Match Report – Tigers too much at home for SharksSunday, July 25, 2021 - 12:53 AM - by Matt Paddick

IT might only be for 24 hours, but Claremont has moved to the top of the WAFL ladder once again after a solid 43-point win over East Fremantle on the back of a dominant premiership quarter – the third.

They say the third quarter is the premiership quarter where teams look to go to another level to secure a win and Claremont did exactly that on Saturday against East Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium in Round 16 of the 2021 Optus WAFL Premiership Season.

Claremont kicked six goals to two in the third quarter to set up the eventual 14.12 (96) to 7.11 (53) victory that sees them improve to a 10-3 record on the season and to move a game ahead on top of the ladder at least before Subiaco and South Fremantle clash on Sunday.

Oliver Eastland was massive for the Tigers, getting the better of his ruck battle with Luke Strnadica to finish the afternoon with 39 hit outs and 21 disposals, while Lachlan Martinis was also prolific with 32 touches again off half-back in his 50th game for Claremont.

For the Sharks, Cam Eardley gave it his all once again to keep East Fremantle in the fight, while Kyle Baskerville was near it all day, finishing with a game-high 34 possessions.

The Sharks needed to win to stay in the hunt for finals, a task that has become more difficult as they sit four games outside the top five as a result of the 43-point defeat.

With both teams understanding the importance of having a win, the game started off at a high intensity.

After some back and forth play, East Fremantle were able to put the first score on the board after some good team ball movement was finished off by Nick Kommer.

Claremont had a quick response, with Jake Patmore kicking truly to give momentum back to the home side.

The Sharks looked to play positively, and took the game on, but caused turnovers in the process which led to goals to the Tigers.

Forward Alex Manuel put through a major late to give the Tigers an 11-point lead at quarter-time.

The Sharks continued to bring the heat in the second term, with Luke English able to dribble one through the goals thanks to some quick ball movement in their forward half.

East Fremantle continued to pepper the ball inside their forward 50, but were well held thanks to the Tigers’ back-line who set up well defensively.

A run of five behinds from both teams came to an end thanks to a nice finish from Patmore for his second goal of the day.

Claremont’s Callan England then put through another for the Tigers, before East Fremantle were rewarded for their effort as Kommer put through his second.

It helped reduce the deficit for the Sharks to seven points at the main break.

In the third term, the Tigers put their foot down to get the game on their terms. 

They kicked six goals to the Sharks two, with midfielder Bailey Rogers kicking two of them to further show his influence on the game. 

While East Fremantle persisted to move the ball forward, the Tigers’ backline were again sensational in defending, before looking to attack through the likes of Lachlan Martinis and Jason Carter.

The Sharks wouldn’t go away however, with the experienced duo of Kommer and Jonathon Marsh kicking goals to keep them within touching distance, as the Tigers took a 33-point lead heading into the last.

However, it appeared the damage had already been done, as Patmore kicked his fourth goal early in the final term.

They outscored the Sharks three goals to two, as the Tigers pressed on for a convincing 43-point win.

EASTLAND DOMINANT IN RUCK
A match up between two of the WAFL’s premier ruckman in Claremont’s Oliver Eastland and East Fremantle’s Luke Strnadica was on full display, with the Tigers’ ruckman having a big day out. Head to head, Eastland beat his opponent 39 to 29 in the hit outs, but it was his presence around the ground which helped Claremont in their win. The 23-year-old had 21 disposals, and stood tall with 10 marks, many of which were intercepts in the defensive 50. The Swanbourne product was dominant and helped his midfielders get first use of the football throughout the contest.

MARTINIS INFLUENCE IN GAME 50
Lachlan Martinis has been in strong form for the Tigers this season and has been a key to their successful year so far. The backman was again at his line-breaking best as he, along with the Tigers backline, turned defence into attack. The 25-year-old had 32 touches and a whopping 25 kicks, showing just how important he is as part of the Tigers’ ball movement chain. It was a solid game from him, with the win a great way to celebrate his 50th game in the WAFL.

CLAREMONT BUILDING FOR FINALS
With the home and away season nearing its end, it’s a scary thought for the competition that Claremont could get even better with some big names to potentially come into the side. Former AFL-listed players Timm House (Geelong) and Francis Watson (West Coast) played their first and second games respectively in the reserves for the year. Both would be looking to build on a solid hit out and could have a huge impact for the Tigers’ league side come finals time.

OPTUS WAFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 16

CLAREMONT            3.2    5.3    11.8    14.12 (96)
EAST FREMANTLE        1.3    3.8    5.11    7.11 (53)

CLAREMONT: Goals – England, Patmore 4; Rogers 2; Mountford, Bolton, Manuel, T Smallwood.
Best – Rogers, Eastland, Bolton, Martinis, Patmore, Lim, England, Edwards.
EAST FREMANTLE: Goals – Kommer 3; Marsh, Warner, Bennett, English.
Best – Baskerville, Kommer, English, Eardley, Tassone, Jansen, Bennett.