Tigers Star for Black Swans

Claremont midfielders Kane Mitchell and Jye Bolton starred for Western Australia in their 26-point win against South Australia at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The 15.12 (102) to 11.10 (76) victory gave WA six consecutive State wins and their first in Adelaide since 1994, and was set up by a dominant eight-goal-to-none second term.

Despite a goalless opening term that saw WA trailing by 22 points at quarter-time, the Black Swans flexed their muscle after the first change, slamming on 15 goals to seven to further cement the WAFL’s status as the best State league.

Mitchell (25 disposals) played a pivotal role in the win both on and off the field with his hard running and knowledge of the opposition, while Bolton (34 disposals, one goal) won the Simpson Medal as WA’s best player.

It continues a remarkable record for Bolton, who won his first Simpson Medal in WA’s thumping of Tasmania in 2016 and has now played in the Black Swans’ past three wins.

“Given the spirit and talent in the team, I never had any doubt that we would get the W,” Bolton told The West Australian.

“We have a lot of pride in making sure we are the best comp outside the AFL.”

Former Claremont coach Michael Broadbridge coached WA for the second year running and has now led the Black Swans to historic away wins against Victoria and SA.

“It was a competitive and tough game and it took everything we had to win,” Broadbridge told The West Australian.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 0.4 8.6 10.9 15.12 (102)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 4.2 4.6 9.7 11.10 (76)

GOALS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: 3 A. Strijk, C. Gault, 2 R. Waters, B. Johnson, 1 R. Palmer, K. Horsley, J. Bolton, B. Stevenson, S. Wellingham.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: 2 J. Scott, 1 S. Colquhoun, J. Hone, J. Hoskin, M. Motlop, Z. Kirkwood, K. Stevens, A. Riley, J. Hayes, M. Panos.

BEST

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: J. Bolton, S. Wellingham, J. Marsh, S. Nelson, L. Meadows, T. Notte, A. Strijk.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Z. Kirkwood, M. Grigg, M. Rose, M. Panos, J. Allmond, L. Thompson.

SIMPSON MEDAL (WA): Jye Bolton.

FOS WILLIAMS MEDAL (SA): Zane Kirkwood.

By Dan Scamozzi