Match Report: Maxima WAFLW Round 10 Claremont v East Fremantle

By Sally Williamson

On a glorious Saturday afternoon at Tigerland, Claremont took on reigning Premiers East Fremantle. Wearing their NAIDOC jerseys and white armbands in support of White Ribbon Australia, the players were Welcomed to Country by Freda Oligivie. The game started Both teams went into the match with 4 wins and 3 losses, and with the Tigers elevating 4 players from the Reserves team for the big clash, there was genuine excitement around the squad. In their previous meeting, the Tigers had won by a single point, so both teams had a lot to prove. Round 10 proved to be just as exciting with the home side coming away victorious once again, with just two points separating the sides this time around. 

The first quarter was a tight affair with plenty of contested footy and the defenders working hard to rebound shallow forward 50 entries. A stoppage in the forward half and excellent clearance work by Bonser and Hardisty led to Claremont's first goal courtesy of key forward Whyte. East Fremantle evened up the ledger a few minutes later with the first quarter ending 1.2 to Claremont and a goal even for the Sharks.
Claremont has plenty of possession but could not capitalise in the second quarter and the Sharks were able to get on top, scoring a goal from a turnover in their forward 50. The Tigers were only able to manage a single point for the quarter despite having 20 extra disposals and 3 extra clearances.

The third quarter proved crucial for the Tigers and courtesy of some key ball winners like Pugh, Stewart, Bonser and Colegate, Claremont were able to dominate possession. Through clean ball use and effective delivery, the Tigers were also able to dominate the scoreboard, keeping the Sharks scoreless and scoring two majors courtesy of Dickie and Colgate.

It took just over 90 seconds in the last quarter for the Sharks to peg the lead back to 3 points and after they scored another goal mid way through the last quarter, it looked like the loss of an early rotation was starting to take its toll on the weary Tigers. Both sides continued to rebound hard off the half back line with multiple defensive efforts from Hongell and Orme keeping the Sharks at bay. With 5 minutes left on the clock, the Tigers were able to get a stoppage clearance and quick kick inside 50 courtesy of Pugh. Zadnik, who had been an absolute work horse all day, was able to get her hands on the loose ball at the 35m mark and kick truly to put the Tigers in front. A fierce final 4 minutes had everyone on the edge of their seats but the Tigers were able to hold on for another WAFLW win. With the race to the top 4 in the WAFLW super tight, every win is proving crucial for the yellow and blues.