WAFL Finals Week One: Reigning premiers knocked out as Royals, Tigers prevail

South Fremantle’s Sullivan Logistics WAFL premiership defence is officially over after a tense loss to East Perth in Sunday’s blockbuster Elimination Final at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

The Bulldogs were in the midst of one last attacking foray as the siren sounded, with the Royals holding on for a classic five-point victory.

Co-captain Hamish Brayshaw was brilliant in his second game back from a hamstring injury, amassing 27 disposals, six clearances, six marks, and four inside 50s.

His midfield partner in crime Liam Tedesco continued his impressive back end of the season with a game-high 33 disposals to go with nine marks, eight tackles, six clearances and five inside 50s.

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Returning ruckman Scott Jones (14 disposals and 32 hit-outs) was another big performer for the victors, as was mature-aged draft prospect Jake Soutar (18 disposals and seven marks) in defence.

Isiah Winder couldn’t have done much more to try will his team over the line, finishing with 31 disposals, 10 marks and a couple of clutch goals.

Matthew Parker (26 disposals and nine marks) also did his bit, while Lewis Rayson (27 disposals and 13 marks) provided his usual run and carry from half-back.

East Perth will now travel to Mineral Resources Park to take on Perth in this Saturday’s First Semi-Final, minus Stan Wright and Ben Middleton who went down with hamstring injuries on Sunday.

The Demons went down to Claremont by 17 points in Saturday’s Qualifying Final at Revo Fitness Stadium.

Talon Delacey starred for the victors with 27 disposals, five inside 50s and a goal-of-the-year contender, Sam Alvarez (25 disposals) continued his hot form and young forward Rory Luscombe stood tall up with three majors.

Co-captain Bailey Rogers returned from a hand injury in style with 24 disposals, 13 marks and a goal, while top-10 draft prospect Heath Mellody’s (23 disposals, six marks, five tackles and a goal) stocks continued to soar with an eye-catching senior finals debut.

Spearhead Aaron Clarke returned to form for the Demons with three goals, while Blake Schlensog justified his inclusion with two majors, co-captain Corey Byrne was excellent in the midfield with 23 disposals and eight inside 50s and defensive duo Charlie Dean and Elijah Scoble battled hard.

The Tigers booked a date with minor premiers Peel Thunder this Saturday at Lane Group Stadium, with the winner earning the first spot in the WAFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium on Sunday, September 20.

Finals fixtures – Week 2 

Saturday at Mineral Resources Park

11.45am: Reserves Second Semi-Final, Swan Districts v East Perth

2.30pm: League First Semi-Final, Perth v East Perth

5pm: Reserves First Semi-Final, Perth v West Perth

Saturday at Lane Group Stadium

9.10am: Colts First Semi-Final, South Fremantle v West Perth

11.45am: Colts Second Semi-Final, East Fremantle v Claremont

2.30pm: League Second Semi-Final, Peel Thunder v Claremont