Development Report: Tigers bitten by Bulldogs

By Dan Scamozzi

A slow start set the tone for Claremont’s Reserves’ disappointing 43-point loss to South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Good Friday.

After smashing East Perth five days earlier, the Tigers trailed by 17 points at quarter-time, were held scoreless in the second quarter and ended up suffering a 5.8 (38) to 11.15 (81) defeat in perfect conditions.

Oliver Eastland battled manfully to finish as Claremont’s best player, while Matthew Palfrey won his share of the ball and acting captain Morgan Davies laid 10 tackles.

Corey Mitchell made a strong debut with his pace and ability to break the lines on show and earning him the players’ player award, while Harrison McCracken lined up for his first Reserves game for the season after missing round four with shin soreness.

Meanwhile, Jared Hardisty and Nick Winmar played their first games for the season after returning from injury.

The Tigers will now regroup and look to record their second win of the season when they host Subiaco at East Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

Claremont’s Colts made it three consecutive wins with a 41-point victory over South Fremantle, 12.13 (85) to 6.8 (44).

CLAREMONT 1.2 1.2 3.4 5.8 (38)

SOUTH FREMANTLE 4.1 6.8 9.12 11.15 (81)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 1 M. Palfrey, B. Higgs, C. Mitchell, K. Gilbert, E. Simpson.

SOUTH FREMANTLE: 2 J. Pullman, C. Datson, J. Garlett, 1 M. Dzelebdzic, T. Pickett, A. Robinson, J. Dragovich, M. Parker.

BEST

CLAREMONT: O. Eastland, M. Palfrey, D. Smallwood.

SOUTH FREMANTLE: N. Strom, T. Vandeleur, J. Collard, J. Parry, J. Solomon.