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WAFL round 3: Perth shocks Peel, Tigers win close one over East Fremantle

Michael PalmerSouthern Gazette

Peel Thunder vs Perth

Reigning WAFL premiers Peel Thunder have slumped to their second successive loss following a shock defeat to the previously winless Perth Demons at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Sunday.

In a match Thunder were expected to win, the Demons had other plans, holding out a fast-

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finishing Peel side to record a hard- fought six-point win, 12.13 (85) to 11.13 (79).

With the margin at seven points at the end of each of the first two quarters, the visitors turned it on in the third stanza, piling on seven goals to the Thunder’s two, opening up what seemed an unassailable lead of 38 points heading into the last quarter.

Peel threw everything at Perth in the final quarter to bring the margin back to six points with just over 10 minutes to go. Unfortunately they couldn’t deliver the knock-out blow to register their second win of the season as the Demons held on for a morale- boosting victory.

For the victors, Clint Jones was instrumental with a game- high 35 disposals and eight marks. Michael Sinclair chipped in with 32 of his own while Cody Leggett was judged best on ground with 30 touches (20 kicks, 10 handballs), 10 tackles and six marks. Spencer White proved a handful up forward with a five-goal bag from 14 possessions.

Ex-Essendon player Ben Howlett led the Peel side with 33 touches (21,12), 10 tackles and five marks.

Peel have a bye this weekend, while Perth host an inconsistent East Perth at Lathlain on Saturday.

Anthony Guerriero

Claremont vs East Fremantle

In a thriller at Claremont Oval, the Tigers secured a famous victory right on the final siren to defeat a gallant East Fremantle by four points – 12.11 (83) to 11.13 (79).

An intense affair throughout, the precedent was set in the opening two minutes when East

Fremantle’s Nick Kommer flattened Jye Bolton with a thunderous hip and shoulder.

Despite losing star player Kane Mitchell to a left leg injury in the second term, the Tigers stormed back after a lacklustre first half, with defender Keifer Yu scoring the winning goal as the siren sounded with the ball sailing between the big posts.

East Fremantle and Claremont sit fourth and fifth on the ladder respectively after round 3, with Tigers facing the league leaders Subiaco at Leederville this Thursday night and the Sharks hosting a Fremantle Derby on Sunday.

Jesse Dart

Subiaco vs Swan Districts

Subiaco were far too good for Swan Districts in the top-of-the-table clash at Leederville Oval, with the Lions winning by a huge 96 points, 21.14 (140) to 6.8 (44).

Swans started well, kicking five goals to three in the first quarter but that was when it ended, with Subiaco dominating the last three quarters, kicking 18 goals to just one goal, kicked by returning veteran Rhys Palmer in the middle of the third quarter.

Swans had no answers to the key Lion forwards in Stevenson and Sokol, who both kicked four goals for Subiaco.

Stevenson in particular was solid in all four quarters and was far too good for Howard.

Likewise, Subiaco’s midfield was superior, with plenty of players getting their hands on the ball, including Phelan with 32 touches, Deluca (31), Kennedy (29) and Horsley with 27 possessions.

It did not help Swans when one of the prime movers who has been in terrific form, Jarrad Blight, was a late withdrawal.

The Subiaco backline was also outstanding, with Litherland, Rhode, Heal and Lockyer continually running off and creating.

Swans will hope to rebound next week at home against West Perth on Saturday, whilst Subiaco once again play at their home ground at Leederville against Claremont under lights on Thursday night.

Cam Robbins

West Perth vs South Fremantle

South Fremantle travelled up the freeway to meet West Perth in what turned out to be a very tight and entertaining game, with South Fremantle winning by eight points – 15.6 (96) to 13.10 (88) – to continue their recent run of wins against the Falcons.

West Perth bolted out of the blocks in the first quarter to go in to quarter-time ahead by four goals.

That lead was then not only eradicated but overtaken by the 10-minute mark of the second quarter before West Perth steadied to get to half-time only one point down.

The second half was a more even tussle, with both teams enjoying different phases with the momentum and it was fairly even throughout the second half.

For the victors, Hayden Schloithe showed why he won the Sandover Medal in 2017 by enjoying another best-on-ground performance.

West Perth travel to Steel Blue Oval on Saturday to play Swan Districts, while South Fremantle play a derby on Sunday against the Sharks.

Paul Prior

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