Tigers Overrun Again

by Dan Scamozzi

Claremont suffered consecutive losses for the second time in five games after losing to West Perth by seven points at Freebairn Recreational Centre last Saturday.

The Tigers held a nine-point lead at three-quarter time in the first WAFL match to be played in Kulin, before a four-goal-to-two final term from the Falcons saw them prevail 15.11 (101) to 15.4 (94).

It’s the third time Claremont have lead at every change this season but lost a game, following similar results against Perth and Swan Districts.

Claremont now finds itself in seventh position on the ladder, and must regroup ahead of home games against South Fremantle and Subiaco.

Darcy Cameron continued his outstanding form with four goals, while Beau Maister chipped in with three.

Dylan Ross and Bailey Rogers played strong games in defence alongside Brandon Franz who returned from a knee injury, while Mitchell Andrews was solid in the ruck and around the ground.

However, the Tigers lacked ball winners and were well beaten in and around the contest.

Shane Nelson and Luke Meadows were outstanding for West Perth, while Andrew Strijk and Joel Leeson kicked four goals apiece.

And second-gamer Dean Munns played a superb role in nullifying Claremont’s Jye Bolton who had been in excellent form.

Franz and Matthew Palfrey replaced the injured Haydn Busher (knee infection) and retired Oliver Tate from the Claremont team who lost to Peel Thunder a week earlier.

Cameron gave Claremont an early lead with the game’s first goal, before Strijk replied with two quick majors for West Perth.

A goal to Jay Van Berlo gave West Perth three in a row and a 12-point lead, before Palfrey benefited from a long kick forward by Zac Langdon to respond for Claremont.

An inspiring chase and tackle by Palfrey moments later highlighted the Tigers’ appetite for the contest, before a pair of goals to Ryan Neates either side of a major to West Perth’s Max Duffy saw Claremont take a one-point lead at the first change.

The prominent Drew Rohde and a third goal to Strijk gave West Perth a quick start to the second term and an 11-point lead, before Jack Richardson replied for Claremont after some quick ball movement.

Strijk (fourth) and Mark Hamilton then kicked goals either side of a major to Claremont’s Kiefer Yu to give the Falcons a 20-point lead, before four late goals, including a second to Cameron and two to Maister, gave the Tigers a blistering finish to the term and a four-point lead at half-time.

A third straight major to Maister gave Claremont five consecutive goals and a perfect start to the second half, before Leeson and Kody Manning hit back for West Perth.

A booming goal from tight on the boundary to Ian Richardson saw Claremont respond, before Leeson kicked his second.

Two late goals, including a second to J. Richardson and a third to Cameron, gave Claremont a nine-point lead at the final change, with both teams making the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

A fourth goal to Cameron following a kick-to-advantage by Jared Hardisty gave Claremont an ideal start to the final term, before Leeson replied for West Perth with his third and fourth goals either side of a second major to Manning.

A 50m penalty saw Andrews level the scores for Claremont at the 25-minute mark, before a late goal to Michael Lourey sealed West Perth’s third win for the season.

Ross took home the players’ player award for his efforts, while the Tigers will look to respond when they host South Fremantle at the Show Grounds in round eight.

In positive news, Rowen Powell starred for Claremont’s Reserves in his first game since round one after recovering from an ankle injury.

CLAREMONT 4.2 9.2 13.3 15.4 (94)

WEST PERTH 4.1 8.4 11.6 15.11 (101)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 4 D. CAMERON, 3 B. MAISTER, 2 R. NEATES, J. RICHARDSON, 1 M. PALFREY, M. ANDREWS, K. YU, I. RICHARDSON.

WEST PERTH: 4 A. STRIJK, J. LEESON, 2 K. MANNING, 1 J. VAN BERLO, M. DUFFY, D. ROHDE, M. HAMILTON, M. LOUREY.

BEST

CLAREMONT: D. CAMERON, D. ROSS, T. LEDGER, B. ROGERS, M. ANDREWS, B. MAISTER, R. NEATES.

WEST PERTH: L. MEADOWS, J. LEESON, A. STRIJK, S. NELSON, D. ROHDE, D. MUNNS.