Development Report - Tigers Tame Lions

by Dan Scamozzi

A never-give-in attitude paved the way for Claremont’s Reserves’ six-point win over Subiaco in ANZAC Round at East Fremantle Oval in perfect conditions last Saturday.

After a terrific first quarter, the Tigers, who blooded three debutants, were gradually pegged back by Subiaco before kicking the final two goals of the game to prevail 11.5 (71) to 9.11 (65) and record their second win of the season.

Corey Mitchell backed up his stunning debut eight days earlier to finish as Claremont’s best player after laying five tackles, kicking one goal and repeatedly pressuring the opposition through his commitment and ability to break the lines, while Dylan Holt (six tackles) made a fine debut and kicked two impressive goals.

Lachlan Martinis continued his strong start to the season to finish with 29 disposals, six marks and five tackles, while Jared Hardisty (eight tackles) set the tone for Claremont’s endeavour in his second game back from a pre-season ankle injury, and turned the match in the Tigers’ favour with a desperate and team-lifting smother halfway through the final term on his way to taking home the players’ player award.

Debutants Harrison Wroth (10 tackles) and Cameron Quenby made impressive contributions, while Anthony Morabito (five tackles) had moments of impact through the midfield in his club debut, and more importantly, got through the match unscathed.

Jeremy Goddard (44 hit outs) gave Claremont first use of the ball and took a crucial mark in defence in the final minute of the match, while forward Kaiden Gilbert kicked two goals, including the match winner at the 25-minute mark of the final term after Subiaco had levelled the scores.

Subiaco were best served by Chad Barns, Greg Clark (28 disposals, eight tackles, seven inside 50s), Justin Joyce (eight tackles, two goals) and Michael Braut, but suffered their second straight loss after being overrun by a determined Claremont.

Sam Bevan gave Claremont an early lead after making the most of a kick forward by K. Gilbert, with Morabito showing impressive signs after starting the match in midfield.

A clever snap by Nick Winmar and goal to Mitchell following a quick team transition and kick into space by Bailey Bennett gave Claremont three goals in a row, before Daniel Leach got Subiaco on the board.

Luke Maddock responded for Claremont courtesy of a 50m penalty, before Holt finished with aplomb from a tight angle.

A goal to Reid Polak cut Claremont’s lead to 18 points at the first change, as coach Kepler Bradley paid tribute to the Tigers’ start and encouraged the team to keep it going.

A second goal to Polak gave the Lion and the team consecutive majors, before K. Gilbert responded for Claremont.

Sadly for Dylan Smallwood and the team, the third gamer and promising Tiger was then stretchered from the ground after suffering a knee injury, leaving Claremont one player down on the interchange.

Despite the setback, goals to Jacob Sideris and B. Bennett gave the Tigers three in a row and 26-point lead at the 25-minute mark of the second term.

Dylan Clarke then kicked Subiaco’s fourth goal to cut Claremont’s lead to 21 points at half-time, despite the best efforts of Martinis (16 disposals) and Ben Musitano (14).

Another impressive goal from Holt, this time on the run, saw Claremont kick the opening goal of the second half and take a 27-point lead, before majors to Shannon Nelson and Ryan Borchet (50m penalty) saw Subiaco trailing by 17 points at the final change.

A long goal to Jacob Miller and consecutive majors to Joyce gave Subiaco five in a row and the lead for the first time, with Claremont unable to clear the ball from defence and needing to dig deep to prevent being overrun.

A desperate smother by Hardisty then lifted the team, as second gamer Brett Wilson kicked truly from a neat pass by Mitchell to reclaim the lead for Claremont, before K. Gilbert snapped the match winner after an arm wrestle and Subiaco’s inability to kick straight had engulfed the previous 10 minutes of play.

A strong mark by Goddard denied a pressing Subiaco the chance of victory in the closing stages as Claremont held on for an inspiring win.

The Tigers will look to back it up when they face Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval in round seven.

Meanwhile, Claremont’s Colts had their three-game winning streak ended by Subiaco, 8.9 (57) to 10.16 (76), despite five goals from the lively Cooper Nitschke.

CLAREMONT 5.2 8.3 9.5 11.5 (71)

SUBIACO 2.2 4.6 6.6 9.11 (65)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 2 D. Holt, K. Gilbert, 1 B. Bennett, L. Maddock, C. Mitchell, N. Winmar, S. Bevan, B. Wilson, J. Sideris.

SUBIACO: 2 R. Polak, J. Joyce, D. Leach, 1 R. Borchet, J. Miller, D. Clarke.

BEST

CLAREMONT: C. Mitchell, D. Holt, L. Martinis, J. Hardisty.

SUBIACO: C. Barns, G. Clark, J. Joyce, M. Braut.