East Perth Season Review

East Perth lived life on the edge in the last month of their 2026 Sullivan Logistics WAFL campaign, ultimately falling short in the Preliminary Final against Claremont.

The result completed a courageous run by the Royals, who scrapped into the top five after a dramatic final home and away match against Subiaco, then proceeded to defeat South Fremantle in an Elimination Final before claiming a thrilling 2-point result against Perth in the First Semi Final, courtesy of a stunning late goal by Sam van Diemen.

But injuries and a key suspension proved too much to overcome as the club’s dream of a third consecutive Grand Final appearance slipped away.

Their list of sidelined stars was a constant in 2026 with co-captains Hamish Brayshaw and Christian Ameduri, Liam Tedesco, Stan Wright, Kyle Willcocks, Cooper Stephens, Angus Scott, Ben Middleton, Corey Watts and Scott Jones missing matches.

Then there were season ending knee injuries to Ethan Regan, Tyler Lindberg, Jordyn Baker and William Akec.

The absence of Jones because of a suspension following the First Semi Final added further woes for coach Ross McQueen ahead of the Preliminary Final.

Only two players ran out for every match this season, small forward Darcy Craven and athletic big man Seb Kuek.

Given their injuries, the Royals relied heavily on their depth.

Individually, Scott averaged 26 disposals in his 12 games, Brayshaw 24 possessions a match in his nine outings, Tom North finished with an average of 21 in 12 games, while Tedesco and Wright both played 13 matches and averaged over 20 disposals a game.

On a goalkicking front, Mitch Schofield led the way with 32 goals, followed by Middleton with 27, Kuek 25, Tom Graham 18, Craven also 18 and Lindberg with 13 majors for the season.

East Perth only won one of their first three games but spent most of the season in the top five and were victorious in three of their final four games to clinch a spot in the finals.

Their best results included a 48-point triumph over reigning premiers South Fremantle but also suffered a humiliating 98-point defeat to Peel Thunder in Round 11, a 19-point loss to Swans in Round 14, and most surprisingly, a shock defeat to eventual wooden spooners West Perth on the WA Day long weekend.

Whether the premiership window has shut for the Royals is hard to say given their inability to field a full-strength side for most of the season.

But credit must go to coach Ross McQueen who galvanised the group to survive a frantic finish to the home and away season before recording two epic victories in the finals.