POOR FIRST AND LAST QUARTERS COSTLY

WEST Perth was never in the hunt against East Fremantle at ATOM Stadium on Saturday. After being outscored six goals to nil in the first quarter, the Falconswere never in a position to challenge for victory. There was no doubting the endeavour in the second and third quarters but the fight back took its toll as the Falcons went goalless in the final term.

At the final siren West Perth had lost by 50 points; 14.17 (101) to 7.9 (51).

The Sharks were very good and the Falcons poor in the first quarter. West Perth’s ball movement wasn’t anywhere near as precise as their rivals and the East Fremantle tall forwards had a field day with a continuous supply of football. As a result they had set up a match winning 38-point lead at the first change. The scores were 6.4 (40) to 0.2 (2).

As you would expect the Falcons started the second quarter with more desperation. This resulted in them kicking the first two goals of the quarter. The first went to Max Duffy whose long kick forward bounced over the pack for a goal and the second to Michael Lourey who snapped accurately after taking the ball off hands. This reduced the margin to 27 points. East Fremantle steadied thanks to a third to veteran Brett Peake. At the 11-minute mark Joel Leeson scored after a kick forward by Nick Rodda and when big man Mark Hamilton took a strong grab 30 metres out and converted the lead had been reduced to 21 heading into time-on. The last 10 minutes were tight but Sharks recruit Matthew Watson kicked his second and as a result East Fremantle took a 26-point lead into the main break. It was a much better quarter for West Perth but the Sharks still held a handy 8.7 (55) to 4.5 (29) lead.

The Falcons also had slightly the better of the third term and at one stage, well into time on, had reduced the margin to 18 points. Aaron Black, who along with Aidan Lynch and Jay van Berlo fought against the odds all day, scored the first for the Falcons after receiving a free 40 out. This was a reply to the first goal of the quarter that was kicked by the Sharks. This was to be the final major for almost 20 minutes as the game tightened up. A goal to Luke Meadows after a strong run and carry by Duffy was followed by a soccered major from the square by the hard working skipper, van Berlo. This occurred at the 26-minute mark and the deficit was only 18 but the Sharks had the last two scoring shots to take a 25-point lead into the final quarter. They led 10.12 (72) to 7.5 (47).

West Perth seemed to attack regularly in the last quarter and it was almost a surprise to look up at the scoreboard at the end of the game and realise that they hadn’t kicked a major. But the Sharks did, they kicked four and ran out comfortable 50-point winners; 14.17 (101) to 7.9 (51).

The ability to hit the scoreboard has been a problem so far this year and it is undoubtedly an area that the coaching staff are working on. It would be fair to say that the delivery and supply has not been what you would expect so once this improves the goals will come. There are a number of key players out with injury and once the list is healthy the Falcons will be a strong contender but the challenge is to stay in contention until this occurs. Best players included Aaron Black, Aidan Lynch, Jay van Berlo, Rohan Kerr and Steven Browne. A game against the old enemy at Leederville next week. It is fair to say that there will be a lot on the line for both clubs.

BY DARRELL KENT
PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR