Demolition semi

by LES EVERETT

WHAT a funny second semi final that was.

There was the crunch on Devan Perry early on and the resulting melee. There was Perry's return to action late in the second quarter. Another crunch the second he went near the ball and the send-off of Richard Maloney for what we later learned was something that he'd never done.

Then there were the strange actions of Lions coach Kevan Sparks at half time. Initially he ran towards the East Perth players who were jogging off the ground as a group. He then veered off to his own team and kept them on the field for some minutes.

The drama continued after the half-time siren and most of it involved Subiaco.

Paul Vines did his knee in a manner reminiscent of Luke Toia for the Dockers in 1998 at the same venue.

Toia was helped from the field in a manner reminiscent of the time he did his knee, the times he did his elbow, the time he did his neck, and a bit like the time he did his groin. And he managed to get reported and give away a free kick while in the hands of trainers.

David Sierakowski then added to the pain for Subi fans by pinging his hamstring.

Members of the West Perth team would have been looking on with glee.

East Perth's winning margin of 40 points was emphatic but the performance still left room for improvement.

A lack of height in defence was exposed at times by impressive Subi youngster Craig Parry and ruckman David Lucas and the speedy Lions midfielders found plenty of space and went on some long, penetrating runs.

But Brent Cowell was superb for the Royals, David Swan warmed up for his last game as a Royal with a remarkable display of his uncanny judgement and variety of skills and Perry showed he's back. Tim Lyster's contribution in the ruck was also significant.

The Royals will be hoping for more fireworks in this Sunday's preliminary final between the Lions and the Falcons.

Luke Toia was one of the casualties in last week's second semi final.

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