By Sebastian Hasluck

Match Day Reporter

Claremont Rogers thrived off clean possessions and a high level of class and skill, in what was an inspired win over the East Perth Royals on Saturday afternoon at Revo Fitness Stadium

This matchup was competitive from the first bounce as each team was itching to secure second place on the 2023 season ladder. This game was a blend between polish and finesse whilst also displaying the Tigers grit and tenacity.

From very early on, it was easy to tell that this Claremont side was switched on showing immense pressure and effort from the get-go. The Tigers were motivated and determined, which translated into a significant improvement in the execution of clearances and transitional play.

The Claremont players, either by design or choice, frequently looked inboard during the match, resulting in several instances of a flick handball over the pack and into the corridor, finding a running loose Claremont player. This approach generated more run and carry compared to their performance in the past two weeks and was a crucial factor in their Round 8 victory.

Claremont ended up defeating East Perth 4.5 (29) to 3.2 (20).

Whilst not applying scoreboard pressure in the first quarter, it felt as if Claremont were on top of their opposition with the ball living mainly in the Tigers forward 50.

Bec Anderson was highly persistent throughout the match, and a pivotal force in kickstarting the engine room for Claremont. Anderson just like her counterpart Lexi Fox were outstanding in sharing the ruck position. Both of them were able to successfully tap it to themselves or just blatantly take possession, often leading to them bursting out of the stoppage, heading towards goals.

Anderson and Fox's understanding of ruck craft was also evident, as on several occasions they allowed their opponents to jump first while impeccably timing the ball drop. Anderson scored 1 goal for the day with a long bomb from the 50-metre line, whilst having several more opportunities which were unfortunately smothered.

The second quarter saw Claremont rewarded for their initial effort as Jessica Rava was able to snap a goal from the square to start off the Tigers scoring.

Throughout the match, there were several impressive passages of play from the Claremont team, with either Esther Cooney or Amy Evans leading the charge from the centre bounce.

Cooney and Evans exhibited exceptional speed and often linked up in the midfield by handballing over the top of their opposition. Their rapid speed and fluid transitions were so impressive that at times, it was difficult to differentiate between the two players, who share adjacent numbers.

Amelie Moe was a standout performer in the match, frequently presenting herself as an option on the outside of many contests and consistently winning possession of the ball. Although Moe was unable to convert her opportunities into goals on this occasion, she had several chances in front of goal, having established herself as a proven goal scorer throughout the season.

East Perth was able to work themselves back into the game as the Royals seemingly shifted the momentum their way in the third quarter.

Savannah Muir proved instrumental in securing Claremont's victory by scoring two crucial goals in the last half, while Phoebe Browne's influential intercept marks in the final quarter helped to defensively suppress East Perth's second-half resurgence.

Both players made significant contributions to the team's success, with Muir's offensive prowess and Browne's defensive skills playing a pivotal role in securing the win.

The Claremont Rogers are now focused on Round 9, where they aim to maintain their momentum against the lower ladder-positioned Subiaco Lions at Leederville Oval on Sunday at 10 am. Despite Subiaco being positioned at 8th on the ladder, Claremont understands the importance of not taking this easier matchup for granted. Nonetheless, with the confidence gained from their recent win, Claremont is hopeful to secure another victory and add to their impressive record this 2023 season.

Claremont Goal Scorers:

Savannah Muir (2), Bec Anderson, Jessica Rava

Claremont Best:

Bec Anderson, Lexi Fox, Amelie Moe, Amy Evans, Esther Cooney, Phoebe Browne