Round 13 Match ReportsSunday, July 1, 2018 - 12:40 PM - by Chris Pike

IT was back to a full round of four matches in Round 13 of the WAFL on Saturday with Subiaco seeing off West Perth's challenge, Claremont breaking into the top five, Peel Thunder closing in on another finals berth and South Fremantle handing East Perth a sixth consecutive loss.

It turned out to be a fascinating afternoon of WAFL action in Round 13 on Saturday as things really heat up in the battle for finals positions in 2018.

The round got underway at Bendigo Bank Stadium with Peel Thunder defeating Swan Districts 10.18 (78) to 9.6 (60) to celebrate the 100th WAFL game of dual premiership captain Gerald Ugle.

Then at Fremantle Community Bank Oval, South Fremantle moved further clear in second position beating East Perth 16.9 (105) to 12.12 (84).

West Perth took the challenge right up to Subiaco at Joondalup Arena in the International Football Festival celebrations, but the Lions continued their unbeaten start to 2018 by coming away 15.9 (99) to 10.6 (66) winners.

The round then concluded in Geraldton and it was Claremont prevailing over an East Fremantle team that did show some second half fight. But the Tigers won 13.11 (89) to 10.9 (69) to move into the top five.

Peel Thunder joined both Swan Districts and Claremont on five wins to be just percentage outside of fourth position after Saturday's 18-point win over Swans in Mandurah.

Peel was in control of the contest from the outset kicking three goals to one in the first quarter and another four to three in the second to lead by 24 points at half-time.

Swans did show some fight in the third quarter to get back within seven points by three quarter-time, but the Thunder steadied to come away with the three-goal victory.

Sean Darcy kicked three goals for Peel and Gerald Ugle two in his 100th WAFL appearance.

Danyle Pearce racked up 35 possessions for the Thunder, Taylin Duman 31, Keegan Power 28, Bradley Hill 25, Tom North 24, Harley Bennell 21, Brady Grey 20 and Ben Howlett 19.

Todd Banfield proved Swan Districts' most dangerous forward kicking three goals from 15 possessions, six tackles and five marks.

Matt Riggio picked up 28 possessions for Swans, Jesse Turner 25, Tobe Watson 23, Rhys Palmer 22, Tony Notte 21, Steven Payne 21 and Freddie Clutterbuck 20.

South Fremantle moved clear in second position on the WAFL ladder with a comfortable 21-point win against East Perth as well on Saturday.

The Bulldogs did have to recover from a slow start, though, with the Royals kicking the first four goals of the game and lead by 29 points entering time-on of the first quarter.

But once South Fremantle got on the board through the returning Ben Saunders, the Bulldogs got going and kicked nine goals to one in the second quarter to set up the eventual 21-point win after leading by as much as 39.

Cory Dell'Olio, Mason Shaw, Ben Saunders and Ashton Hams all kicked three goals apiece for South Fremantle.

Marlion Pickett was tremendous again as a midfielder with 32 possessions for the Bulldogs while Jacob Dragovich had 28 disposals, Nick Suban 25, Haiden Schloithe 23, Shane Hockey 21 and Brandon Donaldson 19.

Will Maginness kicked three goals for East Perth, Sharrod Wellingham two and Nathan Vardy two to go with 57 hit outs.

Dom Sheed amassed 34 disposals for the Royals, Patrick McGinnity 26, Luke Partington 25, Francis Watson 19 and Jaxon Cahill 18.

West Perth then hosted its now annual International Football Festival event at Joondalup Arena on Saturday and the Falcons took the challenge right up to Subiaco for the second time in 2018.

The Falcons were still within eight points by the 18-minute mark of the third quarter when Andrew Strijk kicked his third goal. But from that point, Subiaco went on to kick the game's next five goals to open a 43-point advantage and go on to win the game by 33.

Lachlan Delahunty delivered another huge performance for Subiaco with five goals from 28 possessions and 11 marks with Ryan Borchet also kicking five majors.

Josh Deluca compiled 34 possessions for the Lions, Chris Phelan 31, Kyal Horsley 29, Leigh Kitchin 24, Hayden Kennedy 23, Rowen Powell 20 and Zac Clarke 17 to go with 51 hit outs and a goal.

Andrew Strijk kicked another four goals for West Perth with Tyson Moulton booting two.

Shane Nelson racked up another 35 disposals for the Falcons, Aaron Black 30, Blake Wilhelm 23, Luke Meadows 23 and Kris Shannon 20. 

East Fremantle and Claremont made the trip to Geraldton to play at Country Builders Stadium, Wonthella on Saturday and the Tigers opened a match-winning lead in the first half.

Claremont led by 20 points at quarter-time and 44 points at half-time. Even though East Fremantle did outscore them in the second half with eight goals to four, the Tigers scored a comfortable 20-point win to rise to fifth position on the WAFL ladder

Ian Richardson kicked four goals for the Tigers and Keifer Yu while Tom Lee didn’t have his kicking boots on, with 1.4.

Tom Curren collected 30 possessions for Claremont, Lachlan Martinis 28, Jye Bolton 25, Kane Mitchell 23, Jack Beeck 22 and Morgan Davies 19.

Jack Perham and Cameron Loersch kicked three goals each for East Fremantle.

George Hampson finished with 33 possessions for the Sharks, Nick Kommer 26, Cameron Eardley 25, Dion Anthony 25 and Jordan Snadden 23.

ROUND 13 WAFL RESULTS
LEAGUE
Peel Thunder 10.18 (78) defeated Swan Districts 9.6 (60)
South Fremantle 16.9 (105) defeated East Perth 12.12 (84)
West Perth 10.6 (66) lost to Subiaco 15.9 (99)
East Fremantle 10.9 (69) lost to Claremont 13.11 (89)

RESERVES
Peel Thunder 10.11 (71) lost to Swan Districts 11.6 (72)
South Fremantle 8.9 (57) lost to East Perth 12.12 (84)
West Perth 11.15 (81) defeated Subiaco 8.11 (59)
East Fremantle 9.9 (63) lost to Claremont 15.9 (99)

COLTS
Peel Thunder 16.9 (105) defeated Swan Districts 6.7 (43)
South Fremantle 5.10 (40) lost to East Perth 7.4 (46)
West Perth 6.8 (44) lost to Subiaco 14.14 (98)
East Fremantle 15.11 (101) defeated Claremont 7.4 (46)

Click the graphics below for specific match reports.