League Report - Tigers Still Searching For Answers

Not only did Claremont lose 11.13 (79) to 13.9 (87) to Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval last Saturday despite recording 17 more inside 50s and two more scoring shots, a result which sees the Tigers one win outside the top five after five consecutive defeats, they also lost in a similar manner to their previous two matches.

After being second best up until three-quarter time and trailing by 22 points at the nine-minute mark of the final term, only then did the Tigers throw caution to the wind and revert to the football they played in their opening three wins; direct, quick and to the advantage of their forwards.

Unfortunately, despite taking the lead at the 27-minute mark, courtesy of a second goal to Jack Richardson, Claremont were unable to hold on, and Perth were able to respond and claim a deserved, eight-point win.

A far cry from when Claremont delivered the Demons a footballing lesson and 59-point defeat back in round three.

In their last 20 quarters, Claremont have won just six and drawn one, highlighting that when the heat is on, the Tigers have been unable to match their opponents.

Three of the winning terms have also been final terms, however, against Peel Thunder and Swan Districts, the damage was already done.

Currently, the team are plagued by poor decision making, ball use and, seemingly, a lack of confidence.

Claremont’s defence is also being placed under extreme pressure due to the opposition’s ability to punish the Tigers, mainly from turnovers, in transition.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Lachlan Martinis and Bailey Bennett both made their debuts after consistent form in the Reserves, while Alex Manuel (five inside 50s, three goals) underlined his class after deservedly earning a recall and Jye Bolton (25 disposals, five inside 50s, one goal) took home the players’ player award despite being heavily tagged by Perth’s Julian Jacobs.

Perth were led by Devin McFarlane (29 disposals, nine marks, one goal) and Cody Ninyette (four goals), as the Demons recorded just their second win of the season.

Claremont will look to end their losing streak when they face West Perth at HBF Arena in round 10.

CLAREMONT 2.2 4.7 6.9 11.13 (79)

PERTH 3.2 6.4 9.8 13.9 (87)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 A. Manuel, 2 K. Yu, J. Richardson, 1 J. Bolton, T. Lee, H. McCracken, R. Murphy.

PERTH: 4 C. Ninyette, 2 B. Stack, 1 N. Ansey, M. Jones, K. Morisey, S. Garstone, B. Colledge, D. McFarlane, A. Tropiano.

BEST

CLAREMONT: K. Yu, J. Bolton, R. Lim, R. Murphy, B. Banfield.

PERTH: D. McFarlane, C. Ninyette, B. Colledge, C. Eyres, C. Giblett.