Top four book their places by Les Everett

WAFL round 18

Strong wins by the top four teams has ensured finals involvement but there’s still the prospect of some shuffling.

“He’s back baby!” was the call from team mates as Mason Shaw slotted goals in his emphatic return to form at Fremantle Oval. Shaw kicked five as South Fremantle thrashed Subiaco. The talented Steven Edwards returned for the Bulldogs showing some of his customary dash and Jimmy Miller kicked three goals and was responsible for a brilliant bit of ruck work that resulted in a goal by Dylan Main.

The best game was at Claremont where Peel almost reeled in a 44-point deficit with six goals in a row in the third quarter. The Tigers did enough in a tight last quarter to win by 15 points. Oliver Eastland was important in the ruck for the Tigers and midfielder Ben Edwards kicked two goals in a dynamic display. Neil Erasmus kicked three of Peel’s third quarter goals  and Liam Henry again caught the eye.

East Fremantle and Swan Districts are both a bit banged up and there was only four points between them at half time in their clash at the WACA. The Sharks kicked 14 goals to two in second half. Ryan Lester-Smith has been pretty good for East Fremantle this year and did well in the midfield. Jon Marsh kicked four goals.

In the Perth derby at East Fremantle Oval (these are extraordinary times) the Falcons pulled away in the second half to record an easy victory. Former East Perth forward Mitch Dobson kicked four goals for West Perth as did Keegan Knott.

In the late televised game at Lathlain Park the score at quarter time was Perth 4.3 (27) West Coast 0.0. (0) – surely the Eagles have set some sort of record for scoreless quarters. The Demons went on to ensure the wooden spoon remains in West Coast (wherever that is). Exciting prospects Harry Quartermaine and Simon Hayward each kicked three goals. The official crowd was “about 1800” – the best of the round.

The big game this Saturday is at Claremont between the Tigers and the Sharks. A win will take East Fremantle into second place.

There could also be an interesting game at Rushton Park between Peel and West Coast. There is a chance the Eagles will include players who have finished the season in the AFL team. There’s also chance Fremantle players Nathan Fyfe and Matt Taberner will have a run for the Thunder.

Perth 13.11 (89) West Coast 6.6 (42)

Claremont 13.11 (89) Peel 11.8 (74)

South Fremantle 19.18 (132)  Subiaco 6.8 (44)

West Perth 17.12 (144)  East Perth 6.8 (44)

East Fremantle 20.15 (135) Swan Districts 8.9 (57)

Ladder: West Perth 50; Claremont 48; East Fremantle 44; South Fremantle 42; Peel 36; Swan Districts 36; East Perth 24; Subiaco 24; Perth 12; West Coast 4.

Round 19: Saturday: Claremont vs  East Fremantle; Peel vs West Coast; Subiaco vs Perth; Swan Districts vs West Perth. Sunday: South Fremantle vs East Perth