BY DAN SCAMOZZI 

A disappointing performance resulted in the mighty Claremont Tigers’ first loss of the season against traditional rivals Subiaco at Leederville Oval in round six.

Despite kicking the opening goal and winning the final term, the Tigers were no match for the rampant Lions, who prevailed by 40 points, 13.16 (94) to 7.12 (54).

Midfield dominance saw Subiaco record eight more inside 50s and 10 more scoring shots than Claremont, who were inferior in work rate and poor going forward.

However, the defeat will educate and steel the Tigers, who will learn and improve from it.

Reliable and brilliant defender Dec Hardisty (five marks) continued his outstanding form and prevented the Tigers from losing by a bigger margin as he thwarted several Subiaco forays and was named best player and won the players’ player award, while Cal England (equal team-high eight marks, one goal) and Ben Edwards (18 disposals, team-high five tackles) battled manfully.

Ruckman Oliver Eastland (game-high 36 hit-outs) and forward Alex Manuel (equal team-high eight marks, team-high three goals) also continued their strong run of form, while midfielder Rylie Morgan lined up in his first League game of the season and Anton Hamp returned from a hamstring injury.

Subiaco was best served by man-mountain defender Michael Braut, while forward Nick Martin kicked four goals and Jordan Faraone kicked three.

The Tigers began the game in ominous fashion when Manuel kicked truly in the opening minute, only for the Lions to work their way on top and kick the next 10 goals to end the contest.

Both teams kicked three goals in the third term before the Tigers kicked three goals to one in the final term to add some respectability to the scoreboard.

The Tigers will bounce back when they face East Fremantle at New Choice Homes Park in round seven.

CLAREMONT 1.2 1.6 4.9 7.12 (54)

SUBIACO 3.5 9.6 12.11 13.16 (94)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 A. Manuel, 1 R. Lim, C. England, I. Barton, H. McCracken.

SUBIACO: 4 N. Martin, 3 J. Faraone, 1 K. Stainsby, G. Clark, R. Borchet, L. Delahunty, L. Putt, A. Heal.

BEST

CLAREMONT: D. Hardisty, C. England, B. Edwards, O. Eastland.

SUBIACO: M. Braut, J. Faraone, N. Martin, G. Clark, L. Kitchin, R. Borchet.