Bentley Excels

The silky skills on a wing displayed by teenager Max Bentley was one of the most enjoyable highlights of  Claremont’s practice match against Swan Districts at Bassendean Oval on Saturday.

The 18-year-old Bentley, who finished fourth in Claremont’s fairest-and-best award in the colts competition in 2013, is poised to make his mark in league football this year.

He has made a smooth transition from a half-back flanker and back-pocket player for much of last year to become a polished and influential performer in the midfield. He was switched from defence to a centre wing late last season when he produced a memorable third quarter of football in a round-22 colts match against Swans at Claremont Oval, kicking four of his side’s five goals in that term.

He did not have a shot at goal last Saturday, but was effective at the stoppages and in general play to set up many promising attacking moves. In contrast, Henry Roberts was dynamic on the other wing and he booted three goals in an impressive display.

The Tigers, trailing 0.2 to 3.0 midway through the opening term, gradually assumed control and recorded a solid 24-point victory, with the starting half-forward line of Shane McAdam, Luke Cameron and Alex Manuel performing in most encouraging fashion.

McAdam (three goals) is an exciting player with delightful skills and Cameron (two goals) is extremely astute, takes a strong mark and positions himself cleverly. Eighteen-year-old Manuel followed his wonderful performance against South Fremantle the previous Saturday with another sound display. He is cool, composed and confident, takes a strong mark and disposes of the ball deftly by hand and foot.

Bentley, Manuel and Cameron were involved in Claremont’s first goal, with Bentley passing to Manuel, who got the ball on to Cameron for a smart check-side kick at goal. Goals followed in quick succession from McAdam (after some good work from defender Ben Taylor and Roberts), Roberts (after a surging dash forward), Cameron and Roberts (again).

Defender Lachlan Davey looks set for a good season and midfielder Corey Yeo was prominent in a well-knit team in which every player had his moments.

by Ken Casellas

Details:

Claremont 13.8 (86) beat Swan Districts 9.8 (62).

Scorers---CLAREMONT: S. McAdam 3.1; H. Roberts 3.0; L. Cameron 2.1; T. Bowering, J. Law 1.1; C. Cristinelli, K. Knott, C. Yeo 1.0; A. Manuel, M. Trevenen 0.1; 2pts forced. SWAN DISTRICTS: A. Jetta 3.0; R. Riddoch, G. Taylor 2.1; S. Kane, D. Wallen 1.0; M. Bennell, K. Bywaters, D. McKay, R. van Vugt 0.1; 2pts forced.

Best---CLAREMONT: M. Bentley, H. Roberts, S. McAdam, C. Yeo, L. Davey, B.Taylor.