Round 7 | WAFLW | Claremont vs West Perth

Match Report by

Sebastian Hasluck

Claremont are off to a flying start in 2023 as they notch up their sixth win for the season with a dominant outing against West Perth in the last game of the ANZAC round. 

Claremont dismantled West Perth on Sunday afternoon as they managed to keep the Falcons to one goal, which came early in the second quarter. Claremont led all of the game’s stat counts except for accuracy on goal, however this was due to Claremont having 13 scoring shots compared to West Perth’s two.

Claremont out classed and possessed more of the football in this Round 7 matchup, as the Tigers controlled the game with 90 more disposals then their opposition. Through defensive brilliance the Tigers defence was able to control most of the midfield territory to continually pepper the forward 50 with attacking opportunities. This defensive lockdown led to a lot of defenders heading inside-50 and dominating the overall inside-50 count. Claremont had 39 inside-50’s compared to West Perth’s 11, and this was ultimately what led to Claremont defeating West Perth 1.1 (7) to 6.7 (43).

The match started off with a beautiful ode to the Anzac tradition as both clubs lined up shoulder to shoulder with their Rogers teams to stand and honour the Anzac’s through the playing of the Last Post and the Australian National Anthem.

Jasmin Stewart and Jayme Harken once again, were everywhere on field today and were Claremont’s main ball winners as they managed to find the ball at every contest. Stewart finished up with 25 disposals, 5 marks, 8 inside-50’s and 1 goal. Whilst Harken walked away with 20 disposals 3 tackles and 2 marks. Their continual domination of the contested ball is what gives the Claremont forwards constant opportunities to score.

Both of the Rogers elevated debutants managed to stamp their mark on the match as well. Georgia Webb slotted well into a running high half forward position, where she was able to mark and also setup goals with expert vision. Her most memorable moment of the day came from a running goal from 40 metres out where she effortlessly kicked a check side to kickstart her league debut. Webb finished with 9 disposals, 2 marks and 3 inside-50’s to go alongside her goal.

Charlotte Tompkin whilst not a prolific ball winner on the day and undersized compared to most players across the competition managed to impact through terrific tackling pressure as well as her quick decision making in the contest. Tompkin had 6 possessions for the afternoon to go alongside her 7 tackles.

Sarah Viney led by example as she had her most complete game of the year competing in every facet of the game. Viney is usually a shining light for the Tigers when it comes to tackling and physical assertion and this outing was no different, as she went on to make 8 tackles with the addition of uncounted defensive one-percenters. Viney added 19 disposals and 1 goal to her name to round out her impressive performance.

Adele Arnup once again kicked two more goals this round to continue her goal a game streak and elevate her to the leading goal scorer in the competition. Her Tiger teammates must love playing alongside her as they know what they are going to get each week in terms of effort and determination. 

Defensively the Tigers stood strong as they held West Perth to their lowest score of the year. The main Claremont contributors this week were Matilda Sergeant and Kate Orme, who put their head over the footy and created an impenetrable wall in the backline. Sergeant had 19 disposals, 4 tackles and 3 inside-50’s, whilst Orme had 18 possessions, 3 marks and 1 inside-50.

Claremont look onward to Round 8 where the dominant Tigers will look to prey on the bottom of the ladder competitors in East Perth. The Tigers should look to show off their impressive talent and produce a comprehensive win against East Perth to bank another win for season 2023. This matchup won’t ease East Perth’s chances as they face Claremont on their home turf at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday at 3:30pm.

Claremont Goal Scorers:

Adele Arnup (2), Jacinta Valentini, Jasmin Stewart, Sarah Viney, Georgia Webb

Claremont Best:

Jasmin Stewart, Jayme Harken, Sarah Viney, Jacinta Valentini, Matilda Sergeant, Kate Orme, Adele Arnup