League: Falcons Swoop On Tigers

By Daniel Scamozzi

A disappointing performance saw Claremont suffer a 53-point loss against West Perth in glorious conditions in the first semifinal at Joondalup Arena.

A slow start resulted in a 29-point deficit at quarter-time, and despite the Tigers winning the third term, the Falcons were always in control as they prevailed 19.9 (123) to 10.10 (70) to advance to the preliminary final against South Fremantle.

The Falcons’ spread, ability to hit targets and efficiency in front of goal proved too much for the Tigers, who saw their season come to an end but will be back bigger and better in 2019.

The tenacious Keifer Yu (one goal) was applauded from the ground by both teams after his 100^th and final League game for the club, with the inspirational Tiger among the visitor’s best players.

Co-vice-captain and midfielder Ryan Lim (27 disposals, one goal) was Claremont’s best player and won the players’ player award, while spearhead Tom Lee (six marks) kicked a team-high four goals.

Rebounding defender Lachlan Martinis (20 disposals) and utility Haydn Busher (team-high six inside 50s) battled manfully, while co-vice-captain and tireless midfielder Kane Mitchell laid a game-high 11 tackles.

Meanwhile, hardworking forward Alex Manuel (six marks) kicked three goals.

Spearhead Tyler Keitel kicked a team-high four goals for the Falcons, who were well served by captain Aaron Black (31 disposals, three goals) and former Tiger Keegan Knott (three goals).

CLAREMONT 2.3 3.5 7.9 10.10 (70)

WEST PERTH 7.2 11.3 13.5 19.9 (123)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 4 T. Lee, 3 A. Manuel, 1 K. Yu, I. Richardson, R. Lim.

WEST PERTH: 4 T. Keitel, 3 A. Black, K. Knott, 2 A. Strijk, C. Chalmers, S, Nelson, 1 J. van Berlo, K. Shannon, M. Peirce.

BEST

CLAREMONT: R. Lim, K. Yu, T. Lee, L. Martinis, H. Busher.

WEST PERTH: A. Black, S. Nelson, D. Munns, L. Meadows, K. Knott.