Verbruggen Excels in New Role

By Ken Casellas

Zane Verbruggen has excelled in a back pocket and on a half-back flank for the Claremont
reserves side this season, and he was seen in a new role at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday when he lined up on a wing for the practice match against the club’s colts side.

He relished the move up the ground and produced an excellent four-quarter effort in the wet and muddy conditions, finishing with five marks, eleven kicks, four handpasses and three tackles.

In the final minute of the contest the 19-year-old Verbruggen took a splendid mark in the right pocket before kicking his side’s eighth goal. This was the only strong overhead mark taken in the match played in wintry conditions.

And scoring a goal was a new experience for Verbruggen, who, as a defender, has failed to hit the scoreboard in eight colts and 15 reserves matches for the Tigers.

The scratch match was played because the colts and reserves were not scheduled to play on the weekend because the West Coast Eagles club only contests league fixtures. The Tigers reserves won the match 8.9 to 3.3.

For the reserves, midfielder Kai Dehavilland stood out with a powerful display, finishing with three marks, 15 kicks, two handpasses and four tackles.

Midfielder Menno Inverarity was his usual busy self, and he capped his hard-running display with two goals, a tally equalled by Riley Disisto, who was used as a forward and also on the ball.

It was heartening to see George Graham at full-back after making his long-awaited return to action in the round 19 reserves match against West Perth the previous weekend.

And star league defender Lachie Martinis took a big step forward in a bid to play in the finals when he performed with his usual assurance, on a wing and a half-back flank, finishing with 17 disposals. He has been forced on to the sidelines for the past three months after suffering a groin injury following the round seven league match against Perth on May 11.

Shining for the colts side was ruckman Aiden Riddle, who leapt high to record 35 hit-outs, and he also impressed with his athleticism and finished with six kicks and eight handpasses.

Jett Sibosado, a skilful left-footer, shone in the heavy conditions and looks set for an
outstanding career, while another left-footer Lachlan Cattalini caught the eye with a spirited 16-disposal performance.

Jackson Cattalini booted two second-half goals, and Cody Curtin also showed excellent
promise as a forward. Brothers Charlie Banfield (17) and Harper (15) showed plenty of skill in the slushy conditions --- before their elder brother Bailey (18) made an excellent league debut in the afternoon.

Details:
CFC reserves 8.9 (57) beat CFC colts 3.3 (21)

Scorers---CFC reserves: R. Disisto, M. Inverarity 2.0; B. Evans 1.1; K. Kantilla, S. van Rooyen, Z. Verbruggen 1.0; K. Dehavilland, J. Matthews, D. Mulligan 0.1; 5pts forced.

CFC colts: J. Cattalini 2.0; C. Curtin 1.0; Z. Morphett 0.1; 2pts forced.

Best---CFC reserves: K. Dehavilland, Z. Verbruggen, L. Martinis, M. Inverarity, J. Matthews, E. Greenaway, B. Evans. CFC colts: A. Riddle, J. Sibosado, L. Cattalini, C. Curtin, M. Hansen-Knarhoi, C. Banfield, J. Cattalini.

Best---CFC reserves: K. Dehavilland, Z. Verbruggen, L. Martinis, M. Inverarity, J. Matthews, E.
Greenaway, B. Evans. CFC colts: A. Riddle, J. Sibosado, L. Cattalini, C. Curtin, M. Hansen-
Knarhoi, C. Banfield, J. Cattalini