Optus WAFL Round 7 WrapMonday, May 24, 2021 - 12:20 PM - by Chris Pike

CLAREMONT and Subiaco broke clear on top of the WAFL ladder with wins on Saturday as the competition resumed and the other teams occupying positions in the top five all losing in Round 7.

Following last Saturday's State Game in Adelaide for the WAFL against the SANFL, the Optus Premiership Season resumed this Saturday with all five matches taking place as part of Round 7.

Claremont bounced back from its first loss of the season two weeks ago against Subiaco by putting in a solid showing to beat East Fremantle 14.4 (88) to 6.10 (46) at East Fremantle's New Choice Homes Park.

Perth then put in a brave and spirited showing despite a host of missing key, experienced players to get their season back on track beating reigning premiers South Fremantle 11.8 (74) to 7.12 (54) at Mineral Resources Park having kept the Bulldogs to one goal after quarter-time.

West Perth continued its momentum from two weeks ago in their remarkable fightback over Swan Districts by heading down to Mandurah to beat Peel Thunder 12.8 (80) to 7.10 (52) at David Grays Arena.

It was the battle of winless teams at Leederville Oval and East Perth proved far too strong for the West Coast Eagles winning 12.13 (85) to 3.10 (28).

Swan Districts took the challenge right up to Subiaco at Bassendean's Steel Blue Oval on Saturday, but the Lions were just able to do enough in the wet conditions to prevail 8.10 (58) to 7.8 (50).

Following seven rounds of the WAFL season now, Claremont is back on top of the ladder just percentage ahead of Subiaco with both teams sitting on 5-1 records from the opening six matches.

South Fremantle (4-2) remains in third position despite their loss while Peel Thunder (3-3) is still in fourth and East Fremantle (3-3) stays fifth despite losing on Saturday as well.

Swan Districts (3-3) is just percentage outside of the top five with West Perth (3-3) and Perth (3-3) just behind as well while East Perth (1-5) and West Coast Eagles (0-6) are at the foot of the ladder.

OPTUS WAFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 7

EAST FREMANTLE 6.10 (46) lost to CLAREMONT 14.4 (88)

Claremont suffered its first loss of the season two weeks ago but the Tigers hit back hard on Saturday to take care of East Fremantle by 42 points at New Choice Homes Park.

Claremont had started the season on fire under new coach Ashley Prescott on the back of last year's Grand Final appearance, but they suffered a setback against Subiaco leading into the State Game break.

East Fremantle had a confidence boosting performance to hammer the West Coast Eagles by 125 points before the break too setting the tone for an interesting contest at Shark Park.

But the Tigers kicked six goals to one in the first quarter and were never headed from there going on to win 14.4 (88) to 6.10 (46) and regain top spot on the WAFL ladder.

It was only single goal scorers for East Fremantle on the afternoon with goals to Nick Kommer, Jonathon Marsh, Ryan Lester-Smith, Josh Schoenfeld, Tim Bockman and Hugh Dixon.

Luke English continued his standout form for East Fremantle with 29 possessions and five tackles while Cam Eardley gathered 23 disposals, Blaine Boekhorst 23, Marsh 21, Morgan Davies 20, Jarrad Jansen 18 and Luke Strnadica 15 to go with 27 hit outs.

Jack Buller continued his terrific rookie season for Claremont kicking another three goals from 12 possessions and four marks while Callan England and Alex Manuel added two goals apiece as part of the forward-line.

Wingmen Bailey Rogers and Ryan Lim then had huge afternoons for Claremont too not only getting forward to kick two goals apiece, but Rogers had 25 possessions and five inside-50 entries and Lim 23 disposals four inside 50s.

Dashing defender Lachlan Martinis was tremendous again for the Tigers with another 33 possessions while four-time Simpson Medallist Jye Bolton racked up 33 disposals, eight marks, six inside 50s, five tackles and a goal.

Jack Lewsey also picked up 21 possessions for Claremont, Declan Mountford 18, Ben Edwards 16, Jared Hardisty 16, England 16 and ruckman Oliver Eastland 16 to go with 28 hit outs.

Claremont got off to the perfect start attempting to bounce back from their first loss of the season two weeks ago with an early goal to Jack Buller. Isaac Barton and Callan England then kicked truly as well and the Tigers had the game's first three goals.

That became four when Bailey Rogers added another before eventually East Fremantle got on the board through Nick Kommer, but the Tigers were still in control leading by 27 points at quarter-time.

Jye Bolton then made it a 33-point lead early in the second term for Claremont and with both teams managing two goals apiece, the Tigers were still well on top by 27 points at the main break.

Ryan Lim stretched Claremont's advantage to 33 points again to start the second half and then following an East Fremantle goal from Jonathon Marsh, the Tigers put the game to bed further with goals either side of three quarter-time to Rogers, Buller, Alex Manuel and Kane Mitchell.

That saw the lead grow to 51 points and the Tigers would end up winning by 42 to gain enough of a percentage boost to return to the top of the WAFL ladder.
 

PERTH 11.8 (74) defeated SOUTH FREMANTLE 7.12 (54)

Last time Perth and South Fremantle met it was an occasion to long live in the memory and while this one might not have such historic significance, it was a statement performance again from the Demons.

The last clash between the two clubs also took place at Lathlain's Mineral Resources Park in the final round of the 2020 season with Perth needing to beat a South Fremantle team to end its finals drought.

But the Bulldogs had already secured the minor premiership and were on the way to claiming the flag in a few weeks' time, and they had built a handy three quarter-time lead.

The Demons, though, found something remarkable to win that game and end their finals drought that stretched back to 1997. Then on Saturday back at the same venue, the odds were against them in the absence of the likes of Chris Masten, Dakota Baldwin-Wright, Brant College, Brady Grey, Fraser McInnes and Michael Sinclar.

South Fremantle then kicked six goals in the first quarter and threw the gauntlet down to Perth, but the Demons held the Bulldogs to one goal the rest of the day to record the impressive 11.8 (74) to 7.12 (54) victory.

Kristian Cary continues to be a strong presence in attack for Perth kicking another four goals for the Demons in the win from 11 kicks, five tackles and four marks. Doulton Langlands had a quiet day after starting in the middle but did kick two important goals as did Sam Stubbs.

Matthew Taylor finished with 21 possessions and seven marks for Perth with Corey Byrne ending up with 19 disposals and 10 tackles, Brent Edmonds 19 touches, eight marks and seven tackles, Regan Clarke 16 possessions, and Jacob Coniglio 15 disposals.

Andrew Fisher did a terrific run-with job on the on-fire Haiden Schloithe as well limiting the Sandover Medal favourite to a season-low 12 possessions.

South Fremantle captain Dylan Main returned for the Bulldogs and was his team's best performer, and likely best afield, as he amassed 34 possessions, nine marks, five tackles, five inside-50 entries and two goals.

Mason Shaw also kicked two goals for South Fremantle but had just the five kicks while Perth's defence did well Cody Ninyette, Zac Strom, Brandon Donaldson, Steve Edwards, Cam McCarthy and Matty Parker all goalless.

Jacob Dragovich also battled hard through the middle for the Bulldogs with 26 possessions while Tom Blechynden continues to grasp his on-ball chances with 21 touches and eight tackles. Parker did well winning clearances out of the middle on his way to 17 possessions, six inside 50s and five tackles.

Chad Pearson had another 19 possessions across half-back and Blake Schlensog 16 disposals and six marks.

Perth got off to the perfect start at home with a quick goal to Haydn Busher but South Fremantle responded with a lucky toe poke from big man Jimmy Milelr up the other end.

Kristian Cary began his impressive afternoon with Perth's second goal only to have that answered with an impressive patch from the reigning premiers.

The Bulldogs piled on four goals in the space of less than seven minutes with two of them coming from captain Dylan Main and vice-captain Mason Shaw. 

That saw South Fremantle open up a 19-point lead after Main's second goal, but Perth responded with two in response thanks to Sam Stubbs and Cary.

Jacob Dragovich and Corey Hitchcock then traded goals for either team heading into quarter-time with South Fremantle holding an eight-point edge.

That wouldn’t last for long with Perth kicking the opening two goals of the second term through Cary and Doulton Langlands to claim a narrow lead. 

Ben Rioli would put South Fremantle back in front, though, just before half-time when he kicked truly from a set shot and the Bulldogs were three points up at the long break.

Jacob Peletier's goal midway through the third quarter put Perth up by six points and then Langlands' second of the match stretched their advantage to 12 and the Demons would never be headed from there.

Perth went on to hold South Fremantle goalless the entire second half and ended up recording the important 20-point victory.
 

PEEL THUNDER 7.10 (52) lost to WEST PERTH 12.8 (80)

West Perth's prolific midfield and dangerous forward set up was enough for the Falcons to string consecutive wins together for the first time in 2021 with a terrific win in Mandurah on Saturday.

Peel has played some exciting football this season so far including recording the club's two highest ever scores along the way, but West Perth had taken great confidence with a stirring fightback leading into the State Game break against Swan Districts.

West Perth then turned on some scintillating football at David Grays Arena on Saturday with 10 goals to one against Peel across the second and third quarters to set up the eventual 12.8 (80) to 7.10 (52) victory.

West Perth's two main forward options again were the difference in the contest with Keegan Knott delivering a career-best performance with six points from 12 kicks.

Tyler Keitel continued his outstanding form too coming off the State Game against South Australia kicking another three goals from 12 kicks as well.

Shane Nelson had another standout showing in the midfield too for the Falcons with 37 possessions while Trent Manzone gathered 25 disposals, Aaron Black 22, Matthew Lloyd 21, Connor West 20 (12 tackles), Conal Lynch 20 and Mitch Peirce 20.

Noah Pegoraro was tremendous at centre half-back once more as well with 19 possessions, six marks and three inside-50 entries.

Peel's powerhouse premiership forward Blair Bell kicked another three goals from 14 possessions and five marks while Ryan Bennell was lively kicking two goals.

Jackson Merrett had another monster game on the wing for Peel with the reigning fairest and best winner amassing 37 possessions, nine marks, four tackles and three inside-50 entries.

Stefan Giro finished with 22 disposals for the Thunder, Ben Hancock 21, Joel Western 18, Michael Randall 16, Brandon Walker 16 and Luke Valente 16.

Lloyd Meek put in a dominant performance in the ruck with 19 touches, 47 hit outs, five inside 50es and three marks.

Peel got off to the best possible start with a goal to Blair Bell inside just 30 seconds. West Perth had their chances to respond but managed three behinds before Bell kicked a second for the Thunder to see the home side lead early by nine points.

West Perth was eventually able to kick straight through Tyson Moulton, but the last goal of the first term was courtesy of Peel through Ryan Bennell and that was enough for a 10-point edge.

It only took 10 minutes of the second term for West Perth to take control, though, with Tyler Keitel and Keegan Knott combining for three quick goals to turn that 10-point deficit into a nine-point lead.

Another goal for the Falcons from Tom O'Donnell stretched that lead further before another goal each to Keitel and Knott suddenly had the visitors on top by 28 points. Peel got a goal back just before half-time through Joel Western but West Perth had taken control to be up by 21 points.

A third goal to Keitel and fourth for Knott apiece stretched West Perth's lead back out to 34 points to start the second half before Knott managed a fifth, and Mitch Peirce joined in the fun to ensure the Falcons were well on top to the tune of 42 points by three quarter-time.

Peel might have outscored West Perth three goals to one in the last term but that one goal from the Falcons was a sixth for Knott and his team went on to score the important 28-point road win.
 

EAST PERTH 12.13 (85) defeated WEST COAST EAGLES 3.10 (28)

East Perth had played some solid football in 2021 despite being yet to taste victory but it all come together for the Royals on Saturday against the also winless West Coast Eagles at Leederville Oval.

The Royals had put in an especially spirited showing two weeks ago on the road to reigning premiers South Fremantle, and they were able to put more of it together on Saturday to record their first win of the season.

The game was still on the line, though, at three quarter-time before East Perth was able to pile on seven goals to one in the last quarter to come away with the 12.13 (85) to 3.10 (28) win.

Mitch Dobson was a powerful presence in attack for East Perth kicking two goals from 21 possessions and seven marks. Matthew Young, Jayden Magro and Eddie Simpson all kicked two goals apiece as well.

East Perth's big ball winners all had impressive games led by Rohan Kerr with 31 possessions, 12 marks and a goal. Aidan Lynch had another 29 disposals, seven marks and six inside 50s, Angus Scott 21 touches and six marks, and Shayne Hille 20 possessions and five inside-50 entries.

Mark Hutchings battled away against the tide in the midfield for the Eagles to put his hand up for an AFL call up with 28 possessions.

Ben Johnson also had 19 disposals for West Coast, Brayden Ainsworth 16, Luke Edwards 15 and Zane Trew 15.

West Coast's three goals came courtesy of Zac Langdon, Nathan Vardy and Callum Jamieson.

With both teams hunting their first wins of the 2021 season, it was a bit of a scrappy opening as expected with East Perth managing two goals to one in the opening quarter to lead by that goal by quarter-time.

The Royals then managed the only two goals of the second term through Mitch Dobson and Eddie Simpson to head into the half-time break leading by 17 points.

The game was still up for grabs when West Coast managed its second goal of the game through Zac Langdon to start the second half and the margin was back to just 12 points, but the Royals answered with the only other goal of the quarter courtesy of Jayden Magro.

It was still only a 21-point lead at three quarter-time for East Perth but they were able to kick right away in the last term with their best display of football for the season to kick seven goals and win by 57 points to open their account for 2021.
 

SWAN DISTRICTS 7.8 (50) lost to SUBIACO 8.10 (58)

Swan Districts and Subiaco played out a tight and tense affair in wet conditions at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday with the Lions managing to come away with the eight-point win.

Precious little separated both Swan Districts and Subiaco the entire afternoon at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday, and before the rain came down the goals were pouring in over the first quarter.

The teams combined for eight goals in the opening quarter with Subiaco leading by 11 points at quarter-time. The rain came down from there and goal scoring became more challenging but Swans hit the front thanks to Jesse Palmer to start the final term.

However, Subiaco's eventual match-winning goal came courtesy of Michael Braut and that was enough to see the Lions take away the hard fought 8.10 (58) to 7.8 (50) victory against Swan Districts.

Greg Clark continued the best form of his career to start the 2021 season and on the back of playing in last week's State Game for the WAFL against the SANFL, he produced another brilliant best on ground performance for the Lions against Swans.

Clark finished the afternoon with 30 possessions, 12 tackles, six marks, six inside-50 entries and two goals. He was Subiaco's only multiple goalkicker in the eight-point win.

Harry Marsh was another to continue his impressive form for the Lions with 32 possessions and seven inside-50 entries while captain Leigh Kitchin racked up 29 disposals, 10 inside 50s, eight tackles, six marks and a goal.

Lachlan Delahunty had a terrific battle in the ruck with State teammate Corey Gault for 24 possessions, seven marks, 19 hit outs and seven inside 50s wile Chad Harris picked up 20 disposals, Liam Hickmott 19 and Wil Hickmott 18.

Subiaco's defence stood firm led by Hayden Kennedy with 21 possessions, Angus Litherland with 18 disposals and six marks, and Jordan Lockyer 15 possessions and seven marks.

Jesse Palmer continued his impressive start to his life in Swan Districts' forward-line providing a good target again kicking three goals from 13 possessions and six marks.

Sandover Medallist Sam Fisher gathered 21 possessions and seven tackles for Swans with Jesse Turner finishing with 20 disposals, Frank Anderson 19, Josh Cipro 17 and Jackson Beck 14.

Nelson Waite had another 13 possessions down back and Chris Jones 12 disposals to go with five marks while Corey Gault had 12 touches, five tackles and 50 hit outs in his contest for most of the day with Lachlan Delahunty.

Subiaco managed the first goal of the game through Chad Harris but Swan Districts soon responded courtesy of Lewis Jetta. Jordan Faraone and Aidan Clarke then traded goals before the Lions kicked two in-a-row through Lachlan Delahunty and Greg Clark.

Jesse Palmer got one back for Swan Districts but Subiaco still went into quarter-time leading by 11 points thanks to a late goal from Aaron Heal.
Captain Leigh Kitchin put Subiaco further ahead with the first goal of the second term as well before Palmer kept Swans in touch with his second of the day. 

There was just the one more goal the rest of the half as the run tumbled down and that went the way of Subiaco through Clark and that meant the Lions went into the half-time break leading by 16 points.

A goal early in the second half from Matt Riggio brought Swan Districts right back into the game and that was even more the case when Thomas Edwards kicked another and by three quarter-time, the lead for Subiaco was back to just five points.

Swans then took the lead with Palmer's third goal of the game to begin the final quarter but it would be Michael Braut for Subiaco who kicked the match-winner at the 15-minute mark with the Lions going on to score the eight-point victory.