East Perth came into the game with momentum after pressure win against East Freo, then a very solid performance against Swans, while South had none, as reflected bu their poor performances over the previous 2 weeks.
East Perth started much like they did against Swans, with Young dominant through the middle, and Dobson and to a lesser extent than the previous week, Balestra, giving run off half back . Amos started as he finished, giving 1st use to his midfielders, and providing a bit around the ground. Wright popped up every now and then, while Powell-Pepper not getting a lot of it, caused the South defenders major worries with his physicality and forward pressure. Bayok seemed a bit off today, not as clean as usual below his knees, and dropping a couple of easy uncontested marks.
Royals looked a little less constricted by game plan and structure in the first half in comparison to last week, when they turned over few times trying to force decisions that weren't there, and went in with a 6ish goal half time lead.
South came out in the second half up and about, and a change in game style by getting it deep forward as quickly as possible and giving Bolton a chance to show his talent. Bolton was outstanding for a quarter and a half, getting South back to within 7 points 10 minutes into the last quarter, and a comeback win was on the cards. That's where the good players step up, and I thought Powell-Pepper was outstanding in the last 15 minutes, bullocking the ball forward, and stopping South clearing from the middle and therefore starving South's match winner Bolton. Bolton went in to the middle late to try and spark his team, but unfortunately was too little too late as East Perth piled on the late goals.
Vellios did some nice things, as did Hoffman, while I thought the Frenchman at Centre Half Forward and in the ruck performed well also. Stack was a bit quite, however he did work well in the last quarter ans was rewarded with a couple of late goals. He is one player that I think too much instruction could stifle his natural instincts, my instruction to him would be 'just go out and play'. Amos drifted out in the second half, while Young started and finished strongly. He is a beauty.
While De Placido does get a lot of it, I don't think he uses it too well, and most of his possessions are uncontested. For such a big bodied boy would like to see him crashing some packs and clamping some tackles. Good to see De Campo back and playing, but again his inconsistent disposal lets him down.
For South, Bolton was outstanding, he no doubt made the East Perth coaching staff sweat. Burke gets a lot of it, unfortunately a bit too slow with his decision making. Russell looks good with ball in hand, Forrest-Yarran bit off the pace due to the long lay off, Pearson spoils and kicks well, unfortunately his best hit of the day was on a team mate, Coutinho at times looked dangerous, Brwon works well inside the contest.
Also hope that Josh Grant makes a full recovery from his head clash.
To the preliminary, and it seems as though East Perth may be the best prepared to have a chance against Claremont. Momentum, more than solid game plan and well drilled team, Perth not looking like they'll get Narkle back.
Good luck to both teams next week, and nice meeting you last week Grump.