Sturrock Milestone In Preliminary Final Loss

East Perth’s season may be over after a defeat in the Preliminary Final, but defender James Sturrock will still hold special memories of playing his 100^th WAFL match yesterday.

The Royals went down to Claremont to end their chances of three consecutive Grand Final appearances.

Sturrock reflected on an amazing finals campaign which included a thrilling win over Perth, describing it as one of the best victories he has been part of.

“Yeah, I think it would have to be, and I know we’ve obviously fallen short twice on the final day of the season previously but that would be the closest feeling to winning a Grand Final especially after the game on the ground, the crowd was electric and there was a fair bit of emotion,” Sturrock said.

The last quarter was full of drama.

“It was a see-saw affair in the last term, and I think we had been inside 50 three or four times which Perth had defended,” he said.

“I think the time on the scoreboard was getting up near 30 minutes so in my eyes that final inside 50 by Axel Walsh was our last chance.

“The pack formed and Sam van Diemen crumbed it and the rest is history.

“I had thrown myself forward at that stage from the wing as they pushed Blake Schlenslog behind the ball as a spare, so I was down there evening up the numbers.

“I was a couple metres away when Sam crumbed it, so I got a box seat view, and I haven’t been shocked like that on a footy field before I don’t think.”

Winning two finals by less than a goal instilled confidence in the East Perth group as Ross McQueen’s side attempted to reach the decider again.

Speaking before yesterday’s game, Sturrock had great faith in the group.

“I think the belief is very strong within the group, and the last two wins have shown that they haven’t been pretty or comfortable at any stage, and we know how to win games when it’s just a contest-to-contest wrestle,” he said.

Sturrock, who began his WAFL journey at Peel Thunder, played his 100^th match in yesterday’s showdown at Revo Fitness Stadium.

“It is a special feeling being able to play the 100 in such an important game, obviously starting out at Peel all through the development programs, colts and then 5 years in the seniors,” Sturrock said.

“Joining the Royals in 2024 and playing the last three years here has been awesome.

“Obviously not having clinching that premiership has been disappointing, but I think the success and connection with the group I have had has been huge.”