The contest between North Fremantle and the newly-admitted junior team East Perth-attracted a fairly large attendance to the North Fremantle Oval on Saturday. Despite the recent heavy rain the ground was in splendid conditions and some good play was witnessed. The teams were:
North Fremantle: Backs, Charlton, G.Munro, Bateman; half-backs, Smellie, Sumpton, Kennington; centre. Blight, E.Rowland, Ablett; half-forward, Backshall, W. Smith, Bovell; forwards; White, Keenan, G. Smith; followers, Jones, Craig (capt.); rover, Fortington.
East Perth: Backs, Rann, Smith, Wilkins; half-back. Andrews. J. and W. Hesford; centre, Oliver, Wallish. Bigland; half-forward. Lindsay, Toll, Hogan; forward. McKinnon, Sinclair, Sherwood; followers, Woolard (capt.), Jim Hesford; rover, Lockridge.
From the bounce the local team were the first to secure an advantage, and sent the ball on to their forward line. The opposing backs offered a stubborn resistance, and it was some time before the local forwards were able to break through their defence a minor point resulting. Some fine work by the visitors’ followers-Woolard and Hesford and the play was transferred. Norths' goal keeper, however, saved the situation. Craig and Fortington then sent the ball into their opponents' territory, and Smith notched a single point. By a series of well-judged passes the local men were again placed on the defensive and "Jim" Hesford notched the first goal for East Perth’s.
The scores at quarter-time were: East Perth, 1-2 (8 points). North Fremantle, 0-3 (3 points).
East Perth were the aggressors on the bounce, but Craig relieved in good style. North endeavoured to force the pace, but their opponents were defending splendidly. Woolard relieved a determined rush and sent well along the river wing, where McKinnon took a well-judged mark. He tried for goal, but was rather unfortunate in bitting the post. Shortly afterwards, however, he was given another opportunity and this time he made no mistake. Craig, the North captain, at this stage was forced to retire from the game owing to an injury to his knee cap. The remainder of the term was fairly evenly contested. The kicking of the local forwards was wretched. Shortly before half-time Sherwood added another goal to the Easts' credit.
The scores at this period were: East Perth, 3-3 (21 points). North Fremantle, 0-5 (5 points).
On resuming. Norths were quickly on the defensive, and Easts added two behinds to their tally in quick succession. The local men then made a determined effort, and the play at this stage provided the most interesting part of the game. The effort was well sustained, and a goal by Bovell resulted. Norths were now playing well together, and kept their opponents on the defensive for the best part of the quarter.
The scores when the bell rang at three-quarter time East Perth, 3-8 (26 points) North Fremantle. 1-8 (14 points).
In the final quarter the play was of a very even character. Each side played with great dash and determination. Norths, however, were unable to make up the deficit. Toll for Easts notched their fourth goal while North Fremantle only succeeded in registering two behinds.
The final scores were: East Perth. 4-8 (32 points). North Fremantle. 1-10 (16 points)
'The goalkickers were - East Perth: McKinnon, Toll, Hesford, and Sherwood. North Fremantle: Bovell.
By their well-deserved victory East Perth fully justified their admittance into the senior ranks. They played with excellent combination right throughout the game, and were their opponents' equals in all the phases of the game. Although it was evident that North Fremantle were not nearly so strong as in previous years, they are. nevertheless, a fair combination. For the winning team Woolard was consistently brilliant and played perhaps the best game on the ground. The Hesford brothers were also prominent, while McKinnon. Toll, Lockridge and Sherwood played well. The losers were best represented by Craig, before his injury, Rowlands, "Snowy' White, Fortington, Bovell and Keenan.
Mr. J. Kennedy had charge of the game as central umpire and gave satisfaction.
Game details including full match scores, goalkickers and team lists: North Fremantle v East Perth, Round 1, 1906