The undermanned visitors battled admirably in a scrappy first half, defying expectations against an improved East Perth outfit to be only a point down at half-time in the derby at Leederville Oval.
But with the hosts maintaining the majority of possession and peppering the ball inside 50, West Perth cracked in the second half leading to a 14.16 (100) to 6.4 (40) loss.
East Perth nearly managed to double its archrival’s inside-50 count for the match, delivering it 61 times to 32.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThe Falcons forward line ceased to function after the main break, East Perth keeping them scoreless in the third term, while kicking five goals to break open the contest.
West Perth veteran Andrew Strijk, who was in doubt for the clash with a leg injury, put in an incredible display to gather a match-high 35 disposals out of defence.
West Coast defender Sharrod Wellingham, returning from injury, drew much attention in his limited minutes on field for the Royals.
It was a subdued performance from Wellingham, who showed glimpses of dash, but was not particularly influential in his 17 disposals.
His Eagles teammate Jonathan Giles partnered with premier WAFL ruckman Paul Johnson in a steep learning curve for West Perth work-in-progress Seva Mozhaev.
The pair combined for 45 hit-outs to the 208cm Falcon’s 18.
Giles kicked three goals, putting him in good stead for West Coast selection should the Eagles’ Scott Lycett be suspended for striking Richmond’s Ty Vickery.
While there were few positives for West Perth, the debut of Mitchell Peirce, who was playing Colts last year, would have pleased coach Bill Monaghan.
Peirce had 20 possessions in his first league outing, to be his side’s sixth-highest ball getter.
Indicative of the Falcons’ forward woes, midfielder Aaron Black (29 disposals) led goal kicking with two majors.
Spearhead Michael Lourey was blanketed by the Royals’ Tom Barrass, who kept him goalless and allowed him just three marksWest Perth has a strong opportunity to snap its three-game losing streak when it faces a struggling Swan Districts side at Bassendean Oval on Saturday.
.