State Game Wrap: Tiger Trio Help Black Swans Create History

By Dan Scamozzi

Claremont’s Jack Bradshaw, Jye Bolton and Mitch Andrews all played pivotal roles in Western Australia’s drought-breaking 63-point thumping of Victoria at North Port Oval last Saturday.

With former Claremont coach Michael Broadbridge coaching the team, the Black Swans slammed on 17 goals to seven after quarter-time to prevail 20.14 (134) to 10.11 (71) and record their first win against Victoria in Melbourne.

The win followed victories against Tasmania, the SANFL, NEAFL and Victoria in the previous four years, as WA recorded 12 more tackles, three more inside 50s, 13 more scoring shots and nine goal kickers.

An appetite for the contest, relentless pressure, tackling and an ability to apply scoreboard pressure were all key components in WA’s famous win, as the WAFL confirmed their status as the best State league.

Bradshaw, representing WA for the first time, kicked three goals and applied constant pressure on the opposition, while Bolton (24 disposals, six inside 50s, one goal) and Andrews also had significant impacts in the win.

Meanwhile, former Claremont player Ben Saunders won the Simpson Medal as WA’s best player after hauling in eight marks and kicking 6.7.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 3.2 9.5 15.10 20.14 (134)

VICTORIA 3.4 5.7 8.7 10.11 (71)

GOALS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: 6 B. Saunders, 3 H. Schloithe, J. Bradshaw, 2 L. Jetta, C. Wheeler, 1 A. Black, R. Cook, J. Bolton, T. Notte.

VICTORIA: 2 S. Switkowski, J. Lisle, 1 T. O’Sullivan, M. Gibbons, M. Hanson, E. Templeton, S. Darley, J. Ferry.

SIMPSON MEDAL (WA): Ben Saunders.

FRANK JOHNSON MEDAL (VIC): Tom O’Sullivan.