By Dan Scamozzi 

Claremont will learn several lessons from their frustrating eight-point defeat to Subiaco at Leederville Oval in round 14.

Just two inside 50s and three scoring shots separated the teams as the Lions prevailed 10.11 (71) to 9.9 (63), however, football is about making smart decisions, executing the basics and taking your chances, and the Tigers fell short of their opponents in all three areas.

The Tigers laid 45 more tackles during a feisty and bruising contest, but were hurt on the rebound as the hard-running Lions capitalised on turnovers.

The Tigers had their moments, such as when they kicked the final four goals of the game despite losing swingman Anton Hamp (lower leg) to injury in the final term, but could only produce them in patches.

However, all is not lost, and the Tigers will crave another chance to test themselves against the benchmark of the competition should they get the chance to do so in the finals.

The defeat snapped a five-game winning run, however, the Tigers remain in second position on the ladder.

Tenacious defender Jack Lewsey, who would be one of the first players picked on a weekly basis due to his will to compete and attack on the contest, won best player for his robust performance, while powerful midfielder Declan Mountford (25 disposals, equal game-high 15 tackles, team-high six inside 50s, one goal) continued his outstanding form.

The versatile Haydn Busher gave the Tigers great service and also competed manfully in the ruck, while co-captain Ian Richardson, who set the tone with his unwavering attack on the contest, crashed several packs, inspired the team with his repeat efforts and kicked two goals, won the players’ player award.

In fantastic news, defender Fraser Gilbert was rewarded for his outstanding form in the Reserves and played his first game of the season after replacing Jalen McGee in the only change to the team.

The Tigers kicked to the northern end of the ground in the opening term but the Lions were first to pounce as they kicked the opening two goals, before Matt Palfrey kicked the first of his two majors.

Hamp then brilliantly finished from the pocket after Anthony Treacy roved the ball off hands and sent it forward in a blistering piece of play, with the Tigers drawing level with the Lions at quarter-time.

24 tackles to 14 highlighted the Tigers’ appetite for the contest, with coach Darren Harris urging the team to take the game on and win territory, however, a goal from Subiaco’s Rhys Waters gave the Lions a six-point lead 10 minutes into the second term.

Harrison McCracken replied for the Tigers with consecutive snapped goals to give the visitors the lead, before the Lions replied with the next three to take a 12-point lead at half-time.

They then extended it to 19 points when Ben Newton kicked his second goal halfway through the third term, before Mountford took an intercept mark and split the middle on the run.

With the Tigers trailing by 16 points at the final change and trailing the Lions in all areas of the contest during the third term, Harris demanded a response as he urged his team to execute the basics and hit its targets, however, the Lions slammed on the first three goals in the final term to take a 34-point lead.

The next four goals, including two to Richardson, provided the Tigers with a glimmer of hope, however, time got the better of them as the Lions prevailed in a physical contest.

The Tigers have a bye in round 15 before hosting Perth at Claremont Oval in round 16.

CLAREMONT 2.3 4.5 5.6 9.9 (63)

SUBIACO 2.3 6.5 7.10 10.11 (71)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 2 I. Richardson, M. Palfrey, H. McCracken, 1 D. Mountford, J. Bolton, A. Hamp.

SUBIACO: 2 B. Newton, B. Sokol, K. Horsley, 1 R. Waters, R. Borchet, L. Delahunty, D. Leach.

BEST

CLAREMONT: J. Lewsey, D. Mountford, H. Busher, I. Richardson.

SUBIACO: J. Lockyer, H. Marsh, B. Newton, T. Edwards-Baldwin, K. Horsley, L. Delahunty