Round 15 McDonald's WAFL Wrap UpTuesday, July 5, 2016 - 3:04 PM - by Chris Pike

SUBIACO returned to the top of the WAFL with a win on Saturday with South Fremantle losing while West Perth consolidated third and stayed in the top two race as East Perth winning, East Fremantle losing and Peel Thunder having the bye kept things interesting.

West Perth and East Fremantle did battle over third spot at HBF Arena on Saturday with the home team celebrating its 1941 premiership with the Cardinals beating Old Easts 17.20 (122) to 7.10 (52).

East Perth stayed in the finals race with a 12.14 (86) to 9.16 (70) victory over South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval while Subiaco defeated Swan Districts 16.13 (109) to 11.9 (75) at Medibank Stadium and Perth downed Claremont 10.16 (76) to 11.6 (72) at the Showground.

The results leave Subiaco on top of the WAFL ladder at 11-3 to be ahead of South Fremantle (10-3) and West Perth (9-5). East Fremantle (7-7) remains fourth ahead of Peel Thunder (7-6) and East Perth (6-7).

Perth has moved two games clear in seventh spot at 5-8 ahead of Claremont (3-10) and Swan Districts (2-11).

Click here for the summary of Round 15 of the WAFL 

TEAM OF THE WEEK (club, times named)
BACK: Ben King (WP, 1), Eric Mackenzie (EP, 1), Toby Gianatti (P, 2)
HALF-BACK: Jesse Turner (SD, 1), Brent Latch (P, 2), Mitch Fraser (EP, 2)
CENTRE: Brant Colledge (EP, 1), Chris Phelan (S, 4), Jack Redden (EP, 1) 
HALF-FORWARD: Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls (EP, 1), Mason Shaw (SF, 2), Tom Gorter (EP, 1)
FORWARD: Hamish Shepheard (S, 4), Michael Lourey (WP, 3), Max Duffy (WP, 1)
RUCK: Troy Yukich (SD, 1), Shane Nelson (WP, 8), Clint Jones (P, 7)
INTERCHANGE: Will Fetherstonhaugh (S, 1), Aidan Tropiano (P, 2), Dion Anthony (EF, 1), Ryan Lim (C, 1)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – CHRIS PHELAN
There has been no more consistent WAFL player over the past four seasons than dual Subiaco centreman Chris Phelan and he again played a major part in the Lions' win over Swan Districts on Saturday.

Phelan was again best afield in Subiaco's 34-point victory delivering 29 possessions, 10 inside-50 entries and six tackles with his ability to win the ball and use it well, get out into space and win contested ball, and play at the same level for four quarters continuing to make him a standout.

The now 27-year-old veteran of 134 games initially began his career as a strong player off half-back when he made his debut back in 2008 but over the last four years now after an injury-interrupted 2012 he has been the most consistent midfielder in the competition.

Phelan has been a key part of the Subiaco team that has won the last two premierships, he won the club's fairest and best award in 2015 and now in 2016 he is again averaging 24.4 disposals with his consistency the key having no game with less than 17 touches and seven with more than 25. 

THE SHINING LIGHTS
West Perth's forward-line was challenged to improve after last week's game by coach Bill Monaghan and they stepped up tremendously well against East Fremantle on Saturday at HBF Arena.

Michael Lourey ended up kicking five goals from 17 possessions with Max Duffy booting four from 20 disposals and Mark Hamilton three from 13 touches and six marks. For Duffy and Hamilton, it was their best performances in a West Perth jumper.

Shane Nelson continued his remarkable run of form in the midfield for West Perth racking up another 36 possessions to go with six tackles, five marks and a goal. Aaron Black played as an inside midfielder to good effect with 31 disposals and a goal.

Rohan Kerr also gathered 25 possessions for the Cardinals, Aidan Lynch 22 and Jay van Berlo 20.

Dean Munns once again did a tremendous tagging job this time on East Fremantle wingman Sean Henson who had just five possessions for the game, three of which came in the first quarter.

Ben King came into the West Perth team and was given the job on Brett Peake and held him goalless while Joe Morrow limited Matthew Watson to one goal as well.

Drew Rohde gathered 26 possessions in the back-line, Tyler Keitel 22, Luke Meadows 22 and Steven Browne 20.

East Fremantle regained some much-needed quality to its line-up but after time away that didn’t automatically mean they would star. Liam Anthony collected 27 possessions, Cameron Eardley 24, George Hampson 13 and Jack Perham 13 in their first games back.

Dion Anthony was the best performer on the day for the Sharks racking up more than 30 disposals in the midfield while Jayden Schofield worked hard for 25 possessions off half-back and Brock O'Brien had it 19 times while also kicking two final quarter goals after moving forward.

South Fremantle was again without Haiden Schloithe, Adam McIntosh, Blaine Johnson and Ashton Hams while East Perth was boosted with the inclusions of West Coast players Dom Sheed, Liam Duggan and Jack Redden who were three of the best players on the ground.

It was a good blend of West Coast-listed and WAFL players that combined for a strong East Perth performance to keep the Royals well and truly in the finals hunt.

Redden responded to being dropped by the Eagles with a best on ground performance finishing with 28 possessions, eight marks and three goals while Sheed returned from injury with 26 disposals and a goal.

Duggan also played his first game since being relegated from the West Coast team and looked good with 22 touches and seven tackles while Eric Mackenzie was tremendous at full-back holding Ben Saunders to one goal and having 22 possessions and 10 marks himself.

Brant Colledge delivered his best game of the season for East Perth with 32 possessions, six marks and a goal while Xavier Ellis gathered 30 disposals and 10 marks.

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls continued his resurgence in the second half of the season for East Perth kicking another three goals from 20 possessions and nine marks while co-captain Craig Wulff returned for the first time since Round 9 with 15 touches, six marks and a goal.

Mitch Fraser was another standout in the back-line for East Perth with 28 possessions with Paddy Brophy gathering 18 touches, Kurt Mutimer 18 and Nathan Blee 17.

The ruck battle was a fascinating one with South Fremantle's Brock Higgins finishing with 18 possessions and 18 hit outs up against Paul Johnson (19 touches, 17 hit outs) and Jonathan Giles (six disposals, 29 hit outs).

Tom Gorter also played the best game of his three-game career with 24 disposals and 11 marks.

Mason Shaw was a terrific target in attack for South Fremantle kicking five goals for the second time this season from 16 possessions and nine marks. Zac Strom also booted two goals for the Bulldogs.

Tim Kelly battled hard in the midfield for South Fremantle up against the likes of Sheed, Duggan, Redden and Brant Colledge. Kelly finished with a team-high 24 possessions, eight inside-50 entries and six tackles.

Shaun Bewick continued his good form with another 21 disposals while Ryan Cook gathered 21 touches, Shane Hockey 20, Brendan Verrier 19 and ruckman Brock Higgins 18 to go with 18 hit outs.

South Fremantle's back-line fought hard and it included Blayne Wilson ending up with 23 possessions and nine marks, and Adam Guglielmana 23 disposals and seven marks.

Perth continued to show its signs of improvement in the second half of 2016 by winning consecutive matches for the first time since the opening two games of 2014, and the Demons beat Claremont by four points despite missing ruckman Angus Graham, captain Dene White and with Jared Bell going down injured early.

Once again it was Perth's midfield that was the key with Clint Jones racking up another 37 possessions, eight tackles and a goal, and Aidan Tropiano 32 disposals, seven inside 50s, five marks, five tackles and a goal.

Julian Jacobs also collected 21 disposals for the Demons, Liam McKenna 20 and Cody Leggett 20 while also limiting Simpson Medallist to just 20 disposals for Claremont.

Todd Stevenson was given the role to play in the ruck in the absence of Graham and he did well up against both Mitch Andrews and Darcy Cameron finishing with 16 possessions, 21 hit outs and five marks.

Brennan Stack kicked two goals for Perth but it was the Demons' defence that was especially strong with Brent Latch and Lennon Marlin holding Beau Maister and Darcy Cameron to two goals while Toby Gianatti held Jack Bradshaw to three kicks and no score.

Michael Sinclair also continued his good form with another 23 possessions and six marks off half-back.

Ian Richardson and Ryan Lim kicked two goals apiece for Claremont with Lim also finishing with 23 possessions.

Tom Ledger racked up 33 possessions to go with seven marks and five inside-50 entries for Claremont with captain Jake Murphy also contributing 31 disposals.

Jared Hardisty continued his improved form since being dropped with 27 possessions for the Tigers.

Subiaco had to come from behind against Swan Districts at Medibank Stadium but the Lions kicked away with seven goals to one in the third quarter to set up the eventual 34-point win that returns them to the top of the WAFL ladder.

Subiaco's forward-line found plenty of avenues to goal with Bernie Naylor Medal leader Hamish Shepheard kicking four goals and former South Fremantle pair Ben Sokol and Braden Fimmano three each. Usual defender Aaron Heal also kicked two goals.

Chris Phelan continued his strong form leading the midfield for Subiaco with another 29 possessions, 10 inside 50s and six tackles with Craig Hoskins finishing with 26 disposals and the returning Brett Robinson 21 along with eight inside-50 entries and a goal.

Will Fetherstonhaugh likely played the best of his 34-game career with 24 possessions, six inside 50s and a goal with Wayde Twomey also collecting 18 possessions off half-back for Subiaco.

Ricky Cary backed up his six-goal effort last week against Peel Thunder by booting another three on Saturday for Swan Districts with Tyson Hodge and Matthew Rogers adding two apiece.

Matt Riggio was a tireless worker in the midfield for the black-and-whites with 29 possessions with Adam Faulkner gathering 24 disposals, Freddie Clutterbuck 24, Justin Simpson 20 and Albert Dean 20.

Ruckman Troy Yukich dominated the taps with 50 hit outs as well for Swans.

Jesse Turner was a strong performance in the back-line for Swan Districts not only gathering 24 possessions, five marks, five tackles and a goal but by holding dangerous Subiaco forward Liam Ryan to just one goal and five kicks.

RESERVES STANDOUTS
East Fremantle's reserves scored a thumping 21.7 (133) to 6.9 (45) victory over West Perth at HBF Arena.

Lewis Krakouer kicked five goals for East Fremantle, Jacob Green four, Jesse Adamini three, Oliver Parish three, Adrian Ricciardello two and Andrew Stokes two.

Jake Schleicher gathered 22 possessions for the Sharks, Conor Regan 22, Adamini 21, Green 20, Matthew Bannister 20, Aaron Holmes 18 and Tom Bennett 18.

Keegan Knott kicked two goals for West Perth from 18 possessions.

Corey Chalmers racked up 31 disposals, James Batterham 20, Scott Nelson 17, Mitch Peirce 17 and Seva Mozhaev finished with 33 hit outs in the ruck.

East Perth's reserves also took out the victory at Fremantle Community Bank Oval defeating South Fremantle 11.16 (82) to 9.8 (62).

Matthew Allen kicked three goals for East Perth with Lewis Wilson and Asher Samelko kicking two apiece.

Tom Omodei gathered 31 disposals for the Royals, Daniel Perkins 25, Will Maginness 24, Callum Hart 22, Tom Hodgson 21, Shayne Hille 20, Jamie Bennell 18 and Beau Chatley 18.

Tyson Pickett kicked three goals for the Bulldogs and Noah Strom two.

Dylan Main gathered 25 possessions for South Fremantle, Jake Florenca 24, Chris Luff 23, Josh Collard 18 and Matthew Ah Siu 17.

Claremont's reserves defeated Perth 11.15 (81) to 8.7 (55) at the Claremont Showground.

Hugo Breakey and Rowen Powell kicked two goals each for the Tigers with Powell collecting 31 possessions, Justin Speed 26, Ian Rowe 22, Breakey 21 and Lachlan Martinis 20.

Callum Walley kicked six goals for Perth against his former team with Marshall Jones gathering 24 possessions, Ashley Boyes 23, Taran Etto 21 and Corey Byrne 20.

Subiaco's reserves defeated Swan Districts 16.11 (107) to 10.14 (74) at Medibank Stadium.

Jordan Bestry and Ryan Vermeersch kicked four goals each for Subiaco with Jeremy Woodley and Josh Underwood booting two apiece.

Ryan Wade amassed 29 possessions for the Lions, Matt Bogensperger 27, Max Walters 26, Daniel Leishman 24, Vermeersch 21, Shaquille McKenzie 19 and Josh Underwood 19.

Sean Fletcher, Lindsay Murray and Shannon Stack all kicked two goals each for Swan Districts with Ben Whitsed racking up 33 disposals, Ethan Maguire 24, Graham Jetta 22, Fletcher 22, Murray 21 and Jacob Coniglio 18.

REDiMED COLTS RISING STARS
The colts began the day at HBF Arena with East Fremantle defeating West Perth 14.17 (101) to 9.7 (61).

Matthew Burton kicked four goals for East Fremantle to go with 23 possessions, seven tackles and six inside-50 entries. Jackson Bennett added three goals for the Sharks, Dwayne Neville two and Ben Elsbury two.

Ben Harding finished with 27 possessions for East Fremantle, Jayden Quill 20, Alexander Montauban 19 and Corey Holmes 17.

Kurt Monaghan kicked two goals for the Falcons while Connor West finished with 23 possessions, 10 tackles and a goal.

Tyrese Miller also gathered 18 disposals for West Perth, Alec Johnson 17 and Joel Horgan 16 to go with eight tackles and six marks.

The colts began the day at Fremantle Community Bank Oval with East Perth winning a thriller 10.8 (68) to 10.6 (66). The Royals kicked away with five goals to nil in the third term before the Bulldogs kicked five goals to one in the last but fell just two points short.

Nelson Waite kicked three goals for the Royals with Stan Wright and Harry Blanch booting two apiece.

Mitch Dobson compiled 30 possessions for East Perth, Connor De Campo 20, Jaxon Cahill 20, Nathan Arbon 19, Ethan Christofis 19, Kobe Chrisp 18 and Matthew Young 18.

Jarren Colpitts, Jimmy Miller and Chad Pearson kicked two goals apiece for the Bulldogs.

Zac De San Miguel picked up 23 possessions for South Fremantle, Daniel Burke 19, Riley Burke 18, Bruno Faulkner 17 and Caleb Datson. Jimmy Miller finished with 14 touches and 17 hit outs as well while Jacob Warne contributed 11 disposals and 23 hit outs.

Claremont's colts defeated Perth 7.12 (54) to 5.6 (36) at the Claremont Showground with Jacob Sideris racking up 33 possessions for the Tigers, Tyson England 25, Jake Stergiou 21 and Sebastian Bentley 19.

Jeremy Goddard finished with 16 disposals and 29 hit outs in the ruck.

Joseph Ugle kicked two goals to go with 23 possessions for Perth with Jayden Johnstone gathering 29 disposals, Chris Leonard 25, Zareth Roe 24, Cody Kickett 20 and Bradley Pattison 18.

Swan Districts' colts kicked five goals to one against Subiaco in the first half on the way to an eventual 14.13 (97) to 8.7 (55) victory.

Aidan Clarke returned from the WA State 18s team and dominated with 23 possessions, eight marks and dix goals for the black-and-whites.

Stephen Hay also kicked two goals for Swans while Jarrod Shorter gathered 29 possessions, Mitchell Price 28, Tobe Watson 25, Greg Humphries 24 and Taryce Stewart 20.

Corey Young kicked three goals for Subiaco and Mitchell Crew two. Max Dennis collected 18 possessions and Aaron Breman 17