The beginning of the AFL season has seen a number of players across all sides become struck with injury. Whilst most unfortunate, state league players look to not only secure a win for their side but also secure a spot in their affiliated AFL teams.
WAFL
Peel Thunder 14.4 (88) def. West Perth 12.13 (85)
Leading at every break, Peel Thunder dominated a majority of the game and was able to withstand West Perth’s fight back in the final term. Peel Thunder opens their season with a three-point win over West Perth in a nail-biting match.
Brennan Cox sustained a hamstring injury during Fremantle’s JLT Community Series earlier this year. Cox returned to face West Perth in round one of the WAFL and did not disappoint. The 20-year-old kicked two goals and remained unscathed at the end of the match.
Scott Jones and Lloyd Meek continue to develop as ruckmen, finishing with a combined 58 hit-outs. Quick runners Mitch Crowden and Tom North utilised their dominating ruckmen, collecting 32 and 26 disposals respectively. The midfield duo also finished with 15 tackles between them.
Peel Thunder look to dominate once again as they face West Coast later this week.
Perth 16.13 (109) def. West Coast 9.9 (63)
West Coast was fierce and held tight grip as Perth led by less than a goal at half time. As the second half began, West Coast continued to fall behind, unable to match Perth’s scoreboard pressure. Despite fielding 19 AFL-listed players, the Eagles could not match Perth’s desperation, ultimately leading to their 46-point loss to Perth.
Jake Waterman was demoted to the WAFL side after round one of the AFL Premiership series. Despite this, Waterman’s hard work in the forward line has seen him stick his hand up for a recall. The key forward's best on-field performance saw him kick five of West Coast’s nine goals from 11 disposals.
After missing out on a place in Saturday night’s Grand Final rematch against Collingwood, Will Schofield found himself playing in the WAFL side. The veteran player remained composed in a heavily under-pressure backline.
Brayden Ainsworth and Brendon Ah Chee emerged as leading ball-getters, finishing with 24 and 22 disposals respectively.
West Coast will face the strong Peel Thunder, as they look to redeem themselves and secure a win in round 2 of the WAFL 2019 season.
