Lapses in concentration are costing East Perth a shot at registering its first win of the 2017 WAFL season, according to Malcolm Karpany.
The budding half-forward talent said it was mindset, not inexperience that was holding the Royals back from reaching their full potential.
“We just need to stay switched on for the full four quarters,” Karpany said.
“When we do take our mind off the game it kills us. When teams identify that they can get on top easier it’s hard to stop. We need to stick it out for the whole of the game.”
East Perth’s tendency to go missing for a period of time was evident for all to see on Friday night at Leederville Oval.
The Royals started the game with gusto and led Claremont by five points after an inspired first quarter, but they failed to fire in the second term, went goalless and let the Tigers boot six goals.
From that point the visitors were not headed and cruised to a comfortable 36-point victory.
Karpany also reckoned the squad needed to celebrate its small victories – such as its three goal run at the end of the first quarter – with more vigour to rally the troops.
Getting around goal kickers was a focus for the team moving forward, according to the fourth-year Eagle.
“When we kick goals we don’t really have the energy; our energy is not high,” he conceded.
“Whereas when our opponents kick a goal they are up and about. That’s something that kills us.
“We need the momentum and the belief to keep going and kick another goal. That’s something that we need to work on.”
On his personal performance, Karpany thought he prepared well for Friday’s encounter and performed well for the majority of the match.
He amassed 22 disposals, 10 contested possessions, two marks, three rebound 50s and two inside 50s.
“My preparation leading up to the games has been good,” he said post-match.
“I felt good out there today. For me, I need to stick out those four quarters as well. There were a few times when I was switched off in transition defensively. That’s something that I need to work on as an individual.”
