Fremantle Maintain Carton's Blues

My first Australian Rules Football game at the new Optus Stadium in Burswood was between the Fremantle Dockers and the Carlton Blues on a nice, bright, sunny and warm August afternoon.

Today's game was a dead rubber of sorts as Carlton was firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, and Fremantle were unable to make it into the top 8 to progress to the finals series. After a shaky start by the visitors, Fremantle were simply too good and closed down Carlton to win the game 15.11-101 to 10.12-72. The loss confirmed Calton to its fifth wooden spoon since 2002.

All in all the match was rather uninspiring and at times thoroughly painful to watch. However, both teams are in rebuilding phases, so there were some promising signs form both teams.

Water and cool drink were 5 dollars, beers were mid-strength at 8 dollars and a pies were 6 dollars. Slightly on the high side but at least it isn't out of control like in previous years.

Lions Edge Past Forrestfield

A warm and sunny Saturday afternoon at Rosalie Park played host to Subiaco Lions and Forrestfield United in the final round 24 of the National Premier Leagues Western Australia division. The visitors were in control early with a penalty earned on the ninth minute, which was slotted home to open the account. But the visitors struggled to take advantage of their dominance at Rosalie by failing to take their chances.

The hosts levelled the match with a 39th minute strike, which looked like Subiaco were going to take control of the game away from Forrestfield after this turn in the game. However, Forrestfield continued to press for a second goal but it just didn't come about after numerous chances went begging during the second half. Subiaco punished them for their wasted opportunities by scoring their second deep into stoppage time to deal a cruel blow to Forrestfield, who felt they were going to walk away with shared points.

As my arrival to the game was slightly rushed and the depleted supplies of the canteen, I opted for a can of coke and a packet of smiths for 5 dollars in total. Not bad for just a snack while watching the game at a venue, that is really not anywhere near NPL standard, let alone trying to be remotely close to said standard. Hopefully this changes in the near future.

Dogs Edge Falcons

A rather chilly, windy and wet day in Fremantle was host to South Fremantle and West Perth at Fremantle Oval. While South Fremantle weren't ever really out of the contest, they weren't exactly doing themselves and their fans any favours throughout the contest and at times hit the lead but were rather unconvincing in doing so. The windy conditions and the wet ball probably played havoc on the players where many were susceptible from slipping and fumbling the ball rather often.

West Perth on the other hand seemed to be playing within themselves and not pressing on further when they were in the lead during the match, perhaps that was due to the difficult conditions. I think however, the Falcons had misread the home team's dogged (pun intended) determination with the Dogs coming home with a 5 point victory in dark, chilly and wet conditions.

As I was away recently on holidays I had been craving for an ice-cream and got one with nuts, chocolate and a 'flake' which was a twirl bar, for 6 dollars. Not bad and was rather delicious. Can't go past a classic really. Beers were 8 dollars and of course my choice of drink was the Carlton Draught, for me another old faithful that goes down smoothly while watching the footy.
All in All another good afternoon to watch some Saturday football at Fremantle Oval.