ROUND Two of the West Australian Football League (WAFL) saw two teams continue their unbeaten start to the season. Subiaco, the 2017 runners-up hold top spot on the ladder after a comfortable 58-point win, while Swan Districts toppled reining premier Peel Thunder, emerging as a possible dark horse for this year’s finals race.

The Lions travelled down to Fremantle Oval to take on South Fremantle in a rematch of last year’s preliminary final. The first half proved an even tussle, with only two goals separating the sides at half time. However, Subiaco unleashed a 11 goal to four second half to run away 18.12 (120) to 6.8 (62) winners. For the Lions, former Fremantle Docker Josh Deluca collected a game high 33 disposals, while small forward Ben Sokol finished with an impressive five goals. Reigning Sandover Medallist Hayden Schloithe finished with 26 disposals and ruckman Brock Higgins was named the South’s best player with 30 hitouts and 18 disposals.

In one of the round’s surprise results, Swan Districts overcame Fremantle affiliated powerhouse Peel Thunder 15.12 (102) to 13.10 (88). The Thunder held a one-goal lead at the final break, but the Black and Whites produced a six goals to three fourth quarter to storm home with a 14-point win. Midfielder Jarrad Blight was influential for the Swans with 24 disposals, while forward William Reidy was superb with four goals. For the Thunder, overlooked Docker Danyle Pearce produced an exceptional game collecting 40 disposals, with fellow Docker Darcy Tucker collecting 34 touches and former Essendon forward Leroy Jetta kicked two goals.

In a tight affair at East Fremantle Oval, the Sharks led at every change and proved too strong for Perth winning 13.9 (87) to 11.14 (80). For East Fremantle, former Geelong rookie Cameron Eardley was a standout, collecting a game high 38 disposals, while forward Ryan Ambrose contributed with three goals. Ruckman Christian Eyres was named Perth’s best after collecting 28 hitouts, six marks and 16 disposals, while livewire Cody Ninyette kicked three for the Demons.

In the final game of the round, the Perth Derby ended in a shellacking, with the West Coast affiliated East Perth 17.10 (112) trouncing cross town rivals West Perth 7.12 (54). After a disappointing performance in round one, the Royals switched on and booted 14 goals after quarter time to record their first win of 2018, while condemning the Falcons to their first loss. Eagles midfielder Luke Partington was fantastic with 33 disposals, while 2017 first round draft pick Jarrod Brander was dominant down forward, clunking 10 marks and kicking three goals. In a dim day for the Falcons, three time best and fairest winner Shane Nelson was a shining light with 36 disposals, while Trent Manzone collected 26 disposals and two goals.