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Royals’ coup to continue

By Brendan Leicester

AFTER announcing today that sacked St.Kilda recruit Andrew Lovett had officially signed on with East Perth, the club could be further bolstered by the return of some key position players.

Sitting not-so-pretty in 7th spot, Royals coach Tony Micale can at least take solace in the fact that the forward duo he dumped in Andrew Merrington and Mat Seal both put in fine performances in their reserves win over Claremont.

Merrington (31) reclaimed some form at full forward, collecting 20 touches and booting three goals straight, after managing 11 goals in seven games at league level so far this season.

While Seal showed no signs of a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for the last month, gathering 22 touches and three goals straight in a best on ground effort.

Royals football manager Mark Winnett said both players were a good chance of regaining their league spots for their must win match against South Fremantle at Medibank Stadium next fortnight.

“It’s good to see them both bounce back so quickly after copping the axe and at the same time playing a hand in the win,” he said.

Another player likely to return is hard-at-it midfielder Craig Glancy, who has been out of action since round three after suffering a broken jaw against West Perth.

Glancy (27 touches and one goal) was another standout player in the reserves side that defeated the Tigers by 24-points.

“It (broken jaw) really tested his resolve, but I don’t think it will change the way he plays, nor the way he attacks the contest,” Winnett said.

“If anything it makes you appreciate the physicality of the game, and the level of commitment that players, like Craig have.”