Monaghan axe does the trick for Falcons

A disappointing round-one performance prompted West Perth coach Bill Monaghan to make a selection statement, and judging by the determination shown by his side in round two, it was heard loud and clear.

Regulars Ray Bartholomew, Marc Crisp and Trent Manzone found themselves in the reserves at HBF Arena on Saturday, forced to watch as the league side toppled a Peel team stacked with Fremantle players.

The Falcons set up the result with a six-goals-to-one third term, then defended grimly against the breeze in the final quarter to hold on for the 13.6 (84) to 11.11 (77) win.

“The first game our intensity wasn’t quite there so we made a couple of changes and probably went for a couple of the senior players to make a bit of a statement,” Monaghan said.

“Clearly our intent was a lot better.”

Monaghan was unsure where the win ranked in his time at the club, but was delighted to overcome a side with 15 AFL-listed players, including top-liners such as Michael Barlow, Danyle Pearce and Paul Duffield.

“I guess that quality, you are rarely going to come up against a Peel side with 15, 16 Fremantle players,” he said.

“Our effort against a predominantly AFL-listed side was very good. Where does it rank? All I know is we’ve walked away with four points and that’s the only thing that was important.”

Peel coach Cam Shepherd denied having such a large contingent of Fremantle players was difficult to manage.

“There were some positives out of the game and there were some areas where we can improve,” he said.

“We are really comfortable with the number of Fremantle players.

“It’s just the way we play on the day. On a couple of occasions we weren’t strong enough over the ball.”

Shepherd said his team would improve as the season went on.

“We had six teenagers playing in the game and a lot of first-gamers so although really disappointed with the result, we feel like we’ve got great improvement,” he said.

Jay van Berlo was able to blunt the influence of Barlow, but draftees Connor Blakely (30 possessions) and Lachie Weller (24) continued on from their impressive NAB Challenge form with the Dockers.

Andrew Strijk (38 disposals) was damaging for West Perth, with strong support from Shane Nelson (32 touches) and Aaron Black (30 possessions).

Victorian recruit Michael Lourey showed his value as a big forward, booting four goals.