Round 7 | Rogers Cup | Claremont vs West Perth

Match Report by

Sebastian Hasluck

The Round 7 matchup against top of the table West Perth marks the Claremont Roger’s second loss of the season and second loss in two weeks. The Anzac round contest looked to be a close match after a dominant first quarter showing from Claremont. However, West Perth showed why they are the current competition leaders and held Claremont goalless after the first quarter.

Just like their Falcon nature, West Perth swooped in with their impressive pace and out marked and out skilled Claremont around the ball. Whilst the final margin of a 17-point defeat seems forgiving, it was West Perth’s inaccuracy which led them to eventually defeat Claremont 3.3 (21) to 5.8 (38).

Claremont controlled the game early, as Amelie Moe and Mackenzie Thompson kicked the two opening goals of the game. Falcons managed to respond by catching the Tigers defence off guard as their speedy small forwards slipped out the back for a crumbing goal. This was the theme of the afternoon as West Perth goals were continually generated from a strong presence of Falcons in their attacking 50.

Jessica Rava managed to snap a goal on the run to put the Tigers 11 points up going into the second term. However, from this point on it was all West Perth as Claremont struggled to get their teeth into the contest. Whilst there was no shortage of effort as several Tigers had moments of brilliance throughout the game, it just wasn’t Claremont’s day as multiple attacking opportunities were lost due to poor disposal efficiency.

Jayde Musika for the second week in a row was outstanding for Claremont as she managed to find the ball all over the ground, not stopping her pursuit of the contest until the final siren went. Musika seemingly started through the midfield but found herself providing much of the run and carry off half back, which was an instrumental injection of pace into the Claremont defence.

As one of the main speedsters of the team, Musika is vital to providing different avenues to goal. If Claremont can adjust their speed issues throughout the defensive line, Musika could have a very big impact floating off a high half forward role. Having Musika as a scoring option like last week could be what Claremont needs as they look onwards in season 2023.

One of the shining lights from today’s match was Ruby Freeman who provided on field leadership as she led her Tigers’ teammates by example. Involved in a lot of the contest Freeman was one of Claremont’s best users, as she managed to setup a lot of the play that took place across both wings. Freeman evidently commanded plenty of the ball as she made her presence felt in scrappy contests, providing a lot of the Tigers tackling pressure for the day.

May Nicholson impressed in this game as she was able to work her way into the match slowly throughout the four quarters. If it weren’t for a few missed kicks and disposal efficiency issues, Nicholson’s overall dare and intent would have made a big impact on the match. Nicholson didn’t drop her head after turning over the ball a few times in the first quarter and attacked the ball stronger and harder each quarter. By the end of the final term, she left the ground as one of the main ball winners. Nicholson impressed me with her overall effort on what was a hot day out at Pentanet Stadium.

Round 8’s matchup is no easier task as they take on the second seed team in East Perth, who is currently the best defensive side in the competition, conceding the least points to date. Claremont look to respond at their home ground this Saturday in the opening game of the round at 12:00pm.

Claremont Goal Scorers:

Amelie Moe, Mackenzie Thomas, Jessica Rava

Claremont Best:

Jayde Musika, Ruby Freeman, May Nicholson, Amy Evans, Amelie Moe, Bec Anderson