Claremont got the jump on the Royals, with a seven-goal first term, and while East Perth recovered to produce a competitive effort, still failed by seven points to reel in the Tigers –losing 11.11 (77) to 12.12 (84).
Only four West Coast players were available for this clash, with that number sure to be significantly greater in this week’s second semi-final against Subiaco.
Defender Jacob Brennan, young midfielder Dylan Main, key position player Fraser McInnes and ruckman-forward Callum Sinclair were the only West Coast-listed players to represent East Perth in this contest.
Sinclair was the best of the quartet, having an interesting battle with Claremont veteran Mark Seaby. He had 17 possessions and 22 hit outs in a solid, if not spectacular, display, but goes into the finals series in good form.
Brennan had a tough first half, but responded after the main break to provide some strong defensive rebound, while McInnes was again under notice at centre half-back and had an interesting battle with Mitch McGovern – brother of his West Coast teammate Jeremy.
Main rotated through the wing and at half-forward and continues to benefit from exposure to senior football.
