2017 Colts Premiers

The East Fremantle Colts have topped a fantastic season with a convincing 54-point win over Claremont, taking home the premiership in the last WAFL Grand Final at Domain Stadium.

As minor premiers, the Sharks went into the game with confidence but knew Claremont’s experience could be dangerous, having played in five consecutive Grand Finals.

From the outset, the Sharks were determined to get off to a good start and Dillon O’Reilly got the ball rolling with a fantastic goal from the pocket. Brandon Collard and Joshua Ritchie added some impressive goals, while the Sharks defence was iron tight, allowing just the one point through in the first quarter.

The Sharks ascendancy continued in the second term, with Ambrose Ryan slotting a goal from the forward pocket. Dwayne Nevill followed shortly after, with great assistance from Samuel Lewis up the ground. A 50m penalty helped O’Reilly kick his second of the game, putting East Fremantle six goals ahead. The Tigers managed their first major before the half time siren, a credit to East Fremantle’s defence.

Claremont came out strong after the main break and the Sharks were wary of a possible third quarter comeback, like we’d seen in the semi-final just two weeks before. However, it was East Fremantle that were able to convert, with Ryan booting his second. Chris Scott, Zachary Johnson and Jye Stone were superb in East Fremantle’s backline, making it extremely hard for the Tigers to get any real momentum going.

The final term was a feeding frenzy for the Sharks, led by a three-goal haul from Tim Bockman. Ryan set up for his third from a tricky angle, but instead opted for a clever dish to Collard who nailed the set shot in front of goal. Ritchie joined in, kicking his second to take East Fremantle’s margin over 10 goals, before the Tigers managed to close in with one final goal.

As has been the case for our colts throughout the year, the ‘team first’ approach was certainly in full force, with every player doing their part.

To the Tigers credit, they provided a tough contest throughout the ground and were unlucky in front of the big sticks.

Chris Scott was presented with the Mel Whinnen Medal for best on ground, having finished with 21 possessions and 10 marks.

Tom Joyce (24 disposals), Milan Murdock and Jayden Quill (17 disposals) were excellent through the midfield.

It was a fantastic way for the Sharks to farewell Subiaco Oval and should give fans confidence going forward, with a talented crop of home grown talent.

EFFC                      CFC

3.1          Q1          0.1

6.4          Q2          1.2

7.5          Q3          1.8

12.5        Q4          2.11

(77)        Total      (23)

EFFC Goals: 3 T.Bockman, 2 A.Ryan, J.Ritchie, B.Collard, D.O'Reilly, 1 D.Nevill

Photos avaliable here