East Fremantle held sway across four quarters to defeat the WAFL Eagles by 27-points in perfect conditions at Good Grocer Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Sharks made the most of their opportunities inside 50 and built scoreboard pressure at key stages, running out 15.12 (102) to 11.9 (75) winners in round seven.
West Coast welcomed Brandon Starcevich and Cooper Duff‑Tytler for their first appearances in blue and gold, while Josh Burke marked his 50th WAFL game.
The Eagles struck first through Harry Barnett’s set shot, but East Fremantle responded quickly as Lachlan Bailey kicked three early goals to help establish control. With their tall targets proving difficult to contain and territory largely in their favour, the Sharks worked their way to a 19-point lead at the first break.
A more contested second term followed, with stoppages slowing the game. Tom Gross produced a classy finish to bring West Coast closer before Matt Flynn added another shortly after, trimming the margin. However, the Sharks found a late burst through Austin Ball and Lennon Marlin to stretch the lead, taking a 27-point advantage into half-time.
The Eagles showed encouraging signs after the main break, with Duff‑Tytler kicking his first WAFL goal to open the second half. Improved ball movement created opportunities, and goals to Sasha Kernutt and Clay Hall brought the visitors back within striking distance.
Barnett’s second goal ensured the pressure remained on, but East Fremantle responded each time to maintain control, heading into the final quarter with a 21-point buffer.
With the game in the balance early in the last term, the Sharks were able to land the next blow, extending their lead and making it difficult for the Eagles to reel them in.
West Coast continued to compete, with Shannon Lucassen, Gross and Kernutt finding goals late, but East Fremantle finished strongly to secure the result.
Cleaver was dominant for the Sharks inside 50 and in defence, finishing with 31 disposals and 13 tackles, while Smartt proved a key influence with three goals and 16 touches.
Fin Macrae was impressive for the Eagles with 24 disposals, and Flynn was prominent in the ruck finishing with 18 touches and 32 hit outs.
Gross continued to work tirelessly, finishing with two goals and 20 touches in a strong performance.
The Eagles take on Peel Thunder in round eight at Mineral Resources Park from 1.10pm on Sunday.
East Fremantle: 4.4, 7.8, 11.10, 15.12 (102)
West Coast: 1.3, 3.5, 8.7, 11.9 (75)
GOALS
East Fremantle: Bailey 3, Smartt 3, Marlin 2, Vladich 2, Robinson 2, Ball, Stockden, Jansen.
West Coast: Barnett 2, Duff‑Tytler 2, Gross 2, Kernutt 2, Flynn, Hall, Lucassen.
BEST
East Fremantle: Cleaver, Carrello, Marsh, Smartt, Bailey, Marlin.
West Coast: Datson, Gross, Macrae, Flynn, Hewett, Duff‑Tytler.
