Win gives Sharks a break on Falcons

East Fremantle took a big step towards securing a finals berth with a hard-fought nine-point win over West Perth at Arena Joondalup today.

The teams were level at the final change, but the Sharks took control of the contest with three consecutive goals in the middle stages of the last quarter to run out 14.5 (89) to 12.8 (80) winners.

The result gave fourth-placed East Fremantle a two-game break over West Perth, who are in danger of missing the finals a year after winning the premiership.

After a tight opening quarter, West Perth kicked the first three goals of the second term through Matt Johnson, Nick Rodda and Trent Manzone to open up a 19-point advantage.

The Falcons remained in control through to half-time and led by 20 points when Steven Browne snapped truly early in the third quarter.

But East Fremantle hit back, kicking five of the next six goals to hit the front for the first time since the opening few minutes of the game.

Scores were level at three-quarter time and West Perth hit the scoreboard first in the final term through Anthony Tsalikis, but the Sharks snatched the lead with goals to Jayden Schofield, Sean Henson and Jack Perham.

Former Western Bulldogs defender Schofield played a key role for East Fremantle in the front half of the ground, kicking three goals, as did key forward Perham, who also kicked three.

O’Brien brothers Brock (34 possessions) and Rory (31) were prominent across half-back and in the midfield respectively.

West Perth were well served by in defence by Andrew Strijk (24 disposals) and through the middle by Shane Nelson (33), Ray Bartholomew (18) and Aaron Black (25).

Bartholomew played in a protective helmet on his return from a fractured cheekbone and ran hard all day.

Earlier in the day, West Perth registered a thumping 80-point win in the reserves and won the colts match by 19 points.