Clinical Tigers down Sharks

The East Fremantle Sharks could not match a clinical Claremont Tigers this afternoon at ATOM Stadium, falling by 39 points for their second loss of the season.

The Tigers quickly put last week's goalkicking woes to bed after struggling in front of goal against Swan Districts -- kicking 10 goals straight in the opening half and finishing with 19 goals and just two behinds at full time. The Sharks even managed one more scoring shot in their 11.11.77 total, but it was the Tigers who capitalised on every opportunity with ruthless efficiency.

The Sharks lead the disposal count but it meant little to coach Rob Wiley who felt his side’s execution while in possession was lacking.

“We just had a lot of uncontested mistakes, you can’t win games of footy when you miss targets by hand or foot you know?” said Wiley.

“Claremont played well but we were our own worst enemies in a many ways. They were coming off two losses and obviously wanted to put the right score on the board.

“I always thought [Claremont] would kick straight today but in saying that they played really well and deserved the win. We were a bit disappointing, more so in our effort and our care in how we played our footy.”

George Hampson was the shining light up front, kicking four goals including two majors in the third quarter, building some momentum heading into the final term after his side trailied by 37 points halfway through the quarter.

Hampson’s fourth major came from a set shot from 55 meters, and this sparked another two quick goals from Matthew Watson and Jack Perham. As the siren blew to end the quarter, it was Hampson again facing a set shot outside fifty. This time his long range effort hit the post in a crucial moment that saw the Sharks settle for an 18 point deficit at the break.

The Sharks started positively in the fourth quarter but again couldn’t capitalise, being denied one set shot on goal from a “not 15m” call that could have gone either way. The Tigers quickly caused a turnover and Zac Langdon’s resultant goal made the margin 24 points to take the wind out of the home side’s sails.

The Tigers cruised home despite late goals from Brett Peake and Brock O’Brien -- levelling their season record, alongside the Sharks, at two wins and two losses.

With the Fremantle Anzac Derby next on the radar, Wiley said there was no better time for the Sharks to regroup as they face their cross-town rivals, who sit on top of the ladder with an unbeaten record from four games.

“It’s back to the training track, we have to front up again in seven days as Souths are playing unbelievable football,” said Wiley.

“To be competitive we have to try and win some contested footy, which Claremont were far better at today. We’ve got to make sure that we can use the footy otherwise good sides will hurt you on the turnover and that’s where Claremont certainly outscored us. There’s a lot of work to be done but the boys have showed a lot of character already early in the year so I’m sure they’ll get themselves up.”

In the Development League, East Fremantle secured their third win of the season with an 11.16.82 to 11.7.73 defeat of Claremont. Jacob Green fed the forwards well with eight inside fifties with Brandon Ellis notching up four majors.

The Colts side dropped their match 9.7.61 to Claremont’s 13.14.92, with Dylan Campbell the Sharks' only multiple goalscorer with two majors.