East Perth has overrun the WAFL Eagles their round 12 clash at Sullivan Logistics Stadium, claiming a five-point victory, 10.5 (65) to 8.12 (60), on Friday night.
With both sides entering the Mental Health Round fixture on five wins for the season and separated only by percentage, the contest lived up to expectations in dewy conditions following earlier rain.
West Coast welcomed back Thomas Edwards-Baldwin after six weeks on the sidelines with a hip injury and made a strong start, controlling territory and applying intense defensive pressure.
Tyrell Dewar opened the scoring after excellent forward pressure from captain Callum Jamieson, before East Perth responded through Sebit Kuek. Jamieson, playing forward rather than his customary role in defence, then converted from directly in front to restore the Eagles' advantage.
The Royals continued to challenge, with Jayden Peak levelling the scores before Tylah Williams and Malakai Champion both found the goals to help West Coast establish a handy buffer.
Aniello Pizzolante answered with a clever major for East Perth, but Sam Cipriani's set shot from a free kick ensured the Eagles carried a 13-point lead into quarter-time.
The second term developed into a hard-fought arm wrestle, with both sides applying relentless pressure around the contest. It took more than 11 minutes for the first goal of the quarter, which came through Lucca Grego after an impressive finish that extended West Coast's lead to 18 points.
A strong ruck battle between Matt Flynn and Scott Jones highlighted the quarter, while East Perth fought back through Kuek's second goal.
Cipriani again hit back for the Eagles with his second major of the evening before Ben Middleton reduced the margin shortly before half-time, leaving West Coast 12 points clear at the main break.
The Royals emerged strongly after halftime, with Tom Graham kicking the opening goal of the third term to trim the margin to six points.
Harry Schoenberg provided one of the highlights of the night with a brilliant effort that would be in contention for goal of the week, helping steady the Eagles. However, East Perth refused to go away, with Middleton's second and a late major to Pizzolante narrowing the margin to just three points at the final change and setting up a thrilling finish.
West Coast generated opportunities throughout the final quarter but were unable to make the most of their chances in front of goal.
The breakthrough eventually came 13 minutes into the term when Darcy Craven slotted a goal to hand East Perth the lead for the first time all evening. Another Royals major soon followed as the home side seized momentum and absorbed increasing pressure from the Eagles.
Despite several late opportunities to regain the lead, West Coast could not capitalise, with East Perth holding firm to secure the narrow victory.
Tyler Lindberg was outstanding for the Royals, finishing with 24 disposals and seven tackles, while Liam Tedesco also played a key role with 21 touches and 10 tackles.
For West Coast, Fin Macrae continued his consistent season with 31 disposals, matching mid-season recruit Oliver Francou's 31 possessions. Flynn again battled strongly in the ruck and around the ground, finishing with 29 hit-outs and providing a strong defensive presence.
The Eagles play East Fremantle in round 13 at Mineral Resources Park from 7.10pm on Friday.
EAST PERTH: 3.2, 5.3, 8.3, 10.5 (65)
WEST COAST: 5.2, 7.3, 8.6, 8.12 (60)
GOALS
East Perth: Pizzolante (2), Middleton (2), Kuek (2), Graham, Peak, Craven, Screaigh.
West Coast: Cipriani (2), Dewar, Jamieson, Williams, Champion, Grego, Schoenberg.
BEST
East Perth: Tedesco, Lindberg, Middleton, North, Jones.
West Coast: Macrae, Francou, Flynn, Grego, Shoenberg.
