Match Report – Falcons continue hot form over RoyalsSunday, July 11, 2021 - 11:12 AM - by Chris Pike

WEST Perth continues to quietly emerge as a genuine premiership threat once again in 2021 after another strong 30-point victory as part of NAIDOC Round in the WAFL against East Perth on Saturday.

The Falcons might once again be flying under the radar so far this Optus WAFL Premiership Season and maybe that can be put down to the fact they did lose three of their first four matches, but you can't deny their form since.

While West Perth came into the clash at Provident Financial Oval on Saturday on a three-game winning streak, the East Perth form has been improved too since losing to the Falcons back on WA Day at Leederville Oval.

The Royals had won three of their past four games coming into the game so the stage was set for a fascinating derby battle between the fierce rivals, but the Falcons would have none of it.

West Perth piled on five goals to two in the opening quarter to lead by 20 points at quarter-time. Another five goals to one in the second term from the Falcons and in front of their home fans, they were well on top of the Royals leading by 45 points.

The game was all but over as a contest as a result by half-time but the Falcons did continue to extend their advantage with another four goals to two in the third term.

East Perth was able to show some fight in the last quarter with the only five goals but West Perth still cruised to the comfortable and impressive 14.13 (97) to 10.7 (67) victory.

It's a fourth consecutive win for the Falcons who improve to a 7-4 record on the season to be knocking on the door of a top three finish. East Perth slips to 3-8 to be further out of reach of the top five as a result of the loss.

West Perth's forward-line worked a treat once again with the number of options they have running through there even with Rudy Riddoch held goalless. 

Tyler Keitel still kicked four goals from 14 possessions and seven marks while Mitch Antonio chimed in with three majors, Keegan Knott two, Conal Lynch two and Nathan Murray two to go with 28 disposals and nine marks.

Falcons skipper Aaron Black was tremendous again with another 32 possessions, nine marks and six tackles while Shane Nelson racked up 29 disposals, Tristan Hobley 27 and Matthew Lloyd 21.

Nathan Murray continues his rapid emergence with another 28 possessions, nine marks and two goals while down back, Zac Guadagnin was again terrific 21 disposals and nine marks. Noah Pegoraro also had 19 touches and five marks, and Mark Hamilton 16 possessions and eight marks.

Tom Edwards-Baldwin was dangerous in attack for East Perth kicking three goals from 13 disposals and five marks while Nick Robertson kicked two majors from 16 possessions and six marks.

East Perth once again had plenty of impressive ball winners with Angus Schumacher racking up 31 possessions, Jackson Ramsay 29, Kye Willcocks 29, Rohan Kerr 28, Aidan Lynch 27 and Angus Scott 24 while Nathan Blee was again strong down back with 24 touches and five marks.

West Perth will attempt to make it five straight wins next week up against East Fremantle back at Provident Financial Oval while East Perth is away to Perth also on Saturday.

OPTUS WAFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 14

WEST PERTH            5.4    10.7    14.11    14.13 (97)
EAST PERTH            2.2    3.4    5.6    10.7 (67)

WEST PERTH: Goals – Keitel 4; Antonio 3; Knott, Lynch, Murray 2; Hobley.
Best – Black, Murray, Guadagnin, Keitel, Hobley, Nelson, Lynch.
EAST PERTH: Goals – Edwards-Baldwin 3; Robertson 2; Young, Lynch, Magro, Scott, Merritt.
Best – Ramsay, Willcocks, Schumacher, Lynch, Edwards-Baldwin, Kerr, Blee.