Round 10 WAFLW Match Report – Claremont Tigers vs Peel Thunder:

By Sebastian Hasluck

Match Day Reporter

Claremont showcased their dominance once again as they secured a commanding victory over Peel Thunder at their home ground, triumphing by a margin of 56 points.

The Tigers frequently peppered Peel's defenders with scoring attempts, but their own inaccuracy kept them from putting Peel to the sword and reaching triple figures.

Claremont have now won 7 of their 9 games by 15 or more points in season 2023 and still sit on top of the ladder after 10 rounds. With six rounds left in the 2023 home and away season Claremont have set themselves up with a healthy percentage and the best possible chance of going back-to-back in their premiership defence.

Supported by the thriving 2023 Rogers team, the Tigers have discovered new talent that has bolstered their depth and provides consistent support each week. In today's match, seven individual Tigers contributed to the scoreboard, including debutant Jayde Musika, who scored in her first appearance.

Claremont displayed dominance across all aspects of the game, amassing 100 more disposals than Peel, along with 26 additional inside 50s, resulting in 16 more scoring opportunities than the Thunder.

From the opening bounce, Claremont controlled the ball and consistently advanced into their forward 50. Even when it seemed likely to exit through Peel's defenders, the Tigers swiftly regained possession, providing ample opportunities for their forwards.

Although the third quarter wasn't Claremont's highest-scoring period, it was their most dominant, with repeated entries into their forward 50. Despite the barrage of attempts, they managed to convert only 1 goal and 5 behinds during the quarter.

The final score line favoured Claremont, with a commanding 10.9 (69) to 2.1 (13) victory.

Matilda Dyke played a pivotal role in Claremont's victory, dominating the centre square and providing her midfielders with crucial first access to the ball. Despite being outnumbered in her matchup, she outperformed her opponents in hitouts, showcasing her agility and ability to contest at every stoppage.

Dyke recorded an impressive 29 hitouts, surpassing the two Peel ruck opponents who managed 13 and 6 respectively. Additionally, Dyke made a significant impact with 17 disposals, 4 tackles, and even contributed a goal to her team's success.

Claremont's primary possession winners, Matilda Sergeant, Jayme Harken, and Sarah Garstone, were granted first access to the ball, allowing them to make a significant impact in the match. Together, they accumulated an impressive total of 80 disposals.

Matilda Sergeant and Jayme Harken showcased their expertise in winning the ball both on the ground and in the air. Sergeant displayed her skills with 29 disposals, 7 marks, and 4 tackles, while Harken made her presence felt with 29 disposals, 5 marks, and 7 tackles. Their consistent performances in the midfield demonstrate their competitiveness week in and week out.

Sarah Garstone, primarily operating from the wing, had her standout game of the season so far. She amassed 22 disposals, 7 marks, and 6 inside 50s, playing a crucial role in supporting the midfielders. Garstone's contributions were instrumental in locking the ball inside the Tigers' attacking half.

The abundance of possessions won from the centre bounce provided ample opportunities for the high half forwards, Ella Slocombe and Brookye Whyte, to thrive and capitalise on these central clearances.

They both made significant contributions by not only scoring two goals each but also showcasing their ability to win possessions in their own right, playing a hybrid role that combines ball-winning and attacking skills.

Slocombe and Whyte were not only goal scorers but also made significant contributions through their own possessions. Both players registered 17 disposals, with Slocombe impressively delivering the ball inside the forward 50 on 7 occasions.

On the other hand, Whyte made her impact felt around the 50-metre arc, showcasing her skills with 5 marks and 5 tackles throughout the day.

The match's somewhat overcast conditions suited running forwards over traditional key forwards, giving players like Slocombe and Whyte an advantage. They took advantage of the occasion and benefited from the style of play.

In the upcoming round, Claremont will face a daunting task against second-placed South Fremantle, who trail the Tigers by just four points on the ladder. With a whopping 108 more points scored than Claremont, South Fremantle boasts the highest scoring team of the season and will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for Claremont's solid defensive structure. However, the Claremont faithful can take solace in the fact that the Tigers have emerged victorious in their last five encounters against the Bulldogs, and also have a commendable record at Fremantle Community Bank Oval, where the match is scheduled to take place this Saturday at 3:00 pm.

This highly competitive fixture will serve as an excellent test of each team's credentials as a potential finals contender and provide an opportunity to gain a strategic advantage before the crucial final stages of the season.

Claremont Goal Scorers:

Ella Slocombe (2), Brooke Whyte (2), Amalie Moe (2), Adele Arnup, Jacinta Valentini, Matilda Dyke, Jayde Musika

Claremont Best:

Matilda Sergeant, Matilda Dyke, Jayme Harken, Sarah Garstone, Brooke Whyte, Ella Slocombe