Development Report: Tigers Punished by Falcons

By Dan Scamozzi

Claremont’s Reserves saw their seven-game winning run come to an abrupt end after a sluggish and disappointing performance resulted in an 84-point defeat to West Perth at Claremont Oval last Saturday.

After starting slowly, getting dominated in midfield and offering little resistance, the Tigers had no answers in the 4.5 (29) to 17.11 (113) hiding, and were left licking their wounds after injuries to Jake Murphy (calf), Tom Shanahan (hamstring) and Aaron Holt (foot).

Charles Le Fanu (21 disposals, six tackles) battled manfully to finish as Claremont’s best player and won the players’ player award, while Luke Maddock was solid in defence and Declan Hardisty played his first game for the season.

Jack Richardson kicked two goals but was the Tigers’ only multiple goal kicker, while Shaquille Morton and Jacob Delaporte made their debuts.

West Perth were well served by Brayden and Mitchell Antonio, who combined for seven goals, while Conal Lynch (33 disposals, nine tackles, nine inside 50s, two goals) and veteran ruckman Chris Keunen (29 disposals, 30 hit-outs, six inside 50s, one goal) dominated as the Falcons recorded their fifth win of the season.

The Tigers will aim to rebound when they face Peel Thunder at Bendigo Bank Stadium in round 15.

Meanwhile, Claremont’s Colts suffered a four-point defeat to West Perth, 8.8 (56) to 9.6 (60).

CLAREMONT 1.1 1.2 2.2 4.5 (29)

WEST PERTH 6.3 9.5 12.10 17.11 (113)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 2 J. Richardson, 1 B. Wilson, J. Goddard.

WEST PERTH: 4 M. Antonio, 3 B. Antonio, 2 S. Rotham, C. Lynch, 1 C. Keunen, J. Horgan, N. Alexandre, J. Romanelli, A. Lynch, J. Battherham.

BEST

CLAREMONT: C. Le Fanu, L. Maddock, D. Hardisty.

WEST PERTH: C. Lynch, C. Keunen, R. Hutchinson, M. Antonio.