Thanks for the Royal ride

by LES EVERETT

EAST Perth's amazing WAFL run came to an end last Sunday at Subiaco Oval.

Too old; too slow; too satisfied; too tired; too battered?

3 captains

Jeremy Barnard, Ryan Turnbull, Rod Wheatley & Tony Micale with the 2002 WAFL premiership cup. Thanks. Photo by Les Everett

Whatever the ultimate reason for last week's thrashing at the hands of West Perth and somewhat undignified exit, Royals fans should by now have put that game out of their memories. It's time for some self-satisfied celebration.

Premierships are hard to win at any level.

I missed last week's WAFL preliminary final because I attended the Sunday Football League grand final in which Maddington beat Thornlie. It was Thornlie's third grand final defeat in a row. The Lions haven't lost a home and away game for two seasons but premiership joy has eluded them.

Maddington hadn't won a premiership since 1976.

Premierships are hard to win so to have been able to celebrate three in a row is something a savour.

So thank you...

Paul Ridley for remarkable consistency in one of the game's hardest positions.

Rod Wheatley for understated brilliance.

Brent Cowell for sustained class.

David Swan for being where the ball was.

Jeremy Barnard for saving your best football for last.

Troy Butcher for playing with style.

Devan Perry for not just talking about putting the body on the line but actually doing it.

Aaron Marley for excelling in a position in which you had no right to play.

Grant Holman for improving with each premiership season.

Ryan Turnbull for ensuring the extension of the celebrations.

Tony Micale for bringing it together.

And to Andrew Waller, Travis Knights, Paul Symmons, Dean Brennan, Brent Tuckey, Luke Webster and other premiership players and even those who missed out for making 2000 to 2003 such an enjoyable ride.

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