Season Review 2022 – ClaremontWednesday, November 23, 2022 - 2:30 PM - by Chris Pike

IT turned out another season of heartbreak ultimately for Claremont with the grand final loss to West Perth, but the Tigers deserve to once again be proud of the season they put together in 2022.

After being the dominant WAFL team for four years between 2010-13 where the Tigers won four straight minor premierships for three grand final appearances and two flags, it was a long road back to becoming a contender again.

However, by 2018 Claremont was ready to contend once again but the past five years have been full of finals frustrations where the Tigers have now lost the 2020 and 2022 grand finals, 2019 and 2021 preliminary finals, and the 2018 first semi-final.

The expectations were once again high for the Tigers coming into 2022 but fighting for spots in the most even WAFL home and away season in recent memory was far from easy.

By the end, Claremont settled in third position with a 13-5 record which did earn them a finals double chance, but meant they were on the road to open the finals. The Tigers were then disappointing in the qualifying final losing to East Fremantle by 48 points.

Claremont then had no more second chances and their next two performances might well have been their best two of the entire season. 

The Tigers beat Peel Thunder by 59 points in the first semi-final and then turned the tide on East Fremantle in the preliminary final to lead by 56 points at one stage before winning by 28 and advancing to the grand final.

Claremont was chasing its first premiership since 2012 and even though it was a tough loss in the grand final once again to West Perth at Leederville, the Tigers shouldn’t let that take away from the positivity they can still take from the season.

Now clearly that won't be easy at the same time given that for five years straight now Claremont has been so close to that premiership glory and has got ever so close, yet so far once more. 

However, it takes a mighty effort to continue to back up and remain a contender for five consecutive seasons at the same time.

You have to feel for coach Ash Prescott as well who is still trying to bang that door down to be able to call himself a premiership coach in his second stint coaching Claremont.

This was his second season back in charge having previously taken the Tigers to grand finals in 2004, 2005 and 2007. While a fourth grand final defeat will now be tough to swallow, a strong case can be made he's the best ever WAFL coach to not yet win a premiership.

There were Claremont stars everywhere again throughout 2022 with Sandover Medallists Jye Bolton and Bailey Rogers, and prime midfielders Ryan Lim, Ben Edwards, Ronin O'Connor, Jared Hardisty, Ben Elliott and Declan Mountford.

Declan Hardisty anchored the defence with Timm House proving a valuable late addition while Lachlan Martinis provided great drive. Alex Manuel led a forward-line that includes Jack Buller, Tyron Smallwood and Callan England.

While this Claremont team will be left heartbroken as they reflect back on getting so close again in 2022, they need to take heart out of the terrific effort they put in to give themselves that opportunity for glory once more.

FINISHING POSITION: Third, 13-5, 116.8%, Lost grand final

WHAT WENT WELL: You could see the Claremont spirit shine through when COVID ran through the group and they delivered a stunning win against Subiaco in Round 2. They would end up having a few hiccups along the road throughout the season including disappointing losses to East Perth, South Fremantle and East Fremantle, but their best football was outstanding. They entered the finals from third spot having won six of the last seven matches, and then shook off a poor showing against East Fremantle in the qualifying final to beat Peel and then the Sharks to reach another grand final. The experienced Jye Bolton, Bailey Rogers, Declan Hardisty, Declan Mountford, Ryan Lim, Lachlan Martinis, Callan England, Alex Manuel and Jared Hardisty all delivered again, but it was the continued emergence of Ben Edwards, Jack Lewsey, Ben Elliott, Jack Buller and Steve Miller who were instrumental in Claremont's push to once again reach a grand final.

BEST PLAYER: Having won another fairest and best award, it's hard to go past Jye Bolton for the standout season he had once again for Claremont, but Ryan Lim had the best season of his WAFL career in 2022 for the Tigers. He celebrated his 150th game in style in a first semi-final win against Peel Thunder and was instrumental in everything Claremont did throughout the season, and ultimately reaching another grand final. Lim put together a standout season for the Tigers averaging 27.7 possessions a game including picking up 30 or more touches on eight occasions. To top it off, he played State football for the first time in 2022, reached his 150-game milestone and all he'll be focused on moving forward is still trying to win that elusive premiership. 

DEBUTANTS
Ronin O'Connor – Round 1
Max Minear – Round 1
Louis Passera – Round 1
Oliver Sheldrick – Round 2
Lawrence Evans – Round 2
Zac Mainwaring – Round 2
Talon Delacy – Round 2
Patrick Kitchener – Round 2
Charlie Malone – Round 2
Ben Clarke – Round 2
Marc Boyatzis – Round 2
Coen Jackman – Round 8

MOST IMPROVED: Ben Elliott had only played four league matches for Claremont coming into 2022, but he had served a strong apprenticeship with 25 colts games and 24 in the reserves, and he grabbed his chance in Round 2. That initial opportunity might have been because of the Tigers players missing through COVID, but he was so good with 32 possessions and three goals against Subiaco that he showed that he belonged, and virtually never looked back. There was an injury hiccup late in the season, but the 20-year-old was soon back and instrumental in Claremont reaching the grand final including 24 touches and a goal in the preliminary final win over East Fremantle. He ended up averaging 18.6 disposals a game and will be a building block for the Tigers for years to come to take shape around in the midfield.

OUTLOOK FOR 2023: It is going to be fascinating how Claremont coach Ash Prescott and his senior playing group shake off another case of so close yet so far and attempt to put themselves in the premiership hunt once again in 2023. Talent is unlikely to be an issue with the Tigers retaining the large majority of their squad and there's sure to be some additions along the way to top up the stocks. The question is going to be whether or not they are willing to put themselves in a position to have their hearts broken once again in the quest for that ultimate glory. If they can recommit themselves and make a real run at the flag in 2023, you would have to admire the guts that it would take to do so.