Round 22 McDonald's WAFL Wrap UpTuesday, August 25, 2015 - 12:39 PM - by Chris Pike

WHILE there was some drama and some terrific performances across the other three WAFL Round 22 matches on Saturday, the result that really mattered was at Steel Blue Oval with Swan Districts finishing over the top of Claremont to take fifth position on the ladder.

Swan Districts had to beat Claremont at Steel Blue Oval in order to have any chance of playing finals in 2015, and that's what the black-and-whites did kicking the last five goals against the Tigers to win 9.14 (68) to 7.15 (57).

Swan Districts will now play finals unless Claremont is able to beat West Perth at HBF Arena this Saturday.

The other three matches saw West Perth beat South Fremantle 12.13 (85) to 9.8 (62) at Fremantle Oval, Subiaco hammer East Fremantle 16.17 (113) to 5.6 (36) at Medibank Stadium and Peel Thunder defeat Perth 14.16 (100) to 13.9 (87) at Lathlain Park.

The round's results leave Subiaco (16-3) clear on top with West Perth (13-6) secure in second guaranteed of a home final against either Peel Thunder (12-7) or East Perth (11-8). Swan Districts (10-10) sits fifth ahead of Claremont (9-10).

South Fremantle (8-11), East Fremantle (5-14) and Perth (2-17) round out the ladder.

Click here for the summary of Round 22 of the WAFL 

TEAM OF THE WEEK (times named in team)
BACK: Adam McIntosh (SF, 2), Tallan Ames (SD, 8), Nathan Broad (SD, 7)
HALF-BACK: Kyle Hams (SF, 5), Nick Rodda (WP, 1), Andrew Strijk (WP, 7)
CENTRE: Ryan Lim (C, 1), Chris Phelan (S, 9), Jarrad Blight (SD, 3)
HALF-FORWARD: Matthew Rogers (SD, 2), Todd Stevenson (P, 1), Gerald Ugle (PT, 3) 
FORWARD: Kyle Halligan (S, 4), Matt Fowler (WP, 3), Ian Richardson (C, 2)
RUCK: Rob Young (EF, 2), Jacob Ballard (PT, 5), Ashton Hams (SF, 8)
INTERCHANGE: Corey Yeo (C, 8), Aidan Tropiano (P, 8), Brendon Jones (PT, 5), Liam McKenna (P, 5)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matt Fowler arrived at West Perth as a pure, lead-up full-forward from Queensland four years ago and after some good times, including being part of the 2013 premiership, he delivered a career-best performance in Saturday's win over South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval.

Fowler had previously kicked 63 goals in in 44 games with West Perth and had two bags of five under his belt firstly in Round 23, 2012 and then Round 21, 2013 but he bettered that on Saturday against the Bulldogs.

The 24-year-old booted three goals in the second quarter, one in the third and then two in the last as the Falcons kicked the last four goals of the game to win, and the Bulldogs were made to pay for not selecting key defenders Dylan Ross and Chris Luff with Blayne Wilson out injured.

Fowler had just 15 goals in 15 games this season prior to Saturday, but now with him in goal kicking form it adds another dimension for the Falcons ahead of the finals to a forward-line including Michael Lourey, Matt Johnson, Steve Potente, Corey Chalmers and at times Tyler Keitel and Nick Rodda.

THE SHINING LIGHTS
Everything was on the line between Swan Districts and Claremont at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday, and it was the Tigers who were looking good when leading by 22 points early in the third quarter.

However, Claremont didn’t manage another goal from that point on with Swan Districts kicking the last five goals of the game to end up winning by 11 points to claim fifth position, and they will remain there unless the Tigers hand West Perth its first loss at HBF Arena on Saturday for the season.

Matthew Jukes kicked two goals for Swan Districts as did Rudy Riddoch on return to the league side to go along with 21 possessions.

Jarrad Blight played close the best game of his career with Swan Districts as well finishing with 26 possessions, 13 tackles, seven inside-50 entries and six marks.

Matthew Rogers provided plenty for Swans across half-forward with 28 disposals, seven marks and a goal as well while down back, Tallan Ames, Ricky Cary and Tony Notte did well keeping Kepler Bradley, Beau Maister and the resting ruckmen in check.

Nathan Broad also had 19 possessions in the back-line with Alex Howard finishing with 19 disposals and 10 marks.

Matt Riggio picked up 23 disposals as well for Swan Districts, Aaron Elari 21 and ruckman Nathan Blakely 18 to go with 13 hit outs.

While the rest of Claremont's forward-line didn’t fire a shot, Ian Richardson delivered a season-best four goals from the team's seven for the game as he now prepares for game No. 150 to earn life membership this Saturday against West Perth at HBF Arena.

Ryan Lim had a day out through the middle for the Tigers with 39 possessions and 13 marks while Corey Yeo continued his breakout season with 36 disposals, five inside 50s, five marks and four tackles.

Matthew Davies had another 27 touches and seven marks coming off half-back for Claremont while Haydn Busher finished with 24 possessions, Jake Murphy 23, Jack Beeck 22, Keifer Yu 20, Tom Ledger 19, Anton Hamp 19 and Brandon Franz 18 to go with 11 marks.

Matt Fowler had a day out against an undersized and undermanned South Fremantle forward-line kicking a career-best six goals from 17 possessions and eight marks in a tremendous performance. Michael Lourey also chipped in with two majors for the Falcons.

At the other end of the ground, Marcus Adams and Nick Rodda were outstanding holding South Fremantle forwards Ben Saunders and Josh Pullman to a combined 11 possessions, four marks and one goal. Adams had 13 possessions himself and Rodda 16 along with eight strong marks.

Aaron Black again had a big game on the ball for the Falcons finishing with 33 possessions, six marks, five tackles and four inside-50 entries with Trent Manzone also racking up 29 disposals and Shane Nelson 25.

Andrew Strijk's ability to set up the game with his elite kicking skills was again on show and he had 24 touches, eight marks, six inside 50s and a goal while Rohan Kerr gathered 21 possessions, Steven Browne 20, Corey Chalmers 19 and Drew Rohde 18 to go with seven marks.

Debutant Tim Sutherland worked hard in the ruck finishing with seven possessions and 20 hit outs as well in the absence of premiership-winning big man Chris Keunen.

While one South Fremantle dual premiership great Craig White was playing his last game at Fremantle Oval and worked hard for 15 possessions, seven marks and a goal, it was again a youthful Bulldogs team in the absence of Blayne Wilson, Brock Higgins, Jacob Martinez and Steven Verrier.

Kade Stewart made a tremendous debut looking at home at league level with 19 possessions and five inside-50 entries while Callum Ah Chee again impressed with 18 disposals, seven marks and a goal.

Jacob Dragovich spent the majority of the game in the midfield and delivered likely the best game of his career with 27 touches, six marks and six tackles.

Ashton and Kyle Hams again worked tirelessly and did all they could to try and get South Fremantle over the line with Ashton amassing 39 possessions, eight marks, six tackles, six inside 50s and a goal, and Kyle 32 disposals, eight marks and five tackles.

With Wilson out injured and fellow key defenders Dylan Ross and Chris Luff in the reserves, South Fremantle's back-line was undersized against West Perth's forward-line, but that didn’t stop Adam McIntosh working enormously hard and having 20 possessions, eight marks and a goal.

Captain Ryan Cook also tried hard all day for the Bulldogs with 25 disposals, 10 marks and two goals while Jarrod Parry gathered 23 touches while taking 10 marks largely across half-back.

Subiaco had no trouble taking care of East Fremantle to continue to gear up for their premiership defence and handing the Sharks a 77-point defeat to give them 12 consecutive losses.

Subiaco's forward-line again functioned well with full-forward Matt Boland kicking another four goals while Kyle Halligan continued his tremendous form booting three and then Chris Deluca and Michael Wood added two apiece.

Sam Menegola might have had a quieter day than usual with just 16 possessions but he still had a significant impact on the game with two goals against his former side.

Chris Phelan was also terrific for the Lions with 33 possessions, eight inside-50 entries and a goal while captain Kyal Horsley racked up 27 disposals, Leigh Kitchin 25, Simon Moore 22, Wayde Twomey 21, Brett Robinson 21, Craig Hoskins 20 and Scott Hancock 20.

East Fremantle's best player far and away was veteran big man Rob Young who dominated Subiaco's makeshift ruck pair Clancy Wheeler and Lachlan Delahunty. Young finished the day with 20 possessions, eight marks, 38 hit outs and a goal.

Brock O'Brien kicked two last quarter goals for East Fremantle while captain Rory O'Brien wasn’t used on the ball, and as a result had just 14 possessions as he now prepares for his 200th WAFL appearance in the final round of a horror season on Saturday against Perth at ATOM Stadium.

Jamie McNamara gathered 22 disposals for the Sharks, Ryan Lester-Smith 22, Andrew Stephen 20, Jacob Green 20, Boston Williamson 18 and Jayden Schofield 18.

Peel Thunder had to work hard to overcome Perth at Lathlain Park, but ended up doing so with four goals to two in the last quarter to win by 13 points to return to third position on the ladder. Peel will now stay there and earn a finals doubles chance with a win over South Fremantle in the final round.

Captain Brendon Jones continued his terrific form ahead of the first finals appearance in his 217-game career and the 29-year-old finished with another 32 possessions, seven marks, seven inside-50 entries and a goal up against his old side at his former home ground.

Jacob Ballard was also outstanding in the midfield for Peel and he continues to show that he's ready for a call up at AFL level with Fremantle any time a spot opens up in the on-ball division. He racked up another 34 possessions, eight marks, five inside-50 entries and two goals against Perth.

Ethan Hughes also put in a strong showing across half-back for Peel with 26 disposals and nine marks while Paul Duffield made sure he isn’t forgotten about at Fremantle with a good showing with 21 touches, six marks, four inside 50s and a goal.

Irishman Sean Hurley gathered 21 possessions for the Thunder, Brady Grey 20, Clancee Pearce 19, Tanner Smith 18 and Craig Moller played perhaps his best game with 19 disposals, seven marks and a goal.

Gerald Ugle kicked another three goals for Peel against his former team with Jack Hannath also booting two.

Todd Stevenson delivered the best performance of his young career for Perth kicking four goals from seven kicks and four marks while Callum Walley continued his encouraging goal kicking form nailing another three majors. Reid Polak also kicked two goals for the Demons.

Aidan Tropiano delivered another outstanding performance in the midfield for Perth with 35 possessions and six tackles while Liam McKenna did all he could against his old side with 29 disposals, seven tackles and a goal.

Captain Dene White also had a good afternoon for the Demons with 29 touches while Jarryd Morton gathered 27 possessions, Brett Wolfenden 21 and Christian Eyres worked hard in the ruck with 16 touches and 23 hit outs.

RESERVES STANDOUTS
Swan Districts reserves also scored a commanding 16.21 (117) to 5.9 (39) victory over Claremont at Steel Blue Oval with Steven Wityk kicking four goals for the black-and-whites, Nelson Ansey three, Mason Hislop two and Tony Kalimeris two.

Jacob Burnham amassed 32 possessions for Swan Districts, Jesse Turner 30, David McKay 28, Todd Banfield 26, Jackson Slater 22, Roderick Manton 22, Ben Whitsed 21, Warrick Wilson 21, Jason Daniels 20 and Sean Fletcher 20.

Darcy Cameron had 14 possessions, six marks, 45 hit outs and a goal for Claremont with Matthew Goyder collecting 27 disposals, Ben Higgs 27, Tom Willett 24, Isaac Baum 23 and Chaz Flint 23.

South Fremantle's reserves remained three games clear on top of the ladder beating a West Perth team guaranteed of playing finals as well, with the Bulldogs winning 17.8 (110) to 9.6 (60) at Fremantle Oval.

John Sgherza kicked three goals for the Bulldogs with Paul Mugambwa, Ben Sokol, Traye Bennell and Kaiden Matera all booting two apiece.

Anthony Collica racked up 45 possessions and 11 marks for South Fremantle, Shaun Bewick 36 and 10 marks, and Tim Stewart 32 disposals, 10 marks, seven inside 50s and six tackles. 

Brendan Verrier also gathered 26 possessions for the Bulldogs, Dylan Ross 25, Mitch Banks 25, Sokol 24, Simon Panizza 22 and Traye Bennell 22.

Brayden Antonio did all he could for West Perth and put himself right back in the mix for a league call up with 37 possessions, six marks, five inside-50 entries and two goals.

Callum Papertalk and Brent Fotheringhame kicked two goals each for West Perth with Dean Munns collecting 23 disposals, Kaidyn Fullgrabe 21, Marc Crisp 198 and the returning Mitch van Berlo 17.

Subiaco's reserves also had no trouble accounting for East Fremantle at Medibank Stadium winning 15.15 (105) to 6.8 (44).

Jeremy Woodley kicked four goals for the Lions, James Garcia three and Michael Braut two with Matt Bogensperger racking up 33 possessions, Joel Latham 31, Joel Ashman 29, Braden Fimmano 27, Max Walters 23, Greg Clark 19, Harry Wilkinson 19 and Woodley 18.

Dion Anthony compiled 35 possessions for East Fremantle with Matt Baseden finishing with 29 disposals, Nathan Trusso 24, Aaron Holmes 23, Carl Green 19 and Jack Perham 19.

Perth's reserves beat Peel Thunder 12.9 (81) to 11.9 (75) at Lathlain Park on Saturday with Blake Borrett booting four goals for the Demons and Kelvin Lawrence three.

Kurtis Chester racked up 40 possessions for Perth, Lennon Marlin 24, Mitch Browne 22, Hayden Tanner 22, Mitchell Henderson 19 and Andries Mercer 18.

Jaiden Piavanini, Jared Bezuidenhout and Jamahl Mulholland booted two goals each for Peel with Brayden Lawler gathering 29 possessions to go with 11 tackles, seven inside 50s, six tackles and a goal.

Kyle Shanahan also picked up 26 touches for the Thunder, Corey Morris 23, Mulholland 23, Harrison Tyler 21, Laine Wilkins 19 and Brendan Tingey 18.

REDiMED COLTS RISING STARS
Swan Districts colts started the day at Steel Blue Oval with a 10.7 (67) to 4.5 (29) victory over Claremont in a rematch of last year's grand final, and as a result of the win Swans returned to top spot on the ladder but the Tigers can again reclaim it with a win next week and a bye for Swans.

It was a dominant win by Swans holding the Tigers to one goal in the first three quarters with John Shaw leading the way with 26 possessions, seven tackles and two goals for the black-and-whites.

Robert Mostert and Levi Ridley also kicked two goals for the black-and-whites with Tim Yorkshire racking up 25 possessions, Ben Gillard 25, Aidan Clarke 20, Brayden Hackett 18 and Josh Power 17.

Keanu Shandley kicked two of Claremont's four goals with Ryan Murphy gathering 25 possessions, Bailey Banfield 23 and Aden Wilkins 20.

West Perth's colts secured their place in the finals and knocked out South Fremantle with a come from behind 11.12 (78) to 11.8 (74) victory at Fremantle Oval on Saturday morning.

South Fremantle needed to win to stay in the finals hunt and started well leading by 19 points at half-time, but West Perth dominated the second half to win by four points and lock in fifth position leaving the Bulldogs two games behind in sixth spot.

Mitch Antonio kicked four goals for West Perth from just six kicks while Mitchell Peirce compiled 26 possessions, six inside 50s, five marks and a goal.

Clint Hinchcliffe also finished with 20 disposals and a goal for the Falcons with Liam Baker adding 19 touches, Ben Mountford 15 and Ethan Hills had 35 hit outs to go with 10 possessions.

Mitch Dzelebdzic continued his good goal kicking form for the Bulldogs in the colts with four goals from 14 possessions and seven marks with Tyson Pickett also booting two majors.

Jake Florenca gathered 20 possessions and laid 10 tackles for the Bulldogs with Jesse Mirco finishing with 20 disposals, nine marks, five inside-50 entries and a goal.

East Fremantle's colts retained fourth position on the ladder with a 13.13 (91) to 2.2 (14) win over Subiaco at Medibank Stadium.

Joey Eardley kicked three goals for East Fremantle with Oliver Parish and Tom Bennett booting two apiece.

Parish also racked up 37 possessions for the Sharks while Fraser Perry compiled a massive 43 disposals, James Harrold 31, Jayden Quill 25, Jordan Snadden 23, Nick Menegola 23, Kyle Baskerville 22, Bennett 21, Tom Marshall 20 and Peter Delaney 20.

Nathan Blake and Martin Kaker combined for Subiaco's two goals with Ethan Burnett gathering 23 possessions, Jay Allison-Green 22, Liam Catalfamo 18 and Ashton Williamson 30 hit outs.

Peel Thunder's colts remained in third position on the ladder with a round remaining with a 10.6 (66) to 5.8 (38) victory over Perth at Lathlain Park to start the day on Saturday.

Karl Collard and Brett Milward booted three goals apiece for Peel with Noah Hura gathering 21 possessions, seven marks, five tackles, five inside 50s and a goal.

Nicholas Merritt was terrific in the ruck for the Thunder with 21 touches, seven marks, 23 hit outs and a goal while Michael Humble picked up 20 possessions, Keegan Power 18 and Luke Shepherd 16.

Corey Byrne amassed 33 possessions and seven tackles for Perth with John Levien finishing with 29 disposals, Chapman Jones 25, Jayden Johnstone 24 and Zac Fisher 20.