BIG DAY OUT

For the second consecutive round all three teams had victories and are gaining momentum as we head towards winter. The Colts won by four goals, the Reserves hung tough to win by five points and the League team defeated the previously unbeaten Demons by thirty one. It was a particularly important victory for the League team as it keeps them in touch with the top five.

Perth commenced the game much better than the Falcons. As a result they led by thirteen after nine minutes. Their ball movement was very good. West Perth steadied shortly after as the result of a left foot snap by Keegan Knott. It was the first of his four for the day with his speed and forward pressure causing problems for the opposition defenders. The Demons kicked two behinds before Keegan Knott hit the score board once again. This time he took the ball off hands after a long kick forward by Rudy Riddoch. Rudy also had a very good day and was amongst the Falcons best with his transition into the midfield under Coach Valentine. The margin was back to three but Perth finished the term best and led by eleven at the first change; 3.5 (23) to 2.0 (12). It is fair to say that the home team should have led by more.

The second quarter started a pattern that continued for the remaining terms. West Perth dominated early and grabbed the lead by the seven minute mark. A busy Shane Nelson kicked the ball forward to Andrew Strijk who scored from the square. This was the first of “Strijky’s” three for the day. The skipper then ran into an open goal after he was on the end of a series of handballs. The lead was now two points and this was extended when Andrew Strijk kicked his second. Rudy Riddoch then showed his class to take the ball off hands to kick a major. The lead was fourteen at the twelve minute mark. But Perth then showed why they were undefeated after five rounds. They steadied and as a result tied the scores up as the clock clicked into time on. Demon livewire forward, Michael Bennell, started to find some space and was causing problems. This was the only time for the day that this occurred as Zac Guadagnin had the better of the duel on the day. Tyler Keitel was involved when he kicked the ball forward to Keegan Knott who scored his third. Tyler did some really good work around the ground. A Perth behind ended the term and as a result the Falcons led by five at half time; 7.1 (43) to 5.8 (38). Their accurate kicking was a big help.

Once again West Perth dominated the early going in the third term. They had the first six scoring shots to take the lead out to thirty one at the nineteen minute mark. Keegan Knott got the ball rolling with his fourth when he ran into goal to a score from close in. A minute later a Corey Chalmers shot from forty was shepherded through by Aaron Black. The lead was out to twenty five after a Tyler Keitel pass hit Mike Lourey on the chest on fifty. His long kick split the middle. Shortly after Mike Lourey scored his second when he ran onto the ball behind the pack. He is another player who is in very good form.  But as was the case in the second quarter Perth hit back hard during time on. They finished with the last three majors to reduce the margin to just thirteen at the final change. The game was well and truly still on as the 11.4 (70) to 8.9 (57) score line would indicate.

West Perth showed a high level of fitness by the way that they ran out the last quarter. They had the first five scoring shots to put the game beyond doubt by the midway point of the term. Andrew Strijk got the ball rolling after marking and receiving fifty. Three behinds followed before Nathan Alexandre intercepted a kick out of defence and passed to second gamer, Tom Medhat. He went back and finished from twenty five. The lead was now twenty eight and West Perth supporters could begin to relax. At the twenty three minute mark Mike Lourey scored his third after receiving a free twenty five out. Perth scored some points to finish the game but the Falcons defence had done a terrific job all day and the home team only scored three behinds in the last quarter. At the final siren West Perth had achieved a well-earned 14.7 (91) to 8.12 (60) victory. The win puts them just outside of the top five.

Best players for the Falcons included Aaron Black’s who produced some amazing smothers, tackles and inspirational acts to go along with his 32 possessions. Shane Nelson (35 possessions), Mitch Peirce (28 possessions) and Rudy Riddoch (24 possessions) were all strong through the midfield. In defence Dean Munns was outstanding and Zac Guadagnin blanketed Michael Bennell. Up forward it was Keegan Knott (4 goals), Andrew Strijk (3 goals) and Michael Lourey (3 goals) who did the damage.

The Reserves continued to play good competitive football finishing the game with another close victory. New recruit Drew Blurton played his first game of the year after missing the first 5 rounds with a broken finger, while Baylee James returned from injury and Troy Yukich from illness. Several players continued their good form and keep pressing for league selection. Best players were Conal Lynch who kicked three, Tyson Moulton who is running into good form and had a bag of four, Connor West, Tom O’Donnell, Tom Boyes and Brayden Antonio.

The Colts were too good for their opponents and had a four-goal victory; 12.10 (82) to 8.10 (58). A number of players didn’t take part as they played in the State 18s game on Friday night so the team did a great job to have a win. Best players were Tom Taylor-Shreeve, Lachlan Rewell, Liam Martin, Cooper Blackburn and Tyron Hindmarsh.

Next week we take on Peel at home. It will be an action packed day with the Futures competition starting at 8:30am, the Colts at 11am, Reserves at 1:45pm and the league will play a twilight game starting at 4.30 p.m. Be sure to head to the game and cheer on all grades as we strive to secure another win.