IN the final round before the WAFL breaks for the annual State Game, Claremont stole the headlines with a miraculous comeback win, while Peel Thunder continued their winning ways to find themselves on top of the ladder with a third of the season complete. 

For the second consecutive week, the Tigers produced a stunning come from behind victory, this time overturning a 29-point deficit at the final change to defeat Swan Districts by two points at Steel Blue Oval. It continues an alarming trend for Swans in close matches this season, with the Black Ducks having lost four of their six games by seven points or less.

South Fremantle notched an important win to keep itself in touch with the top five, downing East Perth by 29-points at Leederville Oval. It was a crucial win for the Bulldogs, seeing them move off the foot of the table following their points deduction points, while it marked a third straight loss for the Royals who have slumped after a fast start to the campaign.

A nine-goal to one first half set the platform for West Perth’s comfortable 49-point win over Perth at Mineral Resources Park. With Perth skipper Michael Sinclair playing his 150^th match, the first Demon to reach the milestone in 23 years, the Falcons spoiled the party with their added experience and maturity seeing them run out triumphant.

East Fremantle returned to the winners list impressively, getting the better of fellow contender Subiaco by 32 points at the WACA Ground. The Sharks controlled the contest from the outset, dominating the territory battle and leading at every change to secure the result that sees them move ahead of the Lions on the ladder into fourth. 

Peel Thunder kept their position at the top of the ladder with an 89-point victory over West Coast in Mandurah. After the Eagles produced their best quarter of the season to lead by 20 points at the first break, the Thunder clicked into gear to resign the depleted Eagles to yet another heavy defeat.

DRAFT PROPSPECTS:

With the AFL Academy squad playing Carlton’s VFL side in an exhibition game, some of the state’s more highly touted prospects were absent at League level across the weekend.

Robert Hansen Jnr featured in Subiaco’s defeat to East Fremantle and was lively, registering 12 disposals, five inside 50s and a goal. For Claremont, athletic utility Ben Clarke, who has reportedly garnered interest as a mid-season draft bolter, had 11 disposals and three marks in his third game in the top grade. 

Elsewhere, 2022 Rookie Me Central Colts Team of the Year members Roan O’Heihr (15 disposals) and Michael Sellwood (19 disposals) featured for their respective clubs at senior level, while 2021 Jack Clarke Medallist Josh Browne continues to accumulate strong numbers for West Coast, having another 23-disposals against Peel.

MATURE AGE WATCH – Milan Murdock (East Fremantle)

There have been few hotter players across the first six rounds than East Fremantle midfielder Milan Murdock, and he was instrumental again in his team’s 32-point win over Subiaco, notching 26 disposals, seven tackles and a goal.

While not the most polished player, the 22-year-old has an unquenchable thirst for the contest and his ability to compete hard at ground level has seen him develop into one of the competition’s premier clearance and tackling midfielders.

Having won the Sharks’ best and fairest in 2022, Murdock has started this season in Sandover Medal form, and the consistency and quality of his performances to start this year deserve to see him in the conversation amongst the best state league players across the country.