WAFL Round 9 wrap - Tigers tested by brave Subi as Perth, East Freo prevailMonday, June 9, 2025 - 3:23 PM - by Denholm Melrose - Perth is OK!

Finals-bound teams all picked up wins over the weekend, but Claremont were given a scare by an improved Subiaco in a shortened Round 9 of WAFL action.

Perth 14.14 (98) d West Coast 9.6 (60)

The Eagles got off to the hot start at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday afternoon, leading at quarter time for the fifth time in their last six outings but once again it did not translate to four quarters, and they were overrun by the Demons who booted 10 goals to two in the second and third quarters.

Big name ex-Geelong midfielders Brandon Parfitt (30 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) and Charlie Constable (40 disposals, five marks, six tackles, one goal) led from the front, despite Parfitt copping some close attention.

Small forward Lochlan Paton kicked three majors while spearhead Aaron Clarke delivered two himself.

Ruckman Josh Edwards also impressed with 37 hitouts to go with 13 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal.

AFL-listed youngster Clay Hall battled admirably for the Eagles, posting 30 disposals and six marks, while Mid-Season draft pick Tom McCarthy continues to look comfortable at the level, adding 20 disposals, five marks and kicking his first goal in blue and gold. Malakai Champion was fantastic up forward whilst Jack Petruccelle returned from a shoulder injury to kick two goals.

East Fremantle 13.16 (94) d West Perth 8.7 (55)

Despite some inaccuracy at goal, which has been an issue in several games this year, the Sharks earned 29 scoring shots to the Falcon’s 15 to walk out comfortable victors in Joondalup.

West Perth led at quarter time but East Fremantle piled on 11 goals to six from that point, led by three goals each from Cody Leggett and Mitchell Zadow.

Jed Hagan and ruckman Reuben McGuire each added two to the tally as well, whilst Jack Cleaver, Tom Joyce and Milan Murdock all won 29 disposals, the latter also kicking a goal.

Tyler Keitel was held goalless for the first time this year, and despite some high disposal numbers from regular contributors Zac Guadagnin (30 touches, eight marks), Shane Nelson (28 touches) and Aaron Black (25 touches) there wasn’t enough scoring punch.

Dual premiership player and five-time best-and-fairest winner Nelson was honoured before the match, marking his 250-game milestone.

Claremont 11.10 (76) v Subiaco 10.4 (64)

For the second consecutive week the Lions pushed their opponents and led at three-quarter-time before going on to lose. Subiaco, now 1-8 for the season and in last place, were boosted by three goals each from Ryan Borchet and Jack Mayo, while Stefan Giro won 24 disposals and laid six tackles to lead them in touches.

But Subiaco allowed the Tigers guns to roam free and they took full advantage.

Champion Jye Bolton finished with 39 disposals and six marks, Bailey Rogers with 27 disposals, five marks and a goal, Ben Elliott had 26 disposals, seven tackles and a goal and Oliver Eastland ended with 22 disposals, 34 hitouts and six tackles.

Meanwhile Jaiden Hunter and Zac Mainwaring each nailed three goals. Claremont moved into third position on the ladder and now sit less than a game from the top of the table.