Ferocious tackling, determined chasing, unselfish team play and a good deal of brilliance marked Claremont’s superb 50-point victory over Swan Districts in the league second semi-final at Claremont Oval on Saturday, writes Ken Casellas.

The euphoria of the win, which earns the Tigers a shot at the premiership in the grand final at Subiaco Oval next Sunday week, was severely tempered by the serious facial injuries sustained by inspirational captain Clancy Rudeforth.

Michael Evans, the sleek, slick-moving Lamborghini of the Claremont colts side, made his long-awaited return to action at Leederville Oval on Saturday, with a polished performance against East Perth.

His was a highly-encouraging performance before the side prepares for the clash with top side East Fremantle in the second semi-final at East Fremantle Oval next Saturday, writes Ken Casellas.

The 18-year-old Evans had missed several matches, recovering from an injured hip muscle and he eased back into football in a forward pocket before exploding into top gear when switched on to the ball in the second quarter.

Skill errors and a lack of urgency and application marred Claremont’s display in the reserves match against East Perth at Leederville Oval on Saturday.

The desultory performance which led to a 22-point defeat came as a low spot in a splendid season, with coach Ross McQueen’s side ending the qualifying rounds in top position with 15 wins and a draw from 20 matches, writes Ken Casellas.

It was an eerie, almost surreal, feeling arriving at Leederville Oval on Saturday to watch Claremont’s high-flying league side do battle with East Perth in the final round of qualifying fixtures for 2010, writes Ken Casellas.

Memories came flooding back of one of the finest days in the proud history of the Claremont Football Club, when I was covering the match for The West Australian and was one of the crowd of 21,446 watching the Tigers take on West Perth in a do-or-die final qualifying-round match on September 12, 1964.

Tipping the scales at 65kg, teenager Ryan Neates is the equal lightest player to have appeared in WAFL league ranks this year. There are no statistics to measure or rank the most determined or ferocious player in the competition.

But there is no doubt that Neates qualifies as one of the most fearless and committed players in the competition, writes Ken Casellas.