East Perth will take some confidence into the WAFL finals series despite a four-point loss to ladder-leader and defending premiers Subiaco on Saturday.

The Royals led for most of the day, faltered in the last quarter but will take some belief into the elimination final against Claremont, who came from behind to stun West Perth at Arena Joondalup.

Led by wingman Kane Lucas, half-back Dylan Main and midfielder Scott Selwood, the Royals played some quality football and will be looking to repeat the effort against the Tigers in what looms as an intriguing encounter.

Lucas had 21 possessions and had a strong influence as an inside midfielder as well as on the wing, while Selwood, restricted to 80 minutes of football as he resumes from an ankle injury, also had 21 touches and capped off his game with six tackles.

He could be in the selection frame this week as West Coast prepares for the final qualifying match of the season against St Kilda at Domain Stadium.

Main, playing off half-back, continued to build his form with 14 possessions and a couple of marks, while Irishman Paddy Brophy accumulated similar numbers, with five marks.

Small forward Malcolm Karpany started strongly and kicked two goals, but drifted out of the game, while Tom Lamb kicked a goal from 10 touches and five marks. Playing as a tall forward, he is attracting the opposition’s best defender and that will only enhance his education.

Rowen Powell had 14 possessions and six marks and kicked a goal, while Corey Adamson had 15 possessions, four marks and four tackles to do his bit for the East Perth cause.