Round 9 McDonald's WAFL Wrap UpTuesday, May 17, 2016 - 12:44 AM - by Chris Pike

THE WAFL's top three teams South Fremantle, Subiaco and East Fremantle all scored comfortable Round 9 victories on Saturday with East Perth also returning to winning form to replace old foes West Perth in the top five.

All four matches took place on Saturday afternoon with South Fremantle defeating Peel Thunder 16.11 (107) to 9.12 (66) at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

Subiaco bounced back from its first loss of 2016 defeating Claremont 17.13 (115) to 11.5 (71) at the Claremont Showground while East Fremantle beat Perth 16.12 (108) to 10.9 (69) at ATOM Stadium and East Perth prevailed 17.12 (114) to 3.5 (23) over Swan Districts at Medibank Stadium.

Following nine rounds of the season with each team having played eight games and one another once, it's South Fremantle (7-1) on top of the ladder percentage ahead of Subiaco (7-1).

East Fremantle (5-3) is sitting third with Peel Thunder (4-4) and East Perth (4-4) rounding out the top five ahead of West Perth (4-4), Claremont (2-6), Perth (2-6) and Swan Districts (1-7).

Click here for the summary of Round 9 of the WAFL

TEAM OF THE WEEK (club, times named)
BACK: Ryan Nyhuis (PT, 2), Declan Jackson (S, 2), Brent Latch (P, 1)
HALF-BACK: Adam McIntosh (SF, 2), Aaron Heal (S, 3), Brock O'Brien (EF, 2)
CENTRE: Tim Kelly (SF, 1), Michael Barlow (PT, 1), Jackson Nelson (EP, 1)
HALF-FORWARD: George Hampson (EF, 4), Clancy Wheeler (S, 2), Shayne Hille (EP, 1)
FORWARD: Liam Ryan (S, 1), Hamish Shepheard (S, 2), Jamie McNamara (EF, 1)
RUCK: Lachlan Delahunty (S, 4), Ashton Hams (SF, 3), Matt De Boer (PT, 2) 
INTERCHANGE: Jye Bolton (C, 3), Julian Jacobs (P, 3), Paul Johnson (EP, 1), Kane Lucas (EP, 2)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK -     HAMISH SHEPHEARD
The big question mark over Subiaco coming into the 2016 season was how the Lions would replace the players lost from their premiership forward-line.

With full-forward Matt Boland, the dynamic Shane Yarran and small forward Chris Deluca all departing, the Lions had to replace 102 goals from last season, and 13 from the grand final victory over West Perth.

Liam Ryan and Shaquille McKenzie have helped replace Deluca, Ben Sokol has stepped into Yarran's role and as the key target out of the goal square, Hamish Shepheard has proven to be more than capable of being Subiaco's focal point.

The former Fremantle rookie played 43 games at East Perth where he split his time between the forward-line and the ruck. Since being delisted he returned to Augusta-Margaret River where he was playing-coach and then when Subiaco lost Sam Grimley to Essendon on the eve of the season, Shepheard was Plan B and quickly signed.

And Shepherd has been tremendous as the main forward target kicking 22 goals in the eight games.

He has only been held goalless once, in the 80-point loss to East Fremantle, and he starred in Saturday's win over Claremont with six goals from 17 possessions and 10 marks to join Brett Peake on top of the race for the Bernie Naylor Medal.

THE SHINING LIGHTS
It was a big day for inspirational South Fremantle captain Ryan Cook with him bringing up his 100th game with the Bulldogs since arriving in 2011. Not only did he celebrate with the win but had a big hand in it finishing with 27 possessions and 12 marks.

Ashton Hams was again closely checked for the second straight week but he shook off Peel opponent Brady Grey to amass 35 possessions along with seven inside 50s, five marks, four tackles and a goal.

Hams had plenty of help in the midfield with Tim Kelly finishing with 22 possessions and two goals, Jacob Dragovich 21 disposals, Steven Verrier 18 touches and six tackles, and Shane Hockey 18 disposals.

South Fremantle gladly welcomed back full-forward Ben Saunders and Josh Pullman to good effect after the pair missed last week's win over Claremont. Saunders booted three goals from 11 touches and six marks, while Pullman did well limiting Michael Apeness to three kicks and two goals while taking seven good marks himself.

Saunders had plenty of support in the forward-line with Zac Strom booting two goals from 18 possessions, and Mason Shaw two from 12 touches and six marks. Steven Edwards worked hard for 19 touches and a goal, and Blaine Johnson had 17 disposals and a goal.

Pullman got good help in defence too with Blayne Wilson finishing with 23 possessions and 10 marks, Adam McIntosh 23 disposals and 12 marks, and Adam Guglielmana 22 touches, eight marks and a goal.

South Fremantle unveiled another debutant with Jake Florenca looking good with 16 possessions, four marks and a goal in his first league appearance.

Peel did regain the services of Matt De Boer and Michael Barlow for the clash but the loss of Ed Langdon, Clancee Pearce, Tendai Mzungu, Anthony Morabito and Zac Clarke from the previous week hurt, particularly Clarke leaving Jack Hannath as the sole ruckman.

Hannath worked hard for 14 possessions, five marks, six tackles and 28 hit outs but it meant he couldn’t spend time forward and that Tanner Smith and Michael Apeness had to give him some support rather than remain in key position roles.

De Boer and Barlow did all they could for the Thunder in the midfield with the former finishing with 39 possessions, eight tackles, six inside 50s and a goal, and the latter 39 disposals and 12 marks.

Rory O'Brien also had 26 possessions for Peel in his 100th game for the club with Brady Grey contributing 21 disposals, Darcy Tucker 19, Sam Collins 17, Josh Deluca 17 and Brayden Lawler 17.

Michael Apeness kicked two goals for the Thunder from three kicks and five marks in his first league game of the season. 

It was always going to be fascinating how Subiaco responded to its 80-point loss to East Fremantle and the Lions took a half to shake off Claremont at the Showground, but kicked away with six goals to two in the third quarter to finish up with the eventual 44-point victory.

Despite the mishap against the Sharks, Subiaco still holds a 7-1 record and will look forward to regaining key players Wayde Twomey, Jordan Lockyer, Kyle Halligan and Rhys Waters in the second half of the year.

Subiaco's forward-line might have been shut down against East Fremantle but hit back well with the Lions kicking 17 goals against Claremont with full-forward Hamish Shepheard the star with six goals from 17 possessions and 10 marks.

Second-gamer Liam Ryan kicked four goals as well from 14 touches and five marks with the excitement machine offering a new dynamic to the Lions' forward-line.

Clancy Wheeler also kicked two goals form 21 touches, six marks and six inside-50 entries for the Lions.

The Subiaco midfield also got on top with ruckman Lachlan Delahunty starring with 27 possessions, 10 hit outs and a goal. Craig Hoskins also had 24 disposals, Kyal Horsley 23, Chris Phelan 22, Simon Moore 20, Adam Cockie 18 and Brett Robinson 18.

Subiaco's back-line was outstanding with Aaron Heal and Declan Jackson combining to hold Darcy Cameron and Beau Maister goalless. Joel Latham also had 19 disposals in the Lions' defence and Greg Broughton 18 touches.

Claremont's midfield again worked hard led by Jye Bolton who finished with another 28 possessions, eight marks, five inside 50s and two goals.

Ryan Neates also had 29 touches and nine marks for the Tigers and Tom Ledger 24 disposals, Jake Murphy 23, Ryan Lim 21 and Mitch Andrews 12 along with 38 hit outs.

Jack Richardson kicked three goals for Claremont from eight kicks with Ian Richardson also booting two majors from 23 possessions, seven marks and six inside 50s. Jack Bradshaw also kicked two goals.

Brandon Franz tried valiantly in defence for the Tigers contributing 18 possessions and 12 marks while John Williams finished with 17 disposals in his first league game of the season. 

East Fremantle got off to a fast start with six goals to two against Perth in the first quarter, and another six to three in the second to end up cruising to a third straight victory by the tune of 39 points.

It was George Hampson and Brock O'Brien who had dominant performances with Perth having no answers for the pair.

Hampson split his time between the forward-line and midfield and finished with 30 possessions, eight marks, six inside-50 entries and four goals. O'Brien was left to do as he pleased across half-back and dominated with 37 possessions, 21 marks and seven inside-50 entries as he set the Sharks up endlessly on his dynamite left boot.

Captain Jamie McNamara played a new role in the forward-line for the Sharks and showed strong hands overhead pulling in seven marks for 14 possessions and five goals, four of which came before half-time. His mark in the opening quarter when he got a perfect ride on Michael Sinclair was likely the Mark of the Year.

Liam Anthony had his influence limited by Cody Leggett but still kicked two goals for the Sharks with Brett Peake booting another three to take his season tally to 22.

Sean Henson had another good game on the wing for East Fremantle with 26 possessions while Ryan Lester-Smith finished with 22 disposals, Dion Anthony 22, Jayden Schofield 22 and Tim Bristow 19.

Perth didn’t stop trying all afternoon but didn’t have any targets up forward to help them to a winning score. Callum Walley was the most lively in attack but the small forward managed just 1.2 including having several shots on goal that failed to score.

The Demons' midfield again worked tirelessly led by 39 hit outs from ruckman Angus Graham while Aidan Tropiano compiled 33 possessions (eight tackles), Julian Jacobs 32 (nine marks, nine inside 50s), Clint Jones 31, Liam McKenna 27 and teenage star Zac Fisher 23 (four tackles).

Brent Latch did a strong job in defence keeping Matthew Watson scoreless while having 20 possessions and six marks himself. Toby Gianatti did well to limit Peake's influence in the first half, and then did what he could on Hampson after half-time.

East Perth kicked six goals to nil in the opening quarter and that signalled the Royals were set for a big win and they cruised to the 91-point victory at Medibank Stadium.

Jonathan Giles and Brant Colledge kicked three goals each for the Royals, and Shayne Hille, Julian Ameduri, Tom Lamb and Patrick McGinnity two apiece.

Hille played likely his best league game with 22 possessions and seven marks to go with his two goals while Lamb also had 22 touches and eight marks, and McGinnity 22 disposals and eight marks.

Kane Lucas continued his terrific midfield form for East Perth with 34 possessions and 13 marks while Lewis Jetta gathered 29 disposals, Steven Payne 29, Jackson Nelson 29, Corey Adamson 27, Luke Partington 24, Xavier Ellis 22 and ruckman Paul Johnson 19 to go with six marks, 22 hit outs and a goal.

East Perth's defence was rock solid only conceding three goals with Mitch Fraser finishing with 23 possessions, Paddy Brophy 23 (eight marks), Tom Cole 20, Kyle Anderson 18 (eight marks), Nathan Blee 15 (nine marks) and Tom Barrass 14 (eight marks).

Swan Districts were again down on manpower with Aaron Elari, Kirk Ugle, Matthew Jukes, Jacob Coniglio, Jarrad Blight, Jake Nuich, Murray Newman and Nathan Blakely among the players not playing who coach Greg Harding would have been banking on coming into 2016.

However, several of those won't be back at all and Swans need to find a way forward without them and they continue to back in the youth with an eye to the future.

They are seeing some encouraging results with Griffen Logue looking good in defence and having 14 possessions and four marks while Aidan Clarke was impressive with 21 possessions and nine marks. Jesse Turner also had 17 disposals and Albert Dean returned to the side with 23 touches and four tackles.

Ricky Cary, Tallan Ames and Adam Faulkner kicked Swans three goals with Faulkner also gathering 33 possessions, Matt Riggio 33, Justin Simpson 26 (11 marks) and Freddie Clutterbuck 21.

RESERVES STANDOUTS
The reserves began the day at Fremantle Community Bank Oval with South Fremantle thumping Peel Thunder 24.20 (164) to 6.3 (39).

Jesse Mirco kicked five goals for South Fremantle from 22 possessions and 11 marks with Tyson Pickett also booting five majors from 18 touches.

Shaun Bewick responded to being dropped with 40 touches, nine inside 50s, seven marks, five tackles and two goals for the Bulldogs while Dominic Warrell, Brandon Donaldson and Matthew Grubelich all kicked two each.

Dylan Main finished with 33 possessions, Jordan Matera 29, Josh Branchi 23 (32 hit outs, nine marks), Jakeb Tartaglia 23, Noah Strom 20 (11 marks), Jacob Martinez 20, Bailey Matera 19 and Billy Collier 19.

It was tough going for Peel's reserves but Keegan Power impressed with 22 possessions while Alexander Bray had 16 to go with eight marks and a goal.

Claremont's reserves scored a thumping 17.13 (115) to 4.8 (32) victory over Subiaco at the Showground.

Jack Beeck responded to being dropped for the first time this season kicking four goals for the Tigers with Ashley Fitzgerald booting three majors, Alexander Manuel two, Gerrick Weedon two and Harrison Court two.

Keifer Yu was also dropped for his first reserves game of 2016 with 38 possessions, eight marks, four tackles, six inside 50s and a goal while Court finished with 25 disposals, Morgan Davies 23, Ian Rowe 22, Rowen Powell 22, Toby Plant 21, Justin Speed 20, Harry Sinclair 20 and Hugo Breakey 20.

Jeremy Woodley kicked two of Subiaco's four goals with Braden Fimmano collecting 20 possessions and Will Fetherstonhaugh 18.

East Fremantle's reserves defeated Perth 14.12 (96) to 11.2 (68) at ATOM Stadium with Jacob Green and Fraser Perry kicking three goals each for the Sharks. Adrian Ricciardello and Lewis Krakouer added two apiece.

Jake Schleicher racked up 27 possessions for East Fremantle, Tom Hooker 25, Green 19, Tyler Chalwell 19, Jesse Adamini 19, Tom Marshall 18 and Aaron Holmes 17.

Clint Chivers kicked three goals for Perth and Marshall Jones two and Guy Piggott two.

League captain Dene White played his second game back from injury and had 23 possessions and two goals with Rowan Brookes collecting 24 disposals, Kodie Fleay 24, Kieran Hug 21 and Shaun Crane 18.

Swan Districts had a better time of it in the reserves defeating East Perth 18.12 (120) to 13.11 (89) at Medibank Stadium with the black-and-whites kicking 12 goals to two after half-time to win by 31 points after trailing by 34 at quarter-time.

Rudy Riddoch kicked four goals with 22 possessions for Swans and Dylan Smith four goals from 18 disposals and seven marks. Tim Yorkshire also booted three, Tyson Hodge two and Shannon Stack two.

Matthew Jukes compiled 29 possessions for Swans, Warrick Wilson 26, Ben Whitsed 23, Ben Holman 22, Jacob Coniglio 20, Sean Fletcher 18 and Ethan Maguire 18.

Simon Tunbridge, Malcolm Karpany, Jordan Snadden and Nathan Eaton all kicked two goals each for East Perth.

Snadden racked up 28 possessions for the Royals, Mitch Lague 24, Tom Omodei 23, Karpany 20, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls 18, Callum Hart 17 and Beau Chatley 17.

REDiMED COLTS RISING STARS
The colts then finished proceedings at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday night with South Fremantle defeating Peel Thunder 14.14 (98) to 11.5 (71).

Seaton Thompson and Antionne Forrest-Yarran kicked three goals each for South Fremantle, and Alex Robinson and Andre Coutinho two.

Daniel Burke gathered 23 possessions for the Bulldogs, Zane Sumich 20, Caleb Datson 18 and Enrique Aiken-Featherstone 16. Jacob Warne had 11 touches and 33 hit outs in the ruck.

Brett Milward kicked four goals for Peel with Tom Boyle and Damon Cramer booting two apiece.

Michael Humble racked up 30 possessions for the Thunder, Brandon Penny 18, Alex Cohen 16 and Jakeb Shine 16.

Claremont's colts recorded a thumping 19.17 (131) to 7.3 (45) at the Claremont Showground with Riley Quilty kicking three goals, Dylan Wallam two, Nicholas Ashford two, Corey Mitchell two, Caiden Curtin two, Jacob Sideris two and Keanu Shandley two.

Josh Houwen compiled 32 possessions for the Tigers, Bailey Bennett 28, Curtin 26, Sideris 24, Oliver Eastland 21, Shandley 18 and Ian Robilliard 18.

Wyvern McDiarmid and Callum Bramley kicked two goals apiece for Subiaco with Jack Beverley finishing with 17 possessions and Ashton Williamson 33 hit outs.

Perth's colts continued its undefeated start to the season with a 13.13 (91) to 9.4 (58) victory at ATOM Stadium.

Blake Johnson, Sam Perkusich, James Bereyne and Brodey Eades all kicked two goals apiece for Perth.

Chris Leonard gathered 26 possessions for the Demons, Cody Ninyette 24, Joseph Ugle 22, Josh Burke 19 and Bereyne 17.

Dillon O'Reilly kicked three goals for East Fremantle and Matthew Burton two with Corey Holmes collecting 24 possessions, Jayden Quill 23, Leon Pearton 21 and James Valentine 20.

Swan Districts' colts finished the day at Medibank Stadium with a 14.9 (93) to 6.4 (40) victory over East Perth.

Stephen Hay kicked three goals for Swans, Lochie Huntley two, Khyle Ugle two and Brayden Spackman two.

Sachin Barr compiled 27 possessions for the black-and-whites, Jarrod Shorter 28, Liam McPherson 26, Taryce Stewart 26, Huntley 25, Greg Ottaviano 22 and John Shaw 20.

Mitch Dobson had a prolific game for East Perth racking up 40 possessions to go with 10 marks. Kobe Chrisp also had 27 disposals for the Royals, Nelson Waite 20, Christian Ameduri 19, Casey Phillips 18, Ben Miller 18 and Jack Bodle 18.