YOUNG FALCONS CONTINUE TO BUILD INTO SEASON

THERE was a lot to like about West Perth's 32-point win against East Fremantle at HBF Arena on Saturday. The Falcons defended well and took advantage of their opportunities when they arose. It must give the coaching staff a great deal of pleasure to see the way that the young players have taken their opportunities and run with them. There will be times during the rest of the year that things don’t go to plan but Falcons supporters can be sure that this group of players will stick to the game plan and give the team every opportunity to succeed.

The Sharks had first use of the strong breeze that was favouring the Perth end of the ground. They attacked consistently, holding the ball in their forward-line, for long periods but their first five shots were behinds. The first goal didn’t come until the 21-minute mark but it went to the Falcons after Aidan Lynch scored from a set shot on the boundary 40 metres out. It was right against the run of play and gave West Perth a one-point lead. Two minutes later Matt Fowler laid a great tackle and was rewarded with a free 40 out. His straight kick extended the lead to seven. The response from East Fremantle was swift, however, as they split the middle after taking the ball straight out of the centre square. Steve Potente then showed great poise and balance to pass to Fowler who kicked his second for the quarter to take the lead back out to seven. George Hampson then kicked his first for the day for the Sharks before another behind just before the siren tied scores up. At the first change the scores were West Perth 3.0 (18) to East Fremantle 2.6 (18).

The Sharks kicked the first of the second quarter to snatch back the lead but from here West Perth took advantage of kicking with the wind and piled on four goals. Aaron Black, who had a great game, marked a Sharks kick out of defence and scored from 50. Three behinds followed before Jay van Berlo snapped a major after taking the ball from a throw in. The lead was out to 15 points after Luke Meadows bounced one through after some terrific forward line pressure by Fowler. The Falcons consistent attack continued with two more behinds resulting before Michael Lourey snapped a major after a scrambled kick forward by Nick Rodda. The lead was out to a handy 23 points but Josh Cuneo got one back for East Fremantle just before the siren to see the lead reduced to 17 at the main break; 7.5 (47) to 4.6 (30). 

The first five minutes of the third quarter went a long way towards securing a Falcons victory with the team controlling play and kicking three goals against the breeze. The first went to Kody Manning and was a result of his trademark pressure, the second to Jay van Berlo after marking 30 metres out and the next was a third to Fowler who snapped from the pocket. The lead was out to 35 points in the blink of an eye. But as you would expect the Sharks rallied to control the rest of the quarter but inaccuracy was once again a problem. From here they kicked three goals five to close within 14 points by the 28-minute mark. Black ended a hectic period of play with a major just before the siren to give West Perth a 20-point advantage going into the last term. They led 11.7 (73) to 7.11 (53).

The Falcons had a dream start to the final term taking the ball out of the middle and Marc Crisp marked 50 out, his straight kick gave West Perth a 26-point lead. The Sharks rallied to kick the next two into the breeze and reduce the margin to 14 points again. A clever tap by Chris Keunen to Potente saw him snap a clever goal to get one back for West Perth. Shortly after Julian Lacantro kicked his second for the Sharks to reduce the margin again but West Perth steadied to kick the last three of the game. The first was a classy finish by Rohan Kerr, the second was a clever soccer from the square by Lourey and the final goal of the game came after the final siren when Lynch kicked his third after laying a great tackle. The Falcons had registered a 32-point win, 16.9(105) to 10.13 (73), victory and climb into second place on the ladder.

The win gave West Perth five out of five wins at home this season and has given them every opportunity to work towards a finals berth. There is a lot to like about the way that the experienced and younger players are combining and sticking to the game plan. The colts went under but the reserves continue to improve every week and they had a comprehensive victory against the Sharks. Best players included Brent Fotheringham, Trent Manzone, Corey Chalmers and best was Joe Morrow who has returned from injury in very good form. Best players for the league side were Fowler, Black, Lynch, Luke Tedesco and best was Chris Keunen. Good luck to the players selected in the State side next week and the next game will be against the old enemy on WA Day on June 1. Another must win game!