Fast-Finishing Tigers Overrun Demons

Claremont (Colts) has defeated Perth by 33 points at Lathlain Park and reclaimed top spot on the ladder after overcoming a slow start and kicking just one-goal in the first half.

Despite trailing by 22 points at half-time, the Tigers dug their claws in and kicked 11 goals to three after the long break to prevail 12.13 (85) to 8.4 (52).

Ryan Murphy provided plenty of run and carry to go with his 24 disposals, six clearances and two goals, while Cameron Wilson won plenty of the football despite laying 11 tackles and winning eight clearances.

David Ehlers lit up the game by kicking four goals and providing a focal point for the Tigers when they needed it most, while Jacob Sideris worked tirelessly and saw his fine efforts capped off with two goals.

Eddie Simpson and Matthew Ehlers combined well in the ruck, with the Tigers winning 15 more clearances and registering 21 more inside 50m entries for the game.

After a sloppy opening term which saw the Demons take a 17-point lead at quarter-time, the Tigers showed better signs in the second quarter and registered their first goal through Darby Hanbury, however, the hosts took advantage of some poor ball use and decision making by the visitors to hold a handy buffer at the long break.

A switch to taking the game on more and the ability to hit targets proved the catalyst for the Tigers’ fightback in the third term, as the visitors rediscovered the football which took them to last year’s grand final.

With the Tigers leaving no space for their opponents to operate in and displaying a much harder attack on the contest, the visitors took a three-point lead into the final change thanks to a four-goal-to-one third quarter.

With the Tigers now full of run and capitalising on their forward entries whilst not letting the Demons rebound from defence, a seven-goal-to-two final term saw the side register their eighth win for the season, following an ability to work through adversity and reap the rewards for hard work and perseverance.

The Tigers will now turn their attention towards round 13 and a clash against Subiaco at the Showgrounds.

CLAREMONT 0.1 1.4 5.11 12.13 (85)

PERTH 3.0 5.2 6.2 8.4 (52)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 4 D. EHLERS, 2 R. MURPHY, J. SIDERIS, 1 G. DEVITT, A. FORSTER, M. DAVIES, D. HANBURY

PERTH: 4 J. BEREYNE, 1 G. KEITH, C. NINYETTE, D. HORAN, C. JONES

BEST

CLAREMONT: R. MURPHY, C. WILSON, D. EHLERS, J. SIDERIS, A. WILKINS, S. MORTON

PERTH: C. JONES, D. HORAN, J. BEREYNE, K. PHILLIPS