Match Report – Tigers fight hard to overcome DemonsSunday, August 15, 2021 - 9:27 AM - by Charlie McCormack

CLAREMONT had to dig deep but did enough to overcome a slow start and then spirited Perth fight back to put themselves back in the top-two hunt with an eight-point win on Saturday.

The Tigers came into the clash with the struggling and undermanned Demons on the back of losing their past two matches so they needed to bounce back with a win, but to Perth's credit they did push Claremont the entire way.

Perth started the game strongly despite having virtually a full team on their injured list to throw the challenge up to Claremont. The Tigers responded well with six goals to one in the second quarter to head into half-time leading by four goals.

Still trailing by 24 points at three quarter-time, Perth closed to within two points at the 25-minute mark of the final term and threatened to snatch what would have been a remarkable comeback win.

However, Jye Bolton would seal the game with a long-range goal to clinch the much-needed victory to give him three goals for the day despite once again being well held to just 10 disposals by a close checking opponent, this time Perth's Brodie Gray.

It was a crucial victory for the Tigers who had lost four of their previous six matches coming into it to keep them right in the race with South Fremantle and Subiaco for a top two finish.

It might have been a ninth straight loss for Perth, but it was a performance full of heart and spirit given their personnel issues

Attacking defender turned impressive midfielder Bailey Rogers was excellent for Claremont, winning a mountain of contested ball and spreading well from stoppages to gather 31 disposals in a well-rounded display. 

He was well supported by Ben Edwards (30 disposals) and Ryan Lim (23 disposals) while Jack Buller and Steven Miller did well sharing the ruck duties as fellow big man Timm House kicked another three goals in his second game of the season. 

For Perth, Austin Davis was terrific with 26 disposals, while young midfielder Conor McPartland worked tirelessly in the clinches and Kristian Cary marked his return to the side with two goals and 12 tackles. 

The Demons made a bright start in pristine conditions, applying plenty of pressure and not allowing the skilful Claremont side any time or space.

Kristian Cary opened the scoring after being rewarded for a forward 50 tackle before Brent Edmonds kicked truly in his 100th game to help the Demons to an eight-point advantage at quarter-time.

After a sluggish opening quarter, the Tigers would respond in emphatic fashion, kicking six goals to one in the second term as some of their experienced midfielders began to overwhelm the young Demons. 

The quarter was highlighted by a goal of the year contender from Callan England, who controlled a difficult loose ball superbly before threading a drop punt on the run from deep in the forward pocket.

Trailing by 24 points at the long break, Perth made a spirited start to the second half, and managed to draw to within two goals after majors to Edmonds and Zac Sanderson.

But Claremont would hit back just before three quarter-time, with a settling goal to Isaac Barton, before mid-year recruit Timm House was the beneficiary of some superb run and carry from Jake Patmore to ensure the 24-point margin remained with a quarter to play.

The Demons would come charging back once again to start the last term, with majors to Cary and Oscar Bird giving them a sniff and bringing the home crowd into the game.

House would respond with a left-foot snap, but the Demons would keep coming and cut the margin to under a goal after former Claremont forward Jack Richardson bobbed up to kick two goals. 

But with the game on the line, Claremont would lift, as they won the next centre clearance and went forward to kick the game-winning goal through Bolton.

WELL-HELD BOLTON GOES FORWARD
Playing in just his fourth league game, 19-year old Brodie Gray was given the daunting task of tagging dual Sandover Medallist Jye Bolton. The youngster did an excellent job of mitigating the influence of the star Tiger around the ball, limiting Bolton to just 10 possessions. But Bolton showed how influential he can still be without having massive disposal numbers. He kicked three crucial goals, including a booming set shot from 55m out to seal the important win for the Tigers.

UNDERMANNED DEMONS SHOW FIGHT
Despite succumbing to an eighth successive loss, Perth coach Gary Moss would take plenty of positives out of what was a highly competitive and resilient display from his side. After being outplayed in the second quarter to be four goals down, the Demons didn’t let Claremont power on to a percentage-boosting victory, instead producing comebacks in both the third and fourth quarters to almost snatch a famous upset win. The performance of youngsters Austin Davis, Conor McPartland and Brodie Gray would have pleased Perth fans, as they seek to take positives out of what has been a disappointing season. Among the players sidelined were Brady Grey, Brant College, Matthew Rogers, Zac Hill, Doulton Langlands, Haydn Busher and Fraser McInnes.

OPTUS WAFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 19

PERTH                2.3    3.4    5.5    10.8 (68)
CLAREMONT            1.1    7.4    9.6    11.10 (76)

PERTH: Goals – Richardson, Cary, Edmonds 2; Bird, Stubbs, Giblett, Sanderson.
Best – Davis, Gray, McPartland, Fisher, Cary, Byrne, Taylor.
CLAREMONT: Goals – Bolton, House 3; Barton 2; Buller, England, Miller.
Best – Edwards, Rogers, Lim, House, Barton, Spyvee, Buller.