IN THEIR WORDS – DREW ROHDE ROUND 13

WELCOME to this week's edition of footballers trying to be journalists, every loyal West Perth supporters' favourite mid-week read.

Pikey has asked me to write a gripping and compelling narrative surrounding the State Game fixture from the weekend, recap the WA derby victory against the arch nemesis the East Perth Eagles, and give a brief insight into the lead up to this weekend's clash against Claremont at the Claremont Showgrounds.

Victories against East Perth are always sweet, but none are sweeter than the WA Day Derby win which always positions itself to be one of the biggest clashes in the West Perth fixtures, year on year. The win against our rivals last weekend was as unyielding performance as you will see across the board, much like Ashley and Martin have done for Mitch Antonio, with all 22 players contributing to get the points.

As always there were standouts with 'The Glove' Mean Dunns claiming another scalp, 'Your Round' Nelson and 'Draft Me' Keitel both being prolific in the midfield and down back. A special shout out to 'Puppa Bear' Lourey must also be extended after his four goal effort. Not only has he been kicking goals on the field, but also off it, with he and his beautiful wife Liz welcoming the birth of their first child over the weekend, CONGRATS DAD!

The State game bye is always a spectacle, not only do West Perth's best get to strut their stuff against the best the other states have to offer, but it is also a chance for the rest of the playing group to take some time away from the club, sit back, relax and watch the boys slug it out against Tasmania with a few light refreshments in hand.

Congrats to Aaron Black, Shane Nelson, Jay van Berlo, Andrew Strijk, Luke Meadows and Horn Rodda on your selections to represent the state! All were outstanding. Special shout out to Mad Dog Browne Dog as well, who was unlucky to miss out. This didn’t lower his colours however, still producing a best on ground performance on Saturday night. Mitch Peirce was another stiff one to miss, taking the news harshly and not leaving his girlfriend, Rosie's, shoulder all weekend.

Rumours have it that a number of miscellaneous phone calls were made during the week leading up to the game claiming Harro had robbed someone of a state berth. Those reports came back unconfirmed and 000 has now blocked Tyler Keitel's work, mobile and home phone numbers as well as threatened to charge him with harassment. 

This week against Claremont sets itself to be a vitally important game for both clubs with the outcomes of this week, and the two preceding weeks to likely have a large impact on where both clubs finish on the ladder.

Jye Bolton’s Simpson Medal winning performance on the weekend has set up a massive repeat match up of the Kulin clash between himself and The Glove which will be a fascinating spectacle. I'd like to take this opportunity to ask Dean if he could please come out from under Jye’s bed, it's only Wednesday mate.

Team selection will again be interesting with Jay van Berlo returning from his European Vacation which saw him miss the WA Day Derby as well as Max Duffy declaring himself fit and ready to go. Andrew Strijk approached Wild Bill during the week in regards to overhauling the captaincy after his exquisite leadership in VB’s absence. Talks have been put on hold til the next time Jay decides to go look at rocks in the ground… 

Hope to see you all down at the Showgrounds on Saturday!

Bleeeeeeeeeeed Red and Blue!