Royals live on

by LES EVERETT

EAST PERTH looked almost fit and healthy in last Sunday's first semi final at Subiaco Oval.

beeck semi

Zac Beeck marks strongly in the WAFL first semi. Photo by Les Everett

Of the doubtful commodities only Richard Taylor looks like he's not up to a finals campaign.

Rod Wheatley and David Swan have missed a bit of footy this year but both looked in excellent touch on Sunday.

The Royals, unlike most Western Australians, even extracted some good from the AFL. Luke Webster was a shining light for Fremantle and Adam Sellwood did some good things for West Coast. Both return to the East Perth line up this week.

The other good news from the first semi win was the encouraging form of Daniel Bromot, who kicked two goals and had a hand in others, defender Brendan Hancock and the every-improving Craig Wulff.

And to add to an encouraging package Paul Ridley was back to kicking goals, Troy Wilson looked strong and switched on, Brent Tuckey was active and Ryan Turnbull seemed confident overhead.

The WAFL hasn't had much luck with the weather in recent years and after a beautiful Saturday things turned nasty on Sunday, particularly for the second semi.

Despite the conditions Subiaco and West Perth fought out a very entertaining game which the Falcons seemed have stitched up when Kim Rigoll went on a last quarter goal scoring rampage.

However the Lions look to be a team on a mission and experienced players Daniel Metropolis, Luke Toia and Allistair Pickett helped steady things in the last few minutes and help their team avoid the preliminary final for a change.

So it's derby on Sunday and the team's looked evenly matched. West Perth has beaten East Perth at their last two outings which included an embarrassing no-goal effort by the Royals on August 10.

The Falcons appear to have lost the lively Corey Johnson to injury but will regain Troy Longmuir.

East Perth's four-play dream is still alive and as at least half the team will be chasing their first premiership medallion complacency won't be a problem.

WAFL preliminary final. East Perth vs West Perth, Subiaco Oval. 2.15pm Sunday September 14.

From Voice News 13 September 2003.

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