Round 18 Preview Claremont v East Perth

by Dan Scamozzi

Claremont begins its final stretch of games for 2016 when it hosts East Perth at the Showgrounds on Saturday.

Fresh off its final bye in Round 17 and a confidence-boosting win over South Fremantle a week earlier, the Tigers will be looking to record consecutive victories for the first time this season and end the Royals’ four-game winning run in the process.

Claremont ran out 76-point winners when the sides met back in Round One, and won the corresponding fixture last season when it kept East Perth to its lowest-ever score between the two teams.

Senior coach Michael Broadbridge will not coach the Tigers in 2017 after informing the club that he won’t seek an extension to his three-year term due to work commitments.

“Claremont Football Club extends its gratitude to Michael for the outstanding contribution he has made to the club over the past three years and wishes him and his family the very best for the future,” Claremont chief executive Graham Moss told The West Australian.

Meanwhile, Gerrick Weedon is set to play his 50^th game of what’s been a decorated career.

The Claremont Football Club’s thoughts and prayers are with East Perth’s Beau Chatley and his family after the Royal suffered a serious spinal injury whilst playing in the Reserves last Saturday.

The Tiger army wishes Beau all the best with his recovery.

The club encourages everyone to attend the game and cheer on the mighty Tigers in what will be the team’s second-last home game for the season.

Bouncedown is 2.15pm, following Reserves at 11.30am and Colts at 9am.