Tigers Fall Short Against Lions

Despite a spirited three-quarter effort, Claremont was put to the sword by Subiaco in the final term at Medibank Stadium as the Tigers crashed to a 45-point defeat to the reigning premiers.

On a day where their 2014 premiership flag was unfurled, the Lions produced a scintillating fourth-quarter performance as they ran out 15.16 (106) to 9.7 (61) winners.

The final margin was perhaps harsh on the Tigers, but at the same time a stark reminder of just how much improvement is needed if a return to finals is to eventuate in 2015.

With acting captain Ryan Neates electing to kick to the northern end in the opening term and Corey Yeo marking Lions’ captain Kyal Horsley, the Tigers were inspired by an early chase and tackle by the returning Ian Richardson which incredibly went unrewarded by the umpire.

The Lions responded as Clancy Wheeler kicked the first of what would be his five goals, with the hosts taking an eight-point lead at the 12-minute mark of the opening term.

The Tigers responded when Jack Richardson kicked truly after being awarded a free kick, before debutant Shane McAdam lit up the contest with a high-flying mark and goal to give Claremont a three-point lead at the 26-minute mark.

A late goal to Brett Mahoney saw the Lions take a three-point lead into quarter time on the back of a coast-to-coast play as the Tigers were left to lament missed targets by foot and some sloppy play in defence.

Coach Michael Broadbridge was quick to highlight the errors as he demanded his side improve on kick-ins and adopt a disciplined style of play.

Despite the room for improvement, Tom Ledger was prominent early on and the lively McAdam was already proving a handful for the Lions’ defence.

As had been the case in the opening term, Ledger was pivotal as his centre-clearance allowed McAdam to keep the ball alive in the Tigers’ forward line before his dribble kick was soccered through by Jack Bradshaw as the Tigers regained the lead in the opening minute of the second quarter.

A second goal to Wheeler saw the Lions hit back and regain the lead, before I. Richardson gave Tigers’ fans a reminder of what they’d missed in 2014.

After a fantastic smother in the centre of the ground, the skilful forward picked himself up, ran forward, received a handball from Bradshaw and calmly slotted a goal from 40m on the run as the Tigers regained their three-point lead in what was quickly becoming a see-sawing contest.

Enter Shane Yarran.

Three consecutive goals in just over five minutes of play completely wrestled momentum away from the Tigers as Hugo Breakey watched his opponent give the Lions a 16-point lead at the 16-minute mark of the second term.

A second goal to McAdam seven minutes later saw the Tigers respond, as the silky forward provided the fans at the ground of his immense talents.

After gathering the ball some 45m from goal, the livewire ran towards the pocket, twisted and turned, baulked his opponent a couple of times, before dribbling through a remarkable goal even when he seemed out of room and energy.

The effort left fans in awe, however, the Tigers still trailed by ten points.

When Kiefer Yu kicked truly after being the beneficiary of a 50m penalty, the Tigers had clawed their way to within four points, however, the Lions would once again pounce late as Charles Le Fanu gave them a 12-point lead at the main break.

With The Tigers’ skill-execution and decision-making in need of drastic improvement, Broadbridge implored his troops to tighten up on turnovers.

With the opening eight minutes of the third term mirroring a heavyweight bout where no side could land a knockout blow, the Tigers were first to strike when McAdam kicked his third major in what was becoming a remarkable debut.

Seven minutes later and a second goal to I. Richardson had the Tigers in front after the small forward saw his quick kick out of the pack bounce through the big sticks.

However, late goals to Wheeler (third) and Michael Wood saw the hosts take a 13-point lead into the final change.

Despite a passionate address by Broadbridge encouraging the Tigers to not give up and run the game out, the Lions gave everyone at the ground a timely reminder of just why they are the reigning premiers and once again look the team who will stand above all challengers.

A six-goal-to-one final term completely left the Tigers in their wake, as Yarran and Wheeler registered their fifth goals for the game, and the Tigers were left to lick their wounds following a promising, yet, incomplete performance.

Despite the disappointing fade-out, Kepler Bradley, Oliver Tate and Haydn Busher all played their first official games for the club, while McAdam excelled in his League debut and Ryan Lim also showed some positive glimpses.

Captain Jake Murphy played a limited game in the Reserves, but more importantly got through unscathed, as he, Mark Seaby and Tom Swift look to be recalled in the coming weeks.

Beau Maister remains sidelined after a golden staph infection over the summer.

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

Bounce down is at 6.00pm.

CLAREMONT 2.1 6.3 8.6 9.7 (61)

SUBIACO 2.4 7.9 9.13 15.16 (106)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 S. MCADAM, 2 I. RICHARDSON, K. YU, J. BRADSHAW, J. STARCEVICH, J. RICHARDSON

SUBIACO: 5 C. WHEELER, S. YARRAN, 1 M. WOOD, L. KITCHIN, B. MAHONEY, C. PHELAN, C. LE FANU

BEST

CLAREMONT: S. MCADAM, I. RICHARDSON, K. YU, T. LEDGER, M. ANDREWS, C. YEO, M. DAVIES

SUBIACO: C. WHEELER, S. YARRAN, L. KITCHIN, R. BLECHYNDEN, C. PHELAN