Reserves: Tigers Dominate Swans

By Daniel Scamozzi

A dominant but inaccurate performance from Claremont’s Reserves saw them defeat Swan Districts by 49 points in glorious conditions at Claremont Oval in their second and final pre-season fixture.

The Tigers recorded 14 more scoring shots and had nine goal kickers as they prevailed 14.16 (100) to 7.9 (51), and will be encouraged by the performances of several players and an even contribution from the whole team.

Defender Jalen McGee, who has joined the Tigers from the Dandaragan Football Club in the Central Midlands Coastal Football League, was named Claremont’s best player after starring in defence with his reading of the play and impressive marking, with fellow defenders Lewis Davis and Jack Monaghan providing terrific support.

Ruckman Jordon Reid played one of his best games for the club and deservedly won the players’ player award for his inspiring and physical performance that included an appetite for the contest, strong marking and an eager willingness to stick up for his teammates, while Jordan Law, who played predominantly as a midfielder, was also prominent.

Midfielder Ryan Lim worked tirelessly and consistently sent the Tigers forward as he played a full game and kicked a goal after the final siren, while defender Lewis Daisley continues to shine with his efforts and ability to repel attacks from the opposition.

The skilful Cooper Nitschke kicked a game-high four goals, including three in the first half, and was the most dangerous forward on the ground, while the electrifying Chris (CJ) Oakley chipped in with three.

In further positive news, senior players Tom Lee (one goal) and Haydn Busher played three quarters as they work their way back to full fitness.

Patrick Farrant kicked a team-high three goals for Swans.

With Josh Bennett, Nick Allan, Alec Waterman and Angus Robertson also coming into the team that defeated Perth, the Tigers kicked to the southern end of the ground in the opening term but could only manage a return of 0.4 for their early dominance, before a spoil from Robertson led to Nitschke kicking the first goal of the game.

Swans then kicked consecutive goals either side of two ferocious tackles from Busher and a great spoil from Daisley in defence, giving the visitors a two-point lead over the inaccurate Tigers at quarter-time.

Coach Brayden Duckworth praised the Tigers’ “really good start” and domination of the inside 50s, and Reid’s willingness to stick up for his teammates, but implored the team to improve their lateral movement and hit the 45 degree kicks.

A long pass from Oakley allowed Nitschke to kick his second goal and reclaim the lead for the Tigers early in the second term, before Swans replied with their third major.

A great chain of passes from defence then saw Lachlan Southern kick the Tigers’ third goal, before an electrifying burst of speed and brilliant finish on the run from Oakley gave the team consecutive goals for the first time in the game.

Nitschke then kicked his third major after a courageous mark and spearing pass from Waterman to give the Tigers a 17-point lead at half-time after a four-goals-to-one second term.

Corey Hitchcock was injected into the action for the second half, as another brilliant pass from Waterman led to Hamish McMorran kicking the Tigers’ sixth goal.

Although Davis was putting on a masterclass with his marking, Farrant kicked his second goal for Swans to end a run of four consecutive majors for the Tigers.

Corey Mitchell then ran into an open goal after gathering the crumbs at the back of the pack, before Swans replied with their fifth major.

The hard-leading Lee then converted after being found by Jake Stergiou, before another ferocious tackle from Busher denied Swans as the Tigers took a 27-point lead at the final change.

Duckworth praised the efforts from Davis but implored the Tigers to “hit the easy target”, as the hosts began the final term with limited rotations due to Lee and Busher being done for the game.

A fourth goal from Nitschke meant that he kicked the first goal in three of the four quarters, before Nick Winmar put the afterburners on and brilliantly split the middle from the pocket.

Davis then hauled in another strong mark, before Oakley ran into an open goal to kick his second.

Max Grant, who won the Tom Richardson Trophy as the Colts’ fairest-and-best player in 2018, then hacked the ball out of congestion to kick the Tigers’ 12th goal, before Swans hit back with consecutive majors.

However, the Tigers would fittingly have the final say, as the brilliant Oakley split the middle from the pocket and Lim made Swans pay courtesy of a 50m penalty to put the final touches on a dominant display.

In the earlier games, Claremont’s Futures and Colts teams were both defeated by Swans.

The Tigers host East Fremantle at Claremont Oval in the opening round of the season on Saturday.

CLAREMONT 1.6 5.9 8.14 14.16 (100)

SWAN DISTRICTS 2.2 3.4 5.5 7.9 (51)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 4 C. Nitschke, 3 C. Oakley, 1 T. Lee, R. Lim, N. Winmar, C. Mitchell, M. Grant, H. McMorran, L. Southern.

SWAN DISTRICTS: 3 P. Farrant, 1 J. Coniglio, C. Daniels, C. Garcia, J. Hinder.

BEST

CLAREMONT: J. McGee, J. Reid, J. Law, R. Lim, L. Daisley.