Royals defeat Tigers in thrilling prelim, book grand final berth against South FreoSunday, September 14, 2025 - 5:15 PM - by Jordan McArdle

East Perth are through to the Sullivan Logistics WAFL Grand Final after a thrilling five-point Preliminary Final victory over Claremont at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Sunday.

In front of 3322 fans who braved the wet, the Royals held their nerve in a tense final term against a fast-finishing but inaccurate Claremont, 7.4 (46) to 5.11 (41).

The victory books a grand final date with minor premiers South Fremantle at Optus Stadium next Sunday, September 21.

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Like he did two weeks earlier, East Perth co-captain Hamish Brayshaw starred in the midfield with a game-high 29 disposals and 12 clearances.

Fellow midfielder Tom North was a massive inclusion after recovering from a calf injury, booting two goals from his 17 disposals to go with four clearances, while Stan Wright was damaging off half-back and even drifted forward for a crucial major in the second quarter.

For Claremont, Ollie Eastland battled hard in the ruck with a whopping 49 hit-outs to go with 20 disposals and nine clearances, and skipper Declan Mountford did his bit with 15 touches, six clearances and the final goal of the game to give his team a chance of snatching a late victory.

 

 

 

 

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It was a low-scoring opening term in tough conditions with just one goal apiece with East Perth’s Shayne Hille providing the instant response to Sandover medallist Callan England’s major with Claremont up by two points at quarter-time.

After having a hand in Hille’s goal, star inclusion North hit the scoreboard himself early in the second as the Royals made their move.

North was having a big impact in his first appearance of the finals series, with his class by foot in the wet important.

East Perth were making the most of their opportunities, kicking 3.1 to Claremont’s 1.5 in the second quarter, despite having 12 less inside 50s in the opening half, taking a six-point lead into the main break.

Brayshaw was leading the way for the Royals with 16 first-half disposals, with fellow midfielder Angus Scott (14) not far behind.

Claremont came to live in the third quarter on the back of some big moments from their young guns.

Sam Alvarez got the ball rolling shortly after half-time, converting a close-range free-kick.

Tackling machine Mitch Barron then had North caught holding the ball in the middle before emerging tall forward Rory Luscombe took a strong pack mark and nailed the resulting set shot.

 

 

 

 

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But North helped East Perth bounce back with his second major late in the term, with teammate Mitch Schofield following suit before three-quarter time to give the Royals a six-point advantage.

In his return from a hamstring injury, Ben Middleton doubled East Perth’s lead as they crept closer to a date with the Bulldogs next week.

Mountford snatched one back for the Tigers to keep their hopes alive and swing the momentum back in their favour.

Alec Waterman and Alvarez both had opportunities to give Claremont the lead but couldn’t capitalise in increasingly tough conditions, with the wind wreaking havoc.

The Tigers will still have two teams competing on grand final day with their reserves the first team through to the decider and their EGT WAFL Colts outfit knocking off East Fremantle in the first game of the day, securing a berth against the Bulldogs.

East Perth will also have two chances to win a flag, with their reserves getting over the line in a Preliminary Final thriller against Swan Districts earlier in the day.

Grand final fixtures

Optus Stadium, Sunday, September 21

Reserves: Claremont v East Perth, 9.05am

EGT Colts: South Fremantle v Claremont, 12.10pm

Sullivan Logistics WAFL League: South Fremantle v East Perth, 3.20pm