Tigers Slip Up Against Lions

Claremont (Reserves) missed the opportunity to get its season off to the perfect start under new coach Brad Trpchev after Subiaco claimed an 11-point win at Medibank Stadium.

A disappointing first quarter proved to be the Tigers’ downfall as the Lions ran out 12.13 (85) to 11.8 (74) winners.

With the Tigers fielding a host of fresh faces, acting captain Keegan Knott elected to kick to the northern end of the ground as a strong breeze made for tricky conditions.

The Lions were quick out of the blocks, with a goal to Tom Smith in the opening minute quickly followed by consecutive majors to Jeremy Woodley as the 2014 grand finalists took a 19-point lead at the nine-minute mark of the opening term.

The Tigers hit back when Sam Bevan read the ball off the back of the pack to give Claremont its first major, however, the Lions responded through Dylan Clarke.

Bevan then went from goal scorer to goal provider as his kick into space allowed Steven Edwards to kick the Tigers’ second major and trim the Lions’ lead to 16 points, however, a late goal to Ray Daniels saw the hosts take a 20-point lead into quarter time.

Trpchev implored his troops to use the breeze better and improve their entries into the forward line as the Tigers attempted to work their way into the contest.

What followed was a tight arm-wrestle for the first six minutes of the second term, before Lion Adam Creeper had his number taken for a clumsy bump on Francis Watson.

Moments later Kaiden Gilbert was awarded a free kick and when he kicked truly, the Tigers had trimmed the deficit to 14 points.

A goal to Darcy Cameron saw the Tigers register consecutive majors to close to within six points, however, Woodley then steadied the ship for Subiaco after kicking his third goal.

An inspired chase, tackle and second effort from Cameron Palmer showed the Tigers’ desperation for the contest, and when Peter Mark was found by Toby Plant, he made no mistake as Claremont once again got to within six points in the shadows of half time.

However, as was the case in the opening term, the Lions would have the last say as that man Woodley kicked his fourth major and gave the hosts a 12-point lead at the main break.

Despite conceding a late goal, Trpchev was encouraged by the sides improved showing and implored the team to sustain its pressure in the second half.

A freakish goal to Ray Daniels at the four-minute mark of the third term gave the Lions some breathing space and an 18-point lead, before Cameron replied with his second major.

That’s as good as it got for the Tigers, however, as goals to Creeper, Max Walters and Smith (second) gave the hosts a 34-point lead at the final change and saw the visitors needing a herculean effort to secure victory.

Despite having their backs to the wall, Trpchev encouraged his players to take the game on and believe in themselves.

That belief quickly turned into reality as goals to Gilbert (second), Edwards (second) and Anton Hamp suddenly reduced the margin to 14 points at the 14-minute mark of the final term.

A steadying goal to Mitchell McPhee gave the Lions some breathing space, before Knott kept the Tigers alive with a clever snap at the 23-minute mark.

A late goal to Bevan (second) set up a tense ending to the game, however, it proved too little too late as the hosts recorded victory and left the Tigers pondering what might have been.

Despite the defeat, the Tigers took some positives away from the game, with League captain Jake Murphy gaining valuable game time as he works his way back into the seniors, while Cameron showed what an exciting talent he is after winning 24 hit outs and kicking two goals.

The Tigers have a fortnight to regroup before taking on South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Good Friday.

Bounce down is at 3.15pm.

CLAREMONT 2.2 5.4 6.4 11.8 (74)

SUBIACO 5.4 7.4 11.8 12.13 (85)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 2 D. CAMERON, S. EDWARDS, S. BEVAN, K. GILBERT, 1 K. KNOTT, A. HAMP, P. MARK

SUBIACO: 4 J. WOODLEY, 2 R. DANIELS, T. SMITH, 1 D. CLARKE, M. MCPHEE, M. WALTERS, A. CREEPER

BEST

CLAREMONT: D. CAMERON, J. MURPHY, J. BEECK, I. BAUM, S. BEVAN, P. MARK

SUBIACO: J. WOODLEY, R. DANIELS, S. MOORE, T. SMITH