West Coast midfielder Mark Hutchings played a pivotal role in propelling West Perth into the 2013 WAFL grand final when the Falcons won their first final in a decade, at Claremont Oval on Sunday.

Hutchings was one of the most dominant players on the ground as the Falcons upset Claremont by four points, after the Tigers had earned the right to host the second semi-final by virtue of finishing the home-and-away season on top of the table.

After an absorbing contest, where little separated the teams throughout, the Falcons finished strongly to win 11.21 (87) to 12.11 (83).

The hard-working Hutchings picked up 32 possessions, took seven marks and finished off his effort with two goals.

In the first semi-final at Steel Blue Oval, West Coast players were also prominent as East Perth overran Swan Districts to score a solid 28-point win, earning the right to play the Tigers in next week’s preliminary final at Claremont Oval.

Veteran Adam Selwood set the tone with a dominant opening term for the Royals, picking up 12 touches, on the way to a decisive 32-possession game which was important as the Royals kicked away to win 18.14 (122) to 15.4 (94).

This game was in the balance until three-quarter-time before East Perth took charge in the last 30 minutes, against the breeze.

Cale Morton, who had played on the wing earlier in the match, dropped back as loose man in defence and his capacity to read the play was significant, cutting off many of the Swans’ early forward thrusts and then sending East Perth on the counter attack.  

He had 26 touches and seven marks, while co-defender Blayne Wilson was also efficient, with 13 disposals and seven marks.

It was significant that with the game on the line, young ruckman Scott Lycett and Jamie Cripps stepped up to the plate. They kicked nine goals between them, with Lycett’s athleticism proving tough for Swans to counter, taking a couple of telling marks.

Cripps had 22 touches and kicked five goals in a match-winning performance through the midfield and up forward.

For Swan Districts, Andrew Embley, possibly in his last game, was outstanding. From 15 possessions and seven marks, he kicked five goals and was the most threatening player inside the Swans attacking arc.

Rebounding defender Jamie Bennell finished off his return from a serious knee injury with a solid effort in the back half before being cast forward in the final term.