WEST Perth has held on to beat Peel Thunder by 13 points in our WAFL Colts featured match for Round 6. The Falcons were far more clinical in front of goal and overcame a half time deficit to win 12.3 (75) to 8.14 (62) at Pentanet Stadium, in the final fixture of the league’s annual Super Round.

Four of a possible six state Under 18 squad members took to the field and were among the most prominent players on Saturday. We took note of each of their performances among a bunch of other standouts in our Scouting Notes, before taking a look around the grounds in Round 6.

WEST PERTH:

#3 Kayle Gerreyn
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 10/05/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 marks, 12 hitouts, 1 goal

The premier ruckman of the WAFL Colts competition started out at full forward on Saturday, attempting to showcase his versatility as a key position prospect. Gerreyn arguably looked most dangerous when running on-ball though, where his craft and clearance threat came to the fore. His best moment in attack was an overhead mark from the back and set shot conversion in term three.

#14 Trent Hiscock
Defender | 190cm | 23/03/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal

A rock in defence for the Falcons, Hiscock provided his usual intercept-rebound double threat. The 190cm talent clunked plenty of intercept marks, including all the way up at half-forward where he slammed home a goal in the opening quarter. Hiscock’s field kicking was a little less assured as he delivered a few wobblers, but his defensive intent and desire to surge the ball forward helped West Perth hold up in the closing stages.

Others:

Jack Wooden was nothing short of prolific in the win, leading all comers with 34 disposals and 14 marks. He was supported through midfield by Jayden Rigoll (25 disposals, seven tackles), while forwards Kayde Sherwood and Sam Swadling each booted two goals, and Austin Chapman kept busy with one from 20 touches and four inside 50s.

PEEL THUNDER:

#2 Basil Hart
Forward | 185cm | 15/01/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 1 goal, 4 behinds

A surprise call-up for the AFL Academy last weekend, Hart certainly had his chances late in the game. His lone goal came in the second quarter, swooping on an errant West Perth handball before snapping home from the pocket. That style of kick was Hart’s go-to, but it proved ineffective from his remaining attempts – including one from the top of the goalsquare. Aside from that, Hart’s agility made him dangerous around the big sticks.

#6 Bo Allan
Midfielder/Forward | 191cm | 16/02/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 marks, 10 inside 50s, 1 goal

Making his Colts return after starting the year at League level, Allan was thrust straight into the midfield mix. The 191cm prospect got to showcase his versatility and athleticism, showing several opponents a clean set of heels as he burst away from congestion with searing speed. Allan’s booming left-foot kick also came in handy when breaking the lines, and bagged him a sensational long goal from the boundary in term two. He was also prominent in the air with clean overhead marks and while frustration spilled over in the second half, he was clearly one of his side’s best.

#8 Deian Roberts
Midfielder | 186cm | 24/07/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles

Roberts’ strength and power on the inside complimented the likes of Allan, as he often won first possession and fed it out to Peel’s fleet-footed runners. The top-ager proved clean by hand and was composed in tight spots, either absorbing contact while dishing off or avoiding it with an explosive step or two. His strong frame was a handy point of difference in the midfield mix.

Others:

Will York was among the Thunder’s liveliest players, booting a goal from 17 touches in the midfield-forward rotation. Kyelan Sanders (19 disposals, seven tackles, two goals) and Tom Smedley (15 disposals, six inside 50s, one goal) also made an impact going forward, while ruck Nicholas Deleo held his own with 12 disposals, six marks, and 23 hitouts.

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AROUND THE GROUNDS

Super Round kicked off with reigning premier Claremont maintaining its unblemished flag defence with a 15-point win over Swan Districts. The Tigers were pushed when their opposition had the scoring end, but prevailed 9.13 (67) to 8.4 (52) despite goal kicking inaccuracy.

State Under 18 squad member Austin van der Struyf was prolific in the victory; collecting 27 disposals, six marks, and a goal. He led the charge ahead of three Tigers who managed 20 touches, while Luke Pynes (14 disposals, 2.5) and Aiden Riddle (17 disposals, 30 hitouts, one goal) were also prominent.

In defeat, Swan Districts midfielder Otis Harvey led all comers with 32 disposals, seven marks and five tackles, ably supported by Chayse Martinson (23 disposals, seven marks, 12 tackles). Claremont remains clear atop the ladder at 5-0, while the Swans (2-2) are out of the top five on percentage.

South Fremantle and Perth were next up at Pentanet Stadium, with the Bulldogs claiming a 29-point victory. In their first win of the season, the Bulldogs kept Perth to just two behinds at one end of the ground to salute 8.12 (60) to 4.7 (31), making more of less inside 50s (39-32).

A trio of Bulldogs booted two goals apiece, led by Mitchell Geier who also posted a game-high 24 disposals and five marks. State squad member Fred Rodriguez was again busy with 21 touches and seven inside 50s, while Riley Plunkett registered six scoring shots.

Perth had no multiple goal kickers but Mitchell Keene hit the scoreboard from his 21 touches and seven marks. Brodie McLean (24 disposals) was the only Demon to win more of the ball, while Tomas Waite was recognised as one of his side’s best players in the loss.

Subiaco took out the tightest game of the round, holding on to edge past East Fremantle by four points. The Lions took a 22-point lead into three-quarter time and were kept scoreless in the final quarter, but it proved enough in the 7.7 (49) to 6.9 (45) victory.

Despite going down, East Fremantle laid claim to the top three ball winners afield in Luke Carrello (29 disposals), Declan Pauline (28), and Elijah Stockden (27). Noah Dean was the Sharks’ lone multiple goal kicker as they just fell short of the comeback victory, sliding to fifth place.

Meanwhile for the victors, flying wingman Charlie Burke (25 disposals, six inside 50s, one goal) stuffed the stats sheet, with fellow state Under 18 squad member Malakai Champion (15 disposals, one goal) slowly finding top form as the Lions moved up to second spot.