Sharks Fall Short in CLP Legal WA Day Derby

The South Fremantle Bulldogs have claimed victory in the CLP Legal WA Day Derby, defeating a spirited East Fremantle Sharks 11.8 (74) to 8.10 (58) in front of strong crowd. 

6,000 fans filled New Choice Homes Park in what was a fantastic game of football. 

The Sharks were unable to fix the slow starts which have hindered them in the last month of football, with the Bulldogs leading by 26 before the home side had registered a score. 

The Sharks rallied in the final ten minutes of the first term however, kicking three goals to trail by a solitary goal at the first break. 

East Fremantle could only muster a single goal in the second and third quarter as the reigning premiers kicked six of their own, leading by 36 points at three quarter time following a contentious goal after the siren. 

The Sharks fought back however, kicking four final term goals to keep their hopes of victory alive before the Bulldogs were able to hold on. 

One of the form players in the WAFL, Cameron Eardley, again delivered a best-on-ground performance. The midfielder was outstanding throughout the match as he collected 31 disposals, six marks and four tackles. 

Jarrad Jansen continued his good form from the past month recording 21 disposals, five marks, six inside 50’s and eight tackles during the match. 

Named amongst the best players on the ground, Morgan Davies was assigned to the dangerous Hayden Schloithe, restricting him to 17 disposals. 

Tim Bockman and Hugh Dixon were phenomenal in the forward line, kicking three goals apiece and combining for 25 disposals, 14 marks, and five tackles. The duo both kicked their season best score in the match and were also named amongst the best on ground. 

Utility Michael Tassone (19 disposals) was also named among the best on ground following his recall to the League side last week while skipper Matthew Jupp had 18 disposals and a game-high ten marks, many of which were intercepted from South Fremantle kicks. 

East Fremantle will have a week’s rest before taking on Perth at Mineral Resources Park in Round 10 of the WAFL Premiership Season. Bill Monaghan’s side, currently sitting a game outside the top 5, will be looking to extract revenge for their Round 5 loss to the Demons and return to the winners list. 

Goals:  3 - T Bockman, H Dixon 1 - J Marsh, R Lester-Smith 

Best:    C Eardley, H Dixon, T Bockman, M Davies, M Tassone