Walyalup Senior Coach Justin Longmuir praised the way his side weathered the storm, staying in the contest despite trailing in multiple statistical categories, to eventually put their foot down and defeat Yartapuulti by 49 points.

By the final siren, Yartapuulti had spent 51% of the match in their forward half and won the inside 50 count by one. However, Walyalup’s defence stood firm, restricting Yartapuulti to converting only 29% of their entries. On the flip side, Walyalup was able to convert 45% of their own.

“I’m really proud of the way the players persisted," Longmuir said.

"I’m really proud of the way our backs held up in that first quarter.

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"We adjusted the way we wanted to and got the game played a little bit more in our front half.

"I don’t think scoring was much of an issue throughout the night - it was more of a field position battle.

"There are signs that we are maturing as a team - to be hunted by Port, I guess… we worked through that which maybe three weeks ago we wouldn’t have.

"I’m really proud of the way they adjusted, stuck to the plan, and fought their way through it.”

Longmuir also made mention of substitute Bailey Banfield, who came into the game early in the first quarter when five-game player Cooper Simpson left the ground with an AC joint injury after a heavy collision.

“Firstly, it’s real growth in his (Simpson’s) game to be able to own the line of the ball like he did and commit to that contest,” Longmuir said.

“Footy puts you in those really vulnerable situations where you just have to go for the team, and I really loved his endeavour and commitment.

"When your youngest players are doing that, it’s a good sign.

"Banners is a really good substitute because he can play anywhere.

"For him to go out and embrace playing as a half-forward (in defence), and then for all the other backs to be really strong in their communication to help set him up and make his job easier - that was really good.”

Walyalup has now won five of the six games where they have led at the final change, finishing strongly and restricting Yartapuulti to just two goals after the main break.

Walyalup will now face Gold Coast in Round 12 before the club’s Round 13 bye.

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