corporate sponsorship support," he said.