Round 3 WAFLW Match Report – Claremont Tigers vs Swan Districts:

Sebastian Hasluck

Match Day Reporter

Whilst Swan Districts came out firing in the first term, it was the Claremont Tigers that grinded out this win slowly, to walk away with a 24-point victory at Steel Blue Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Swan Districts may have been the Tigers most challenging opposition so far this season as they fought hard and were clean with their passages of play. However, it was a formidable defensive structure that held the Tigers in good stead, whilst they searched for successful avenues forward. In the end it was Claremont defeating Swan Districts 5.10 (40) to 2.4 (16). This victory maintains Claremont’s undefeated 2023 season winning streak whilst Swan Districts go forth into Round 4 still looking for their first win of the season.

Swan Districts got off to a quick start by scoring a goal within the first two minutes of the game. Whilst Claremont started on the back foot it was Claire Ortlepp that led the Tigers today from the back half, seemingly involved in every contest and being excellent by foot. Ortlepp stacked her stat sheet with a dominant performance of 25 disposals of which 20 of them were kicks. To add to this game high possession count Ortlepp attached 5 tackles, 5 marks and 3 inside-50 entries.

Jayme Harken and Jasmin Stewart impressed again this week as they were also the major ball winners in this game racking up 20 and 19 disposals respectively. Harken continues to showcase her physicality in the contest, whilst helping to lock the ball in the Tigers’ forward 50 with critical defensive acts. Stewart was able to also contribute on the scoreboard as she kicked a crucial goal before three quarter time to take Claremont 15 points up heading into the final break.

Jacinta Valentini had another strong performance this week as she floated from her half forward position across the wing and through the midfield. Valentini whilst not a leading possession winner was influential on the game with several clean inside 50 entries, as well as being on the end of some herself. Valentini finished up with 16 disposals, 4 marks, 5 inside-50 entries and 1 goal.

Whilst inaccurate in the last term it was Kate Orme’s control of the far wing that allowed Claremont to have plenty of scoring opportunities in the final quarter. Orme’s presence was prevalent in the last quarter as she extinguished several attempts from Swan Districts, who were looking to add another goal to their stagnate score line. Orme’s outing consisted of 16 possessions, 5 marks and 3 tackles.

Ella Smith was the leading goal scorer in the match, scoring Claremont’s first and last goals for the game. Smith also led Claremont’s tackle count with 6 tackles for the day to go with her 7 disposals, 3 marks and 2 goals.

Each of Claremont’s forward, midfield and defensive lines continue to impress each week as they extend their 2023 winning streak. The Tigers remain undefeated as they look to take on Subiaco this upcoming Saturday at Leederville Oval in the twilight slot of 4:45pm.

Claremont Goal Scorers:

Ella Smith (2), Adele Arnup, Jacinta Valentini, Jasmin Stewart

Claremont Best:

Claire Ortlepp, Jacinta Valentini, Kate Orme, Jasmin Stewart, Andie Payne, Ella Smith, Jayme Harken