TIGERS OVERRUN BULLDOGS

BY DAN SCAMOZZI 

Claremont’s Reserves advanced to the preliminary final after overrunning and defeating South Fremantle by 17 points in the first semifinal at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

In a scrappy and low-scoring contest in windy conditions, the mighty Tigers kicked four goals to one in the final term to prevail 9.9 (63) to 6.10 (46) and end the Bulldogs’ season.

The Tigers, who responded in emphatic fashion to a passionate address from coach Ryan Mackenzie at the final change, are now just one win away from the grand final and face rivals Subiaco at the same venue on Sunday afternoon.

Sharpshooting forward Corey Hitchcock kicked a game-high three goals and won best player for his prominent performance, while hardworking midfielder Ben Elliott continued his fine season and impressed with his attack on the contest and willingness to put his body on the line.

Hardworking and exciting forward Ed McGinty (two goals) sparked the Tigers in the second half with his work rate, creativity, pace and ability to run rings around the opposition, while robust defender Isaac Wallace and solid midfielder Jamie Paul also gave Claremont great service.

Impressive forward Max Minear won the players’ player award and hauled in multiple marks and kicked a vital goal in the final term when the Tigers broke the game open, while feisty defender Lewis Daisley made an inspirational return from a serious elbow injury suffered in a pre-season game.

The Tigers kicked to the northern end of the ground in the opening term but suffered an early concern when outstanding defender Bill Reilly, who had his head over the ball, was crunched by an opponent but bravely returned to the field, as Hitchcock kicked the opening goal after delivering a spearing finish from the forward pocket.

A quick and clean transition from defence then allowed forward Isaac Barton to kick the Tigers’ second goal, with Elliott producing a team-lifting spoil and laying a smother in the opening 15 minutes.

However, a late lapse from the Tigers allowed the Bulldogs to kick three goals and take a six-point lead at quarter-time.

Mackenzie implored the Tigers to win the contested ball and improve their work rate, before a forgettable second term from both teams saw no goals kicked and the Bulldogs marginally increase their lead to nine points at half-time.

With the contest crying out for some inspiration and excitement, McGinty delivered both as he set up Hitchcock for his second goal early in the second half, before Jye Clark and McGinty both kicked truly to give the Tigers a 10-point lead halfway through the third term.

However, the Bulldogs replied with consecutive goals to take a one-point lead at the final change.

Mackenzie then delivered his passionate address before the Tigers dominated the early stages of the final term and McGinty kicked his second goal.

Minear, whose strong leading had been on show all game, then started clunking the footy and kicked truly to extend the lead to 12 points, before great pressure from the recalled Jordon Reid allowed small forward Kade Lines to kick the Tigers’ eighth goal.

A spearing left-foot pass from the prominent Tom Ledger then set up Hitchcock for his third goal and saw the Tigers extend their lead to a game-high 23 points, before hardworking forward Matt Spoors laid a team-lifting tackle and a smother in the forward line.

The Bulldogs kicked the final goal but couldn’t match the Tigers’ appetite for the contest when the game was on the line.

Meanwhile, Claremont’s Colts booked a spot in the grand final after defeating Subiaco by 15 points in a feisty second semifinal, 8.10 (58) to 6.7 (43).

CLAREMONT 2.2 2.5 5.7 9.9 (63)

SOUTH FREMANTLE 3.2 3.8 5.8 6.10 (46)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 C. Hitchcock, 2 E. McGinty, 1 I. Barton, J. Clark, K. Lines, M. Minear.

SOUTH FREMANTLE: 2 L. Feeney, 1 M. Kelly, R. Woods, C. Ninyette, G. Barnes.

BEST

CLAREMONT: C. Hitchcock, B. Elliott, E. McGinty, I. Wallace, J. Paul.

SOUTH FREMANTLE: N. Miller, A. Haydon, G. Byron, G. Barnes, J. Sax.