Sheed and Colledge, expected to be key players in the planned resurgence of the Eagles, were solid throughout when the Royals progressed to the grand final on the back of a 32-point win over the Lions – 13.12 (90) to 7.16 (58).
Sheed, in particular, played one of his best games in senior football, accumulating 25 possessions and seven marks, while also scoring an important goal.
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But Colledge was also impressive with 21 touches and, along with veteran Sam Butler and hard nut Pat McGinnity, combined to give East Perth the edge in the midfield. Butler had 29 possessions, while McGinnity had 18 touches as a midfielder and forward, finishing off his work with a goal.
The Royals jumped Subiaco in the first term, staved off a second quarter revival and then asserted their authority in the third stanza to lead by 29 points at the last change.
In an even team performance, with contributors across the board, the Royals were a little too steady against a team they had not beaten during the qualifying rounds. Experienced WAFL campaigners Craig Wulff, Brendan Lee, Nathan Blee and Steven Payne did much to set up this victory.
The Royals have been keen to avenge last year’s grand final defeat by West Perth and they now get the opportunity in two weeks’ time.
Ruckman-forward Callum Sinclair combined with former West Coast and Melbourne ruckman Paul Johnson to provide the East Perth runners with first use of the ball, while Josh Hill and Ash Smith did not rack up big numbers, but their defensive pressure was evident throughout.
In the back half, Blayne Wilson and Jacob Brennan were exceptional, while Adam Carter was disciplined and tough.
Wilson, playing at full-back, had 28 possessions in an eye-catching performance, while Brennan’s rebound from defence, after completing a good shut-down on dangerous Subiaco forward Shane Yarran, was also valuable.
The return of Wilson allowed key position prospect Fraser McInnes to push into his more familiar attacking role, and he offered a reliable avenue inside the forward 50, taking eight marks and gathering 14 possessions at centre half-forward.
The Royals have now earned a week off, while Subiaco will confront East Fremantle in the preliminary final to earn the right to challenge East Perth for the premiership.
