By Dan Scamozzi

Claremont’s Reserves remain winless after a 19-point loss to Perth at Lathlain Park left the Tigers with consecutive losses to start the season.

Despite a bye in round two and 24-point lead at half-time, Claremont were outscored 11 goals to four in the second half of the 13.11 (89) to 16.12 (108) defeat despite leading at every change and recording seven more inside 50s.

However, there were positives for the Tigers.

Max Bentley played his first game for the club since round 13, 2015 after returning from injury and took home the players’ player award for his outstanding efforts and will to never give up, while defender John Williams continued his solid start to the season with 25 disposals and 10 marks.

Oliver Eastland combined his duties in the forward line and ruck to finish with three goals and 11 hit outs, while Jack Bradshaw starred with 33 disposals, 14 marks, eight tackles, eight inside 50s and two goals in his new midfield role.

Eddie Simpson hauled in eight marks and kicked two goals, while Chris (CJ) Oakley played his first game for the season and reminded everyone of his trademark run-and-carry and desire to pressure and harass the opposition.

Another pleasing sign for the Tigers was the return from injury of Jacob Sideris.

Taran Etto (21 disposals, eight tackles) led the way for Perth, with Blake Johnson, Marshall Jones and Callum Papertalk each kicking three goals.

Goals to Matthew Palfrey, Bradshaw and Tom Lawrence in the opening stages of the first term gave Claremont an ideal start to the game as the Tigers made the most of the perfect conditions and immaculate playing surface, before Johnson pulled one back for the Demons.

Morgan Davies showed tremendous courage moments before the quarter-time siren by going back with the flight of the ball in a marking attempt, with Perth’s Cody Kickett reported for rough conduct after collecting the Tiger.

A 16-point lead at the opening change was the result of the Tigers’ blistering start to the game as coach Kepler Bradley paid tribute to the team and lauded the efforts of the backline.

With Williams and Tom Shanahan already finding plenty of the ball and Jeremy Goddard leading the way in the ruck, a goal to Eastland saw Claremont extend their lead to 21 points early in the second term.

A great tackle in defence by Sam Bevan reiterated the Tigers’ desire and appetite for the contest, with Bradshaw becoming more prominent by the minute.

Jones kicked Perth’s second major to trim Claremont’s lead to 15 points, before the Tigers hit back with four consecutive goals, including two to Simpson.

Perth responded with two majors, before a second left-footed snap by Eastland gave the Tigers a 32-point lead.

A great spoil and desperate tackle in defence by Bevan saw Claremont take a 24-point lead at half-time, however, the third term would belong to Perth.

Despite some outstanding defensive efforts by Gerrick Weedon and a third goal to Eastland, the Demons slammed on six goals to three to cut the Tigers’ lead to four points at the final change, with Bradley imploring the team to play “ruthless footy”.

Despite the coach’s plea, the Tigers were unable to stop the Demons’ superior run and desire to win the game, as the hosts slammed on five goals to one in the final term to record their second win.

Claremont will now turn their attention to a crucial clash with East Perth at Medibank Stadium on Sunday in round four.

Meanwhile, Claremont’s Colts recorded their first win for the season after demolishing Perth, 14.13 (97) to 4.12 (36).

CLAREMONT 3.5 9.6 12.7 13.11 (89)

PERTH 1.1 5.6 11.9 16.12 (108)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 O. Eastland, 2 J. Bradshaw, B. Higgs, M. Palfrey, E. Simpson, 1 M. Davies, T. Lawrence.

PERTH: 3 B. Johnson, M. Jones, C. Papertalk, 2 M. Henderson, G. Piggott, 1 S. Smith, N. Ansey, C. Kickett.

BEST

CLAREMONT: J. Williams, O. Eastland, J. Bradshaw, M. Bentley, E. Simpson.

PERTH: T. Etto, B. Johnson, C. Kickett, C. Papertalk, M. Henderson.