An inspired third quarter display had East Perth fans hopeful of an upset victory over bitter rivals Subiaco, but a Royals’ fourth quarter fade gifted the Lions a 31-point win on Friday.

In spite of the result, East Perth improved exponentially after being easily beaten by Claremont a week ago and gave the two-time defending WAFL premiers a genuine fright at Medibank Stadium.

After struggling against the Tigers, West Coast-listed ruckman Jonathan Giles had a significantly better game on Friday, imposing himself on the contest from the first whistle.

Giles bagged the contest's first goal with less than a minute gone in the match and backed up his good start with a solid 24 hit-out, eight disposal and two goal effort.

Fraser McInnes also had a good outing in the black and blue, racking up 13 disposals, eight marks and one goal against the Lions.

Better yet was the big man’s defensive presence; McInnes laid an impressive six tackles for the match and negated several Subiaco 50m intrusions with effective spoils.

Recent West Coast draftees Luke Partington and Tom Cole also impressed.

Partington touched the ball 25 times in his best display for the Royals, while Cole carried over his good form from last week with another consummate display in defence.

Ball magnet Kane Lucas amassed 23 disposals and was matched by second-year Eagle Tom Lamb, who enjoyed an opportunity on the wing and also got on the scoreboard with a goal.

Eagles’ regular Mark Hutchings put in a workman-like display, winning the ball 27 times, and Corey Adamson, who was elevated to the Royals’ league side this week, earned 13 disposals for the match.

Eighteen-year-old Matthew Allen, playing his first game for East Perth’s senior side, won the ball 10 times and kicked a good running goal in the third quarter.