NAIDOC Round McDonald's WAFL Wrap UpWednesday, July 15, 2015 - 12:48 AM - by Chris Pike

THE top four WAFL teams all recorded victories on Saturday as part of NAIDOC Round with Subiaco, West Perth, Peel Thunder and Claremont all taking another step towards giving the finals positions some clarity.

All four matches took place on Saturday afternoon with Subiaco beating East Perth 12.13 (85) to 9.8 (62) at Medibank Stadium, Peel Thunder defeating East Fremantle 14.8 (92) to 8.18 (66) at Bendigo Bank Stadium, West Perth downing Perth 14.25 (109) to 9.6 (60) at Lathlain Park and Claremont holding on to beat Claremont 9.10 (64) to 8.12 (60) at the Showground.

The NAIDOC Round results leave Subiaco (12-2) three games clear on top ahead of West Perth (9-4), Peel Thunder (8-6) and Claremont (7-6).

Swan Districts (7-7) remains in fifth position despite the bye with South Fremantle (7-7) and East Perth (6-8) not far behind. East Fremantle (5-9) and Perth (1-13) then hold up the ladder with both on significant losing streaks.

Click here for the summary of Round 16 of the WAFL 

TEAM OF THE WEEK
BACK: Jack Beeck (C), Jordan Lockyer (S), Tanner Smith (PT)
HALF-BACK: Andrew Strijk (WP), Scott Worthington (S), Matthew Davies (C)
CENTRE: Aaron Black (WP), Ed Langdon (PT), Ryan Neates (C)
HALF-FORWARD: Mitch Morton (P), Michael Wood (S), Hayden Crozier (PT)
FORWARD: Jonathon Griffin (PT), Michael Lourey (WP), Jack Bradshaw (C)
RUCK: Chris Keunen (WP), Shane Nelson (WP), Brendan Lee (EP) 
INTERCHANGE: Jacob Green (EF), Brendan Verrier (SF), Sam Menegola (S), Steven Payne (EP)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matthew Davies had to bide his time for a regular league opportunity at Claremont through the Tigers' dominance between 2010 and 2013 when they won four straight minor premierships, two flags and played in three grand finals.

However, now he has become one of Claremont's most important players having played all 24 games of 2013, including the Foxtel Cup, 18 in 2014 and all 13 of 2015.

Not only has he cemented his spot, but the 23-year-old left-footer has been as instrumental as anyone in Claremont's outstanding recent form winning seven of its last eight games with his ability to set up play coming out of the back-line.

With his ability to read the play, find space, rack up plenty of possessions and use his precision left boot expertly, Davies is a big reason why the Tigers are heading for the finals and he had another 28 possessions in Saturday's win over South Fremantle.

THE SHINING LIGHTS
Claremont got off to a flying start with seven goals to two in the first quarter, and while the Tigers managed just two more the rest of the game, it was enough to hold on for a four-point win over South Fremantle to improve to fourth position on the ladder.

Jack Bradshaw kicked two of Claremont's seven goals in the first quarter and then the small forward booted the Tigers only two after that point, both in the third term, to give him four for the match from eight kicks.

Beau Maister and Kepler Bradley both kicked two goals apiece for the Tigers with Ian Richardson working hard as a hard-leading half-forward with 19 possessions and six marks.

Claremont had a host of strong performers through the midfield led by State representative Ryan Neates who finished with 31 possessions, eight inside 50s, five marks and four tackles.

Corey Yeo racked up another 27 disposals and Tom Ledger 25 with Mitch Andrews (16 touches, five marks, 18 hit outs) and Mark Seaby (14 disposals, five marks, 22 hit outs) solid in the ruck despite the strong opposition from Brock Higgins.

Claremont's defence was also terrific with Jack Beeck limiting the influence of Cory Dell'Olio, Brandon Franz and Jordan McAllister holding down the key position posts, and then Matthew Davies racking up 28 possessions and Oliver Tate 24. 

Brendan Verrier put in a tremendous hard working performance on the wing for South Fremantle racking up a game-high 33 possessions while driving the ball inside-50 on four occasions.

Ashton Hams continued his terrific form with another 30 disposals and eight marks for the Bulldogs while Tim Kelly played likely his best game of the season coinciding with NAIDOC Round racking up 30 touches, seven inside 50s, six marks and four tackles.

Marlion Pickett again gave terrific run off half-back with 22 possessions with Blayne Wilson solid despite giving up size on either Kepler Bradley or Beau Maister for much of the day. Wilson also had 21 touches and eight marks.

Captain Ryan Cook also worked hard with 19 possessions and six inside-50 entries with Adam Carter picking up 18 disposals and Kyle Hams 18.

Brock Higgins worked tirelessly in the ruck up against premiership pair Mitch Andrews and Mark Seaby, and was able to hold his own with 11 touches and 22 hit outs despite giving up plenty of size and without any help.

Haiden Schloithe was again South Fremantle's most dangerous option in attack kicking three second half goals with Ben Saunders and Jacob Dragovich out injured, and Josh Pullman and Paul Mugambwa looking for form and fitness in the reserves.

East Perth certainly made Subiaco earn it but in the end the Lions pulled away with five goals to two in the final quarter in the battle of the Medibank Stadium co-tenants to remain three games clear on top of the WAFL ladder.

Despite missing Lachlan Delahunty, Matt Boland, Rhys Waters and Chris Deluca from the forward-line, Darren Rumble and Wayde Twomey from defence, and David Madut from the ruck, Subiaco still had enough depth to record the 23-point victory.

The Lions midfield was again terrific with Leigh Kitchin leading the way with 25 possessions and eight marks with Brett Robinson racking up 26 disposals, six marks, five inside-50 entries and a goal.

Sam Menegola had another 22 touches, 10 tackles, eight marks, five inside 50s and two goals for Subiaco with captain Kyal Horsley gathering 20 possessions and Chris Phelan 17.

The undermanned forward-line still found a way to end up with 12 goals led by Michael Wood who kicked three to go with 18 possessions and five marks. Kyle Halligan also kicked three goals from eight kicks.

Subiaco's defence again held up well led by Jordan Lockyer (24 possessions, nine marks, eight tackles) and Scott Worthington (20 touches, six marks).

East Perth worked hard and for the second straight week had more possessions and inside-50 entries than their opponents, but didn’t have a key forward who could make an impact and ended up losing.

Co-captain Craig Wulff was East Perth's only multiple goalkicker booting three majors from his 12 possessions.

Wulff's co-captain Brendan Lee was terrific in the midfield for the Royals with 26 possessions, six inside 50s and a goal while reigning fairest and best Steven Payne racked up 30 disposals, Brant Colledge 29 and Garry Moss had 23 touches and eight marks across half-back.

Paul Johnson again worked hard in the ruck for the Royals and finished with 17 possessions, 31 hit outs and a goal while Fraser McInnes backed him up with 18 disposals, six marks, 10 tackles and 20 hit outs.

East Perth's back-line had several strong performers as well with Paddy Brophy finishing with 20 possessions while Jackson Nelson had 19 touches, Corey Adamson 19 and Tom Barrass 14 to go with seven marks.

Peel Thunder got off to a slow start at home to East Fremantle on Saturday but finished strongly with five goals to one in the last quarter to end up winning by 26 points with some tremendous performances from AFL and WAFL-listed players alike.

Jonathon Griffin was superb both in the ruck and when resting forward for the Thunder ending up with 13 possessions, five marks, 31 hit outs and three goals.

Sean Hurley also went forward and kicked two goals for Peel with Leroy Jetta adding two majors and Gerald Ugle kicked two as well to go with 22 possessions and eight marks.

Ed Langdon returned to the Peel line-up and racked up 34 possessions and 13 marks while Cameron Sutcliffe finished with 30 disposals and nine marks, Jacob Ballard 28 and five tackles, Hayden Crozier 27, Brendon Jones 26, Connor Blakely 25, Josh Deluca 24, Brady Grey 23 and Lachie Weller 22.

Tanner Smith again was the star of Peel's back-line as he continues to string the together the best run of form in his injury-plagued career.

East Fremantle might have now lost seven straight matches to fall further out of finals contention, but there was one great bright spot on Saturday and that was the debut of Jacob Green who compiled 26 possessions, six inside-50 entries and four marks.

Captain Rory O'Brien also worked tirelessly for the Sharks ending the afternoon against his old side with 31 possessions, six tackles and five marks while Jamie McNamara racked up 31 disposals, seven marks and five tackles.

Liam Anthony compiled 24 touches and five tackles as well for East Fremantle while Cameron Eardley added 27 disposals, seven inside-50 entries, six marks and a goal.

Brock O'Brien started the game on fire and ended up with 19 possessions and two goals but he also kicked five behinds after continually taking pot shots on goal from well outside 50.

Shane Nelson and Aaron Black finished one and two in the Sandover Medal count last year and both were again outstanding in Saturday's big win over Perth with Nelson racking up another 38 possessions while Black finished with 33 disposals, 10 marks and three goals.

It is the first time that Black has kicked three goals in his 98-game league career.

 

Co-captain Jay van Berlo also had a strong game for the Falcons with 27 possessions, six marks, four inside 50s and a goal while Chris Keunen dominated the ruck with 21 disposals, nine marks, five tackles, 39 hit outs and a goal.

Andrew Strijk had 23 possessions and 11 marks for West Perth with Kris Shannon picking up 22 touches, Steve Potente 19, Laine Rasmussen 18, Matt Johnson 18 and Nick Rodda 18 to go with six marks and a goal in his 50th league game just days after celebrating his 21st birthday.

Michael Lourey kicked three goals for the Falcons from 15 touches and seven marks in his best return since kicking six goals against Perth back in Round 3.

The only downside of the afternoon was a knee injury to veteran premiership midfielder Matt Guadagnin who was again having a terrific game with 17 possessions, five marks, three inside 50s and a goal with the 31-year-old back to his very best form in recent weeks as well.

Brennan Stack found some form in attack for Perth kicking four goals from 14 possessions and six marks in his best league performance of the season, and perhaps for a couple of years. Daniel O'Sullivan also kicked two goals from 17 touches for the Demons.

Aidan Tropiano racked up another 33 possessions for Perth while Mitch Morton worked tirelessly ending up with 27 disposals, six marks, three inside 50s and a goal as his form continues to build as he finally gets a good run without an injury.

Michael Sinclair was another strong contributor for Perth compiling 28 possessions and nine tackles with Liam McKenna adding 24 disposals, Jacob Payne 18, Brett Wolfenden and Blake Borrett 18 in the ruck along with 21 hit outs.

Jared Bell continued his strong season in the back-line as well for the Demons and had 21 possessions and six tackles with David Johnston, Toby Gianatti and Brent Latch also solid in the back-line.

RESERVES STANDOUTS
South Fremantle's reserves maintained its hold on top of the ladder with an 11.12 (78) to 8.7 (55) victory over Claremont at the Showground.

Kaiden Matera kicked four goals for the Bulldogs with Callum Ah Chee showing outstanding signs in his first taste of senior football with 23 possessions, six marks and two goals.

Shaun Bewick put his hand up for a league recall with 41 possessions and 13 marks for South Fremantle while Matthew Ah Siu gathered 30 disposals, Anthony Collica 30, Tim Stewart 28, James Laurino 23, Simon Panizza 20 and Matthew Gundry 18.

Eddie Simpson kicked four goals for Claremont with Keegan Knott booting two while Tom Swift racked up 32 possessions, Harrison McCracken 24, Ben Higgs 24 and Tom Willett 22. Jake Murphy made his return from injury and got through well with 27 possessions and seven marks.

East Perth's reserves scored a 13.10 (88) to 9.8 (62) win over Subiaco at Medibank Stadium with Julian Ameduri kicking three goals, Agid Gardoud two, Trent Bradshaw two and Kester Decke two for the Royals.

Tom Omodei finished with 25 possessions for East Perth, Marty Zambotto 24, and Damian Lee 18 on return from injury.

David Madut was dropped back to the reserves for Subiaco and had 48 hit outs in the ruck while Joe Scafidi kicked three goals and Dylan Clarke two with Max Walters gathering 25 possessions, Matt Bogensperger 19, Reece Blechynden 16 and Scafidi 16.

East Fremantle's reserves beat Peel Thunder 9.15 (69) to 6.12 (48) at Bendigo Bank Stadium with Brandon Ellis kicking four goals while Dion Anthony had 30 possessions, Matthew Bannister 26, Jake Schleicher 26, Josh Cuneo 23, Tim Bristow 23, Alex Howson 23, Adrian Ricciardello 22, Jack Cripps 22, Matt Baseden 21, Dylan Coulthard 20 and Jordan Kelly 20.

Jamahl Mulholland kicked two goals for Peel with Eddie Dann racking up 24 possessions, Lucas Humphreys 22, Laine Wilkins 22, Harrison Tyler 22, Nick Gajewski 21, Corey Morris 20 and Brennan Gillam 20.

West Perth's reserves also scored a commanding 17.18 (120) to 10.9 (69) win over Perth at Lathlain Park with Tyson Moulton kicking three goals, Chris Franklin three, Hayden Yarran three and Drew Rohde two.

Trent Manzone racked up another 30 possessions for the Falcons, Mitchell Peirce 21, Dean Munns 21, Broderick Walton 21, James Batterham 21 and Clint Hinchcliffe 20.

Ashley Boyes, Scott Moore and Matthew Parker kicked two goals apiece for Perth with Kayle Phillips picking up 25 possessions, Boyes 25, Kodie Fleay 20 and Sam McGillivray 17.

REDiMED COLTS RISING STARS
South Fremantle's colts also recorded a convincing 14.11 (95) to 4.6 (30) victory over Claremont at the Showground to start the day on Saturday.

Jake Florenca kicked three goals for the Bulldogs with Mitch Dzelebdzic also kicking three majors, Brandon Colbung two and Anthony Nodari two.

Brandon Donaldson compiled 23 possessions for South Fremantle, Daniel Burke 22, Miles Barritt 21, Jesse Musika 21, Jesse Mudge 20, Florenca 20, Jesse Mirco 19 and Nodari 18.

Tom Gajewski compiled 28 possessions and 12 marks for Claremont with Declan Mountford adding 24 disposals and Cameron Wilson 22 to go with 10 tackles.

Subiaco's colts beat East Perth 10.7 (67) to 7.6 (48) at Medibank Stadium with Ethan Burnett, Josh Underwood and Paul Silvestro kicking two goals each for the Lions.

Greg Clark returned from captaining the WA State 18s to rack up 29 possessions, six marks, five inside 50s and four tackles for the Lions with Ethan Burnett adding 21 disposals, Chad Barns 21 and Tom Breeze 19.

Stan Wright was outstanding for East Perth racking up 40 possessions to go with seven marks, four inside-50 entries and a goal.

Mitch Dobson also gathered 31 disposals for the Royals, Connor De Campo 24, Alex Di Placido 24, Sam Powell-Pepper 19 and Ben Miller 18.

Peel's colts scored a thumping 16.12 (108) to 5.4 (34) win over East Fremantle at Bendigo Bank Stadium with Brett Milward kicking five goals, Karl Collard three, Calvin Thorne two and Michael Humble two.

Josh Schoenfeld racked up 29 possessions for the Thunder, Keegan Power 27, Haydn Matthews 23, Hayden Davis 23 and Humble 20.

Sam Lewis kicked three goals for East Fremantle and Luke Strnadica two while Corey Holmes picked up 19 possessions and James Harrold 18.

Perth did make a winning start to the day at Lathlain Park in the colts beating West Perth 14.11 (95) to 7.7 (49).

Cody Ninyette kicked five goals for the Demons with Corey Byrne, Caelen Bennell and James Bereyne adding two apiece.

Chapman Jones racked up 32 possessions for Perth, John Leven 27, Ninyette 22 and Zac Fisher 21.

Daniel Robertson and Mitch Antonio kicked two goals each for the Falcons with Josh Rotham picking up 26 possessions, Jacob Turner 20 and Scott Nelson 19 (10 tackles).