EAST Fremantle has drawn level atop the WAFL Colts ladder after defeating South Fremantle in a wet WA Day derby. While the Bulldogs still sit in pole position credit to a superior percentage, their rivals and West Perth now boast an equal 5-2 record after the Round 9 proceedings.

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The ladder leaders led at the first and third change, but Benjamin Wood‘s second final quarter goal put East Fremantle ahead with under three minutes left to play. The low-scoring affair at Fremantle Oval finished 6.7 (43) to 6.4 (40) in the Sharks’ favour, marking a thrilling end to the round.

Tom Grylls led all comers on the winning side with 25 disposals, eight tackles and nine inside 50s. Talls Kye Ormerod (16 disposals, five inside 50s, one goal) and Josh Nomlatyu (12 disposals, seven tackles, 31 hitouts) featured among the Sharks’ bests behind Kaiden Summerell (15 disposals).

Missing their quartet of state Under 18 representatives, South Fremantle came to the party with five players laying over 10 tackles. Among them were ruck Byron Foster (37 hitouts), Noah Roberts (22 disposals) and Jacob Donald (19), while Cameron Maynard booted four of his side’s six goals.

The other WA Day derby saw West Perth win much more comfortably, accounting for East Perth to the tune of 37 points at Leederville Oval. The Falcons kicked clear with four goals to one in the opening quarter and never looked back en route their 14.11 (95) to 9.4 (58) victory on the road.

Judd Marcello and Cooper Bewick each posted 25 disposals, with the former also having seven marks and 10 tackles in a stat-stuffing performance. Sebastian Hewitt (40 hitouts) was named best-on for the Falcons, while bottom-agers Harvey Spawton-Guy and Koby LeCras both bagged two goals.

Marcus Cassidy was once again a standout for the Royals, finishing with 25 disposals, five tackles and five inside 50s. West Coast NGA prospect Jake Caton also got amongst it with 17 touches, six marks and six tackles, while Ben Crook was the only multiple goalkicker with a haul of three.

Two-time reigning premier Claremont broke its two-game losing streak with a 30-point win over Perth earlier in the round. The Tigers bounced back from a wayward start and broke away with five goals to one in the third quarter to set up the 10.11 (71) to 6.5 (41) victory at Claremont Oval on Saturday.

Eagles father-son prospect Noah Braun impressed with two goals from 21 touches, while Max Hansen-Knarhoi (27 disposals, nine marks, eight tackles) was adjudged Claremont’s best. Joshua Grahame and Oscar Willis joined him in racking up plenty of possessions, leading all comers afield.

Perth’s best was Nate Tomasini, who got his hands dirty with eight tackles and 18 disposals in the loss. Kye Horan topped the Demons’ disposal charts with 25 as his side slid back into fifth spot – behind Claremont and one game clear of the resurgent Subiaco.

Speaking of the Lions, they notched their third victory of the season after feasting on the winless Peel Thunder. Subiaco piled on nine goals to nil at one end of Rushton Park, saluting by 61 points in the weekend’s most comprehensive win. It put them within touching distance of the top five.

Another West Coast tied player in Darcy Montgomery starred with five goals, named best afield ahead of leading disposal getter Dylan Prance (27). Rydn Rae-Anthonysz (21 disposals) and Lucas Santich (20 disposals, six tackles, one goal) were also prominent for the victors.

Drew Clarke was clearly Peel’s best with 21 disposals – nine more than the next best teammate. He also posted seven tackles and a goal as the Thunder moved to 0-8. Peel had state squad members Basil Hart, Jax Williams, Mitchell Stirling, and Bol Makauch at their disposal.

Western Australia’s best and brightest prospects will converge on Mineral Resources Park on Saturday afternoon for the state 18s’ clash against Vic Country. Meanwhile, two WAFL Colts fixtures take place on Friday and Saturday, with Subiaco hosting Claremont, and West Perth taking on East Fremantle.

ROUND 8 RESULTS

Peel Thunder 5.4 (34) def. by Subiaco 15.5 (95)
Claremont 10.11 (71) def. Perth 6.5 (41)
East Perth 9.4 (58) def. by West Perth 14.11 (95)
East Fremantle 6.7 (43) def. South Fremantle 6.4 (40)

Bye: Swan Districts

WAFL COLTS LADDER

1. South Fremantle | 5-2 | 189.3%
2. East Fremantle | 5-2 | 133.2%
3. West Perth | 5-2 | 126.0%
4. Claremont | 4-3 | 105.8%
5. Perth | 4-3 | 93.9%
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6. Subiaco | 3-4 | 98.2%
7. Swan Districts | 3-4 | 95.4%
8. East Perth | 3-4 | 84.2%
9. Peel Thunder | 0-8 | 50.1%

ROUND 10 FIXTURE

Subiaco vs. Claremont
Friday June 6, 8:30pm @ Sullivan Logistics Stadium

West Perth vs. East Fremantle
Saturday June 7, 7:30pm @ HIF Health Insurance Oval