Swan Districts WAFL and WAFLW Round 1 Match Reviews

It was a hard day at the office for the three Swans WAFL teams in Round 1, with their Colts, Reserves and League sides going down to West Perth at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday 18^th July.

The WAFLW side however, were able to weather the Peel Thunder storm on a rainy day in Mandurah, with a one goal victory.

A President’s Luncheon was also held at Steel Blue Oval, with a number of club legends including Bill Walker, John Cooper, John Todd and others in attendance. During this event, club stalwart Ian Bardwell and 150 gamer Alex Howard were honoured with Life Membership, while eight staff and volunteers were recognised for over 10 years of service to the club.

WAFL Colts

After a close first quarter in the Colts, West Perth blew the game wide open in the second, kicking six goals to take a 40-point lead into half time.

With their strong defensive efforts in the second half stemming the flow of scoring, the young Swans struggled to convert their inside 50’s into scoreboard pressure, going down 3.6 (24) to 10.11 (71).

Ryan Letessier’s pressure stood out in the ruck and up forward, finishing the day with 9 tackles and 15 hit-outs. Zane Trew was strong all day, often fighting off a tag and double-team to lead all Swans possession getters with 25 disposals, while Ty Sears also found plenty of the ball with 24.

WAFL Reserves

The Reserves started quickly before West Perth kicked ahead late in the first quarter. Held goalless in the second, the seconds struggled to get the ball deep inside their forward half, seeing them down by 27 at the main break.

A second half fightback saw them close the gap to under two goals, before succumbing to their opponents 6.8 (44) to 7.17 (59).

It wasn’t just the bright yellow boots that made Eric Bashemule stand out all over the ground on the day. His defensive efforts and run and carry shone, especially when the game got close. The day was soured with injuries to new recruit Deven Costigan (hamstring), and big man Matthew Germs (ankle).

WAFL League

There was a lot of feeling when the League side took to the field for Alex Howard’s 150^th game. With light rain making it hard to score, the Swans were able to register just 7 points on the score board in the first half.

As the weather cleared, the Swans started to take control of the game in the third. With four straight goals, including a snap from Tony Notte to put his side in front, a 20-point lead had the large crowd quietly confident that it would be enough to hold on to, in the low scoring match.

Unfortunately, West Perth had other ideas, pouring on five unanswered goals in the last quarter to run over the top of the black and whites, 6.5 (41) to 8.4 (52).

Denver Grainger-Barras showed why he is a potential first round draft pick, with a number of efforts resulting in scoring opportunities and important defensive stops. New recruits Sam Fisher and Frank Anderson were named among the best in their debut games for the club, along with Corey Gault, Brandon Erceg and milestone man Alex Howard.

WAFLW

It was a different story for the Swans WAFLW side, notching up a close victory in Mandurah.

The teams couldn’t be separated on the scoreboard in the first two quarters, with the game barely seeing the lead stretch beyond a goal.

Peel took a six point lead into the final term, but it was the Swans who finished strongly to take home the victory, 8.4 (52) to 7.4 (46).

Debutants Tara Stribley and Mikayla Morrison ended the game with two goals apiece, with Lauren Osborne, Jessica Cox, Steph Graskoski and Stribley voted as best on ground.

Round 2 will see all teams take on Claremont next weekend at Revo Fitness Stadium.