League Report - Tigers return home in style

By Dan Scamozzi

Claremont returned to a redeveloped Claremont Oval in the best possible way, defeating East Fremantle by three points last Saturday to record their fourth win of the season.

The 14.11 (95) to 14.8 (92) win ended a run of six consecutive defeats, saw the Tigers record their first win since round four, was set up by a five-goal-to-two third term and kept the team in touch with the top five.

In front of a packed crowd, Jared Hardisty (25 disposals, four tackles) set the tone with his attack on the contest and took home the players’ player award, while Jye Bolton shrugged off some tight-checking from the opposition to finish with 27 disposals and one goal.

Tom Ledger (28 disposals) marked his return to the team with a prominent display, while Ryan Lim (24 disposals, two goals) continued his progression into an elite midfielder with his relentless running, repeat efforts and ability to hit the scoreboard.

Matt Davies provided a calming influence across half-back with his ability to read the play and rebound, while vice-captain Ian Richardson (10 marks, seven inside 50s) set up several scoring plays with his deadly left foot and precise kicking.

Matt Guelfi and Eddie Simpson each kicked three goals, while Mitch Andrews (60 hit-outs) dominated the ruck and Bailey Banfield laid nine tackles.

East Fremantle were led by veteran Andrew Stephen (seven goals), who threatened to pinch the game from the Tigers, while Jayden Schofield (35 disposals, nine marks) was busy across half-back.

However, the Sharks were unable to stop the Tigers from kicking four consecutive goals either side of three-quarter time and slumped to their 12^th consecutive defeat.

With the Tigers kicking to the southern end of the ground in the opening term, Beau Maister kicked the first goal at the redeveloped venue after a booming kick by Harrison McCracken to give the hosts a perfect start.

The Sharks replied through Ryan Lester-Smith and Stephen, before an inspirational tackle by Chris (CJ) Oakley in his first League game for the season thrilled everyone in attendance.

Lim then kicked truly after a sizzling pass by Nick Winmar – playing his first League game since 2013 – to reclaim the lead for the Tigers, before Stephen (second) hit back for the Sharks.

A late goal to Guelfi after a squaring pass by Matt Palfrey saw the Tigers take a three-point lead at quarter-time, however, coach Darren Harris implored Claremont’s midfielders to spread and run harder.

A courageous effort by Keifer Yu - running with the flight of the ball - saw East Fremantle’s Jesse Mirco come off second best and typified the tough Tiger’s will to put his body on the line, before the reliable No.2 took a mark in defence just moments later.

However, goals to Stephen (third) and Nathan Fahey saw the Sharks take an 11-point lead halfway through the second term, before Bolton replied, courtesy of a 50m penalty.

A great chase and tackle by Alex Manuel soon followed, before Leon Pearton replied for the Sharks.

Goals to Simpson and Davies saw the Tigers reclaim the lead in a see-sawing first half, before a late goal to Corey Holmes gave the Sharks a four-point lead at half-time despite the efforts of Bolton, Andrews and Banfield.

A fourth major to Stephen saw the Sharks extend their buffer early in the second half, before a blistering run saw Oakley storm into an open goal.

A 50m penalty then allowed Guelfi to kick his second, before Simpson did likewise to give the Tigers a seven-point lead, before Stephen replied with his fifth.

Third goals to Guelfi and Simpson and some desperation on the boundary line by Oakley saw Claremont turn for home with a 17-point lead, before majors to Palfrey and Oakley (second) gave the Tigers a 29-point advantage at the eight-minute mark of the final term.

A second to Fahey saw the Sharks reply, before Lim reclaimed the Tigers’ 29-point lead with his second goal.

However, the next three goals, including two more to Stephen (seven), saw the Sharks close to within 10 points and, when Mirco kicked his second at the 33-minute mark, the Tigers had their hearts in their mouths.

Fortunately, the siren sounded moments later and the Tigers held for an important win on a historic day for the club.

The Tigers will look to record consecutive wins when they host Swan Districts at the same venue in round 13.

CLAREMONT 3.3 6.6 11.10 14.11 (95)

EAST FREMANTLE 3.0 7.4 9.5 14.8 (92)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 M. Guelfi, E. Simpson, 2 R. Lim, C. Oakley, 1 J. Bolton, M. Palfrey, B. Maister, M. Davies.

EAST FREMANTLE: 7 A. Stephen, 2 N. Fahey, J. Mirco, 1 C. Holmes, L. Pearton, R. Lester-Smith.

BEST

CLAREMONT: J. Hardisty, J. Bolton, T. Ledger, R. Lim, M. Davies.

EAST FREMANTLE: A. Stephen, J. Schofield, T. Bennett, N. Fahey, M. Watson.

CROWD: 3, 447 at Claremont Oval.