WAFL Round 23 match reportsSaturday, August 26, 2017 - 6:19 PM - by Chris Pike

THE 2017 WAFL season always seemed destined to end in thrilling fashion and the drama was at fever pitch as West Perth stormed home to beat Claremont on Saturday to end the seasons of East Perth and the Tigers in the process.

Three of the four final round WAFL matches on Saturday were set to have a big impact on finals positions at the end of the season even though Subiaco, South Fremantle and Peel Thunder were secure in the top three spots.

Things were anything but guaranteed with the bottom two spots in the top five coming into the final round with Swan Districts, East Perth, West Perth and Claremont all fighting for the rights to play finals football in 2017.

In the end, Swan Districts put in a performance to forget at Steel Blue Oval against East Fremantle with the Sharks winning 20.10 (130) to 10.9 (69). 

It was East Fremantle's best performance of the season and sees the Sharks avoid the wooden spoon for 2017 giving that dubious honour to Perth. 

But it wasn’t all bad news for Swans because they do still end up finishing in fourth spot and will host an elimination final next Sunday at Steel Blue Oval.

It was the battle of the co-tenants at Leederville Oval with East Perth needing to win to still play finals in 2017. It was always going to be a big ask with Subiaco heading into the game on an 18-game winning streak and it did turn out a step too far for the Royals.

With Liam Ryan booting six goals to secure the Bernie Naylor Medal, Subiaco cruised to the 19th consecutive victory beating East Perth 16.14 (110) to 10.8 (68).

But East Perth's season was still dependant on what happened at Claremont Oval with Claremont hosting West Perth.

The Tigers led virtually all day and by as much as 23 points but the Falcons weren’t going to give up on their finals dream. Two quick goals to start the last quarter to Andrew Strijk saw them hit the front for the first time in the day.

West Perth's lead did get to 13 points but Claremont responded thanks to Matthew Palfrey, Matt Guelfi and Beau Maister to be eight points up heading into time-on.

There was plenty of drama left, though, with West Perth kicking the last two goals thanks to Michael Lourey and then a free-kick not paid to Claremont small forward CJ Oakley in the dying stages with the Falcons holding on.

West Perth won the game 12.6 (78) to 10.14 (74) to secure fifth position and end the finals hopes of East Perth and Claremont.

The other Round 23 match saw South Fremantle beat Peel Thunder 18.12 (120) to 12.14 (86) at Bendigo Bank Stadium.

The results mean that Subiaco has the bye in the opening week of the finals awaiting the winner of the qualifying final between South Fremantle and Peel Thunder on Saturday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

The loser of that game will then face the winner of Sunday's elimination final between Swan Districts and West Perth at Steel Blue Oval.

ROUND 23 McDONALD'S WAFL RESULTS
LEAGUE
Claremont 10.14 (74) lost to West Perth 12.6 (78)
Swan Districts 10.9 (69) lost to East Fremantle 20.10 (130)
East Perth 10.8 (68) lost to Subiaco 16.14 (110)
Peel Thunder 12.14 (86) lost to South Fremantle 18.12 (120)

RESERVES
Claremont 17.7 (109) defeated West Perth 5.8 (38)
Swan Districts 16.13 (109) defeated East Fremantle 10.10 (70)
East Perth 10.8 (68) lost to Subiaco 14.13 (97)
Peel Thunder 5.3 (33) lost to South Fremantle 18.13 (121)

REDiMED COLTS
Claremont 18.16 (124) defeated West Perth 5.6 (36)
Swan Districts 8.9 (57) defeated East Fremantle 7.10 (52)
East Perth 15.6 (96) defeated Subiaco 4.18 (42)
Peel Thunder 11.7 (73) defeated South Fremantle 9.8 (62)

Click the match graphics below for in-depth game reviews.