THE EVEN YEAR CURSE

WEST Perth has won 15 of its 19 WAFL premierships in odd years and you could surmise that years which end with an even number don’t tend to bring a lot of joy to Falcons supporters.

This certainly appears to be the case this year as a disappointing season continued at Medibank Stadium on Saturday when West Perth was defeated by East Perth. The 60-point loss leaves the Falcons in a precarious position having won only one of its first five games. The injury toll is certainly having an impact and there is no immediate end in sight.

West Perth would have been conscious of staying in the contest early in the context of the slow start against East Fremantle last week. They certainly managed that as the first term was dour and the Falcons attack on the ball was commendable.

Only two goals were kicked for the quarter and when Patrick McGinnity kicked the first at the 14-minute mark the Royals led by nine. This was to be their last score for the quarter as West Perth had the last three scoring shots of the short 25-minute term. The last one was a clever goal to Aaron Black who scored after a throw in close to goal. At the first change East Perth led by one; 1.3 (9) to 1.2 (8).

The second quarter opened up and seven goals were scored with the Falcons kicking four of them. The first came at the four-minute mark when a long kick forward was taken by Keegan Knott who goaled on the run from 40.

East Perth then took control but their next five shots were all behinds and the scores were tied up at the 11-minute mark. The Royals hit the front shortly after with a major but a goal to Max Alexander following a clever mark at the top of the square gave the Falcons the narrowest of leads. This was extended when Joel Leeson scored with a clever left foot snap but the seesawing nature of the term continued with East Perth having the best of the next five minutes.

When Craig Wulff goaled they had wrested back a one-point advantage. At the 28-minute mark Black scored his second but the lead was short lived as East Perth big man, Jonathan Giles, was given a free and 50m penalty at the bounce down and his accurate kick gave the hosts a one point half-time lead. They led 4.10 (34) to 5.3 (33).

The way that the contest ebbed and flowed in the first half didn’t prepare West Perth supporters for the second. Black's major at the 28-minute mark of the second quarter was to be the last West Perth goal until the 17-minute mark of the final term. The Royals dominated the third quarter kicking five unanswered goals and they led by 33 at the final change. The Falcons failed to trouble the scorer and trailed 9.12 (66) to 5.3 (33).

East Perth continued their domination in the final quarter and extended their lead. At the 17-minute mark Lynch kicked the Falcons only goal for the half from the top of the square. His work in the packs continues to improve and he works very hard around the ground. At the final siren East Perth had prevailed 14.16 (100) to 6.4 (40).

One of the highlights of the day was the debut of Mitch Peirce who didn’t look out of place with his 20 possessions. The injury problems have given players their opportunities and Mitch appears to have a bright future. Ben King also worked hard in his return. Best players for West Perth included Black, Tyler Keitel, Andrew Strijk, Steven Browne and Lynch. The reserves and colts both went under as well.  Next week sees the Falcons away to Swan Districts.

BY DARRELL KENT
PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR