Thunder claps and the five tightens by Les Everett

WAFL round 17

On another horrible Saturday the game of the round and, thankfully, the Channel 7 game was at Rushton Park. Peel and South Fremantle slogged away all afternoon and the final margin in favour of Thunder was biggest of the day. 

An interesting feature of this game was the pivotal roles played by ruckmen Lloyd Meek and Riley Smith for Thunder and Hamish Free for the Bulldogs. Free’s reputation grows by the game, Meek did lots of good stuff and Smith made a nuisance of himself around the ground and also kicked two goals. Connor Blakely was outstanding for Peel, Liam Henry was very sharp and forwards Jye Amiss and Sam Sturt provided food for Freo thought. Mason Shaw added a touch of class to the South Fremantle attack and kicked two goals, Brendan Ah Chee handled the condition well and Tom Blechynden again impressed.

East Perth’s thin finals hopes disappeared with a loss to co-tenant Subiaco at muddy Leederville. Liam Hickmott was outstanding for the Lions while Angus Dewar kicked three goals.

Jesse Turner and Aidan Clarke were stars for Swans in a slaughter of the Eagles.

Claremont got a percentage boost from Perth.

The good news is that Perth and West Coast will meet at Lathlain next week in the late game. So if you’re looking for a Saturday night out you know where to head – 5.40pm start.

East Fremantle, South Fremantle, Peel and Swan Districts are fighting for the final three finals spots.

Meanwhile 53,818 turned up for the derby. West Coast made it closer than most anticipated. I thought Tom Barrass was extraordinary in defence for the Eagles but Fremantle gave the extraordinary David Mundy the home and away farewell he deserved. This wasn’t his last game at  Perth Stadium – let’s hope his last game isn’t at Perth Stadium.

Claremont 18.14 (122) Perth 6.5 (41)

Subiaco 10.9 (69) East Perth 8.8 (56) 

Peel 10.12 72) South Fremantle 8.10 (58)

Swan Districts 13.18 (96) West Coast 1.5 (11)

Ladder: West Perth 46; Claremont 44; East Fremantle 40; South Fremantle 38; Peel 36; Swan Districts 36; East Perth 24; Subiaco 24; Perth 8; West Coast 4.

Round 18: Perth vs West Coast; Claremont vs Peel; South Fremantle vs Subiaco; East Perth vs West Perth; East Fremantle vs Swan Districts.