GOWDIE SHINES IN DEFEAT

BY DAN SCAMOZZI

Imposing ruckman Kieran Gowdie (16 disposals, team-high seven marks,  game-high 32 hit-outs, equal game-high seven inside 50s) continued his emergence with a best-on-ground performance in Claremont Reserves' disappointing 39-point defeat against Subiaco in the preliminary final in fine conditions at New Choice Homes Park.

Gowdie, who has reaped the benefits of becoming fitter and stronger, starred around the ground with his strong marking and drove Claremont forward, however, the Tigers were unable to capitalise despite recording 24 more inside 50s than Subiaco, who prevailed 11.6 (72) to 4.9 (33) to set up a grand final meeting with West Perth at Leederville Oval.

The result continues a disappointing trend for Claremont, who have made at least a preliminary final in each of the past six seasons but have been unable to produce their best football in September since winning their last Reserves premiership in 2016.

As was the case in the second term against West Perth in the second semifinal eight days earlier, turnovers once again cruelled Claremont, with Subiaco kicking five unanswered goals in the final term to run out convincing winners.

Captain Jack Beeck (team-high 20 disposals, equal game-high seven inside 50s) supported Gowdie in driving Claremont forward, the dashing Cameron Anderson doing likewise and Mitchell Barron (nine tackles) and Marc Boyatzis spending time in the midfield.

Talon Delacey (game-high 10 tackles) was one of two inclusions alongside the returning Lewis Daisley, Claremont unable to generate any ascendancy inside 50 as they struggled to take marks and kick goals.

Subiaco's Corey Robinson kicked a game-high three goals, teammate Jaxon McGowan recording a game-high 27 disposals to be named the Lions' best player.

Beeck elected to kick to the southern end of the ground in the opening term, Robinson kicking the game's first goal courtesy of a 50m penalty before Claremont livewire Patrick Kitchener split the middle after midfielder Bailey Bennett won a holding-the-ball free kick and delivered a pass inside 50.

Robinson replied with his second goal before teammate Kody Eaton snapped truly to give Subiaco a 14-point lead at quarter-time, Claremont coach Darren Harper instructing the Tigers to improve their skills and the midfield to lift their work rate.

Key forward Coen Jackman crumbed and snapped truly in the second minute of the second term after Gowdie sent the ball to full-forward, Subiaco's Noah Ash replying with the Lions' fourth goal. 

Gowdie's strong marking was becoming more prominent as the first half continued, however, so were Claremont's turnovers.

A free kick and 50m penalty allowed forward Zac Mainwaring to kick Claremont's third goal and trim Subiaco's lead to six points at half-time, the Tigers sending Beeck to the midfield and Morgan Davies to half-back to begin the second half.

A goal to wingman Sam Alvarez in the opening minute gave Claremont consecutive goals for the first and only time and levelled the scores, Subiaco replying through majors to Lachlan Vanirsen and Abraham Clinch to extend their lead to 11 points at the final change.

The deficit would've been more if not for reliable key defender Bill Reilly, who timed a couple of goal-saving touches to perfection, Harper prasing the improvement in Claremont's intensity and work rate.

Claremont began the final term by moving Anderson to a wing, however, the Lions ran away with the game as the Tigers' season came to a disappointing end.

CLAREMONT 1.0 3.5 4.7 4.9 (33)

SUBIACO 3.2 4.5 6.6 11.6 (72)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 1 S. Alvarez, Z. Mainwaring, C. Jackman, P. Kitchener.

SUBIACO: 3 C. Robinson, 2 C. Grabe-Paparone, 1 C. Patterson, N. Ash, J. Faraone, K. Eaton, L. Vanirsen, A. Clinch.

BEST

CLAREMONT: K. Gowdie, J. Beeck, C. Anderson, M. Barron, M. Boyatzis.

SUBIACO: J. McGowan, N. Ash, C. Bellouard, C. Robinson, L. Vanirsen, R. Morgan.