Sharks Preseason WAFL & Round 3 Futures Recap thanks to Sponsors The Left Bank

Thanks to club Sponsor The Left Bank, please see below our Preseason WAFL & AOS Futures Match Day Recap:

AOS FUTURES

Coming off a big loss last weekend it was important for our futures to bounce back with a good performance against Claremont.

A solid first half from the boys set up a handy six goal lead at quarter time. The boys used the ball very well with some excellent use of the ball coming from defence allowing our midfield to deliver the ball with intent to our forward line. With a couple of strong targets up forward to kick to , it allowed our small forwards to come into the game and hit the scoreboard.

The second half continued with a strong disciplined display from a hardworking midfield winning plenty of the ball and allowing us to create twelve shots on goal for the third quarter, albeit we didn’t have our kicking boots on finishing with only 2 goals. The last quarter allowed a few players to shuffle positions, but it was pleasing to see the boys continue to carry out the game plan as instructed.

Harry Cox was outstanding across half back for the first half and continued his good form in the second when moved forward. Jake Boniwell was a strong target all day up forward and finished his work with 3 goals. Riaz Mohammad & Lucas Ronan, both down from our Midwest region also were strong four quarter contributors.

This week we take on East Perth , 9.45am at Leederville on Sunday morning.

COLTS

After a good performance last week against West Perth, we faced a quality opponent in Claremont.

It was pleasing to see that we continued our form from last week’s game in the first half. The team worked hard defensively and executed their game plan well which enabled us to set up a small lead at halftime.

Unfortunately, the second half did not go to plan with us straying from our instructions and not following the game plan. Claremont took advantage of this and dominated the second half of the contest by kicking 11 goals to 2 after the main break.

Whilst it was disappointing second half, it was a great learning opportunity for our group, knowing that if they play to their game plan and the coaches instructions, they can play some great football and be very competitive against strong opposition.

Some better players on the day were Harry Pickett, who was resolute in defence, Chadd Dunscombe worked tirelessly in the midfield and Finn Dethlefsen was solid in the ruck.

A break this weekend for the group before taking on Peel Thunder in Round 1 at Lane Group Stadium.

RESERVES

The Reserves completed their pre-season with a strong performance against Claremont in the Reserves on the weekend. 

Claremont made much of the running in the first term, and kicking with the breeze they kicked 4 goals to 2 to open up a 15 point lead at the first break. The Sharks responded well, booting 3.3 to 2 points to go into half time with a 4 point buffer. 

It was all the Sharks in the second half as they outscored the Tigers 4 goals to 1 into the breeze before a 7 goal last quarter saw the margin blow out to 60 points. 

Cody Leggett, returning from injury, and Austin Ball kicked 3 goals each while other multiple goal kickers included Eddie Simpson and Jack Walsh. Better players for the Sharks were Jack Walsh, Cody Leggett, James Spadanuda and Austin Ball. 

LEAGUE

Claremont ran rampant in the last quarter to pull away from the Sharks and record a comfortable victory in the last practice game before round 1. 

It was an even first half with both teams enjoying periods of momentum. Midway through the 2nd quarter the Sharks had skipped to a 4 goal lead before Claremont finally capitalised on the ascendency around the stoppages to reduce the margin to 8 points at the major break. The Sharks had been undisciplined at times, with a Hugh Dixon free kick reversal canceling what would have been a certain goal. 

Kicking with the breeze in the 3rd quarter, the Tigers continued to dominate ground position but wasted opportunities to skip away. They did lead by 15 points heading into the last but the Sharks would be kicking to the scoring end. It was all Claremont in the last quarter as they sliced through the Sharks to kick 10 goals to 2 and run out big 60 point winners. 

Multiple goal kickers for the Sharks were Hugh Dixon (3), Alex Montauban (2) and Dillon O’Reilly (2). Despite playing some exciting football at times, it was an inconsistent performance with only a handful of 4 quarter performers. Better players on the day were Milan Murdock, Fraser Turner and Chris Walker. 

The Sharks now turn their attention to Round 1, where they travel to Mandurah to take on Peel Thunder on Good Friday.