A six-goal blitz by Tyler Keitel propelled West Perth to a 24-point WA Day derby win over East Perth at HBF Arena on Monday.
The 22-year-old key forward got going early and teamed up with Trent Manzone and Jay van Berlo to help the Falcons record a convincing 13.15 (93) to 10.9 (69) victory in front of a sea of red and blue.
East Perth’s defensive stocks took a hit in the opening minute of the encounter when former co-captain Kyle Anderson – playing his first league game since round 23 last year – was knocked out by a bout of friendly fire.
Royals debutant Jaxon Cahill courageously went back with the flight of the ball in an attempt to claim the game’s first mark but inadvertently cleaned up Anderson, who did not return following the incident.
With the full back done for the day, East Perth senior coach Luke Webster had to move the magnets and first-year Eagle Oscar Allen was assigned the task of containing the Falcons’ most potent attacking weapon.
In spite of Allen’s best efforts, Keitel booted the game’s opening two goals and three more in the opening quarter to get West Perth on the front foot.
Big man Nathan Vardy was up and about early, reeling in a big contested clunk and kicking truly from 40m, but he failed to make the most of several opportunities for the remainder of the day.
First-year Eagles Jack Petruccelle and Jarrod Brander also wielded some influence in the formative stages of the game before cooling off as West Perth gained the ascendancy following the half-time break.
Stop-start ball movement hurt East Perth in crucial periods of the contest and West Perth pounced on several attempts to move the ball in the corridor, scoring from a number of defensive turnovers.
Brayden Ainsworth and Luke Partington (27 disposals apiece) led East Perth’s midfield alongside Kurt Mutimer, who got his hands on the ball 23 times.
In spite of losing his direct match-up with Keitel, Allen was still among the Royals’ best afield.
The 2017 State Under 18s Championship’s Larke Medallist thrived when playing as the Royals’ loose man in defence and amassed 17 disposals, eight marks and three spoils in a promising display.
Fraser McInnes (28 hitouts) halved his ruck battle with Chris Keunen, while Francis Watson toiled manfully to collect 20 disposals, eight marks and three rebound 50s.
WEST PERTH 4.3 7.7 9.11 13.15 93
EAST PERTH 4.1 6.6 7.7 10.9 69
GOALS – WEST PERTH: Keitel 6; van Berlo, Manzone 2; Meadows, Lourey, Keunen.
EAST PERTH: Maginness 3; McGinnity 2; Wellingham, McInnes, Brander, Petruccelle, Vardy.
