Dom Sheed and Nathan Vardy thrust themselves into selection contention for West Coast’s upcoming clash with Greater Western Sydney, but the dynamic duo could not drag East Perth over the line against South Fremantle on Saturday.
The Royals slumped to their sixth-straight loss – this time to the tune of 21 points – in spite of the eye-catching displays from the dogged midfielder and versatile ruckman.
Sheed was a force to be reckoned with in the guts and forward of centre against the second-placed Bulldogs.
The hard-nosed 23-year-old won a game-high 34 disposals, reeled in seven marks, executed six inside 50 entries and amassed an equal team-high 10 score involvements.
Vardy was equally impressive in the ruck against experienced campaigner Brock Higgins.
The towering 27-year-old won 57 hitouts in addition to collecting 12 disposals, seven tackles, six marks and two goals in his sixth game back from a long injury layoff.
Sheed and Vardy played a significant part in getting the Royals off to a fast start against South Fremantle.
East Perth booted the first four goals of the opening quarter and could have led by more than 24 points at the first break if they had kicked straighter.
After receiving a rocket from coach Todd Curley the Bulldogs picked themselves off the canvas and kicked nine-goals-to-one in the second stanza to lead by 28 points at half-time.
Former Eagle Ashton Hams heaped more pain on the Royals with three goals within the space of 10 minutes to gift the Bulldogs a 39-point advantage with a quarter to play.
Two quick goals from Sharrod Wellingham and a major to first-year Eagle and East Perth league debutant Hamish Brayshaw gave the Royals a sniff, but the Bulldogs held firm and prevailed 16.9 (105) to 12.12 (84).
Luke Partington impressed with 25 disposals, 10 score involvements, eight tackles and a goal, Brayshaw finished his first WAFL league contest with 16 disposals, five marks and a goal, while Daniel Venables and Kurt Mutimer both collected 15 disposals on the day.
Defender Francis Watson amassed 19 disposals to go with his seven marks and five spoils, fellow backman Oscar Allen got his hands on the ball 13 times and forward Jack Petruccelle amassed 11 disposals, five marks and three inside 50 entries.
Emerging ruckman Tony Olagno kicked a goal in his league debut but suffered a hamstring injury midway through the contest.
South Fremantle 1.2 10.5 14.7 16.9 (105)
East Perth 4.6 5.7 7.10 12.12 (84)
GOALS – SOUTH FREMANTLE: Dell’Olio, Shaw, Saunders, Hams 3; Suban, Z Strom, Cook, Parker.
EAST PERTH: Maginness 3; Wellingham, Vardy 2; Dobson, Partington, Brander, Olango, Brayshaw.
