Foxtel Cup: Claremont belts SouthportWednesday, June 19, 2013 - 1:26 AM - by Tom Craigie

WEST Coast rookie Jeremy McGovern has proven he is well and truly over an ankle injury, leading Claremont to a 54-point Foxtel Cup belting of Southport at Patersons Stadium on Tuesday night.

McGovern, the son of former Fremantle and Sydney Swans player Andrew McGovern, appeared completely unrestricted by his ankle, kicking three goals in the first half to help the Tigers race away to a commanding 44-point lead by the main break.

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The imposing 21 year-old led strongly and demonstrated clean hands both in the air and below his knees, finishing with 11 marks among his 15 disposals.

Last year's Foxtel Cup (and West Australian Football League) premier looked a class above Southport from the onset, controlling the tempo of the game and restricting their opponent to just one goal in the first half.

Southport, to its credit, refused to lie down, grinding out three goals to four in the second half to minimise the damage.

Ben Daniher, the 19-year-old son of former Essendon player and Melbourne coach Neale, was busy for the Tigers after making his senior debut two weeks ago. The ball-magnet was hungry throughout the match and tackled ferociously, though his disposal was often rushed.

Tigers' debutant Jack Richardson, the son of Mike Richardson who played over 300 games combined for Collingwood, Essendon, Brisbane Bears and WAFL teams Swan Districts and West Perth, finished with three goals, including the first of the match.

Former West Coast midfielder Tom Swift returned to the Tigers line-up after announcing he was leaving the Eagles at the end of last season to focus on his studies.

Swift, who was taken by the Eagles with pick 20 in the 2008 national draft, was relatively quiet for most of the game but gathered plenty of the ball in the second half after the game was beyond doubt.

Matt Davies continued his impressive form for the Tigers, using his big body to advantage while showing off his composure and sound decision-making. He finished with 16 disposals, five clearances and five inside-50s.

For Southport, Fraser Pope was immense, working tirelessly throughout the game and throwing himself at every contest. He led the Sharks in disposals (20), tackles (10), clearances (6) and inside-50s (4).

Haydn Kiel looked dangerous around goal, while 18 year-old Stephen Mills demonstrated his class with an impressive goal from the boundary after the half time siren.

Claremont will play West Adelaide in the second semi-final of the Foxtel Cup on Tuesday, July 16.

Claremont 5.3    8.4     10.5    12.8 (80)
Southport 0.1    1.2      3.2      4.2 (26)

Goals
Claremont: McGovern 3, Richardson 3, Court 2, Knott, Winmar, Davies, Swift.
Southport: Pope, Kiel, Mallan, Mills.

Best
Claremont: McGovern, Daniher, Davies, Richardson
Southport: Pope, Thynne, Kiel, Whish-Wilson.