R7 WAFL Wrap with Jacob Landsmeer - thanks to The Left Bank

East Fremantle has surged to second spot on the WAFL ladder, producing an inspired second half to defeat Claremont by 18 points in Broome on Saturday. 

In 30 degree temperatures it was Bill Monaghan’s men who warmed to the task, producing a five goal third term that set up their 11.14 (80) to 9.8 (62) triumph. 

The second ever WAFL match in Broome loomed as an intriguing contest, Claremont ending East Fremantle’s premiership push in last year’s preliminary final.

The teams had met four times in 2022, splitting the win-loss head to head at 2-2 to leave everyone on the edge of their seats heading in to the first battle between the teams for 2023. 

The first term was an arm wrestle, no goals for the first 12 minutes before Fraser Turner produced a quality set shot from the left forward pocket to kick the games first major. 

It was a fairly even battle across the ground, Tom Joyce and Kyle Baskerville winning plenty of the ball and Milan Murdock going head to head with dual Sandover Medalist Jye Bolton. 

The teams traded majors to reflect the even nature of the contest, locked at 2.2 (14) apiece at the first break.

Hugh Dixon moved in to the ruck to quell Ollie Eastland in the second term, but the Tigers broke out to a two goal advantage early in the quarter before Cody Leggett broke free of Declan Hardisty to hit the scoreboard for the Sharks. 

East Fremantle were wasting opportunities in front of goal, Claremont more efficient as they edged ahead at half time, a late Jarrad Jansen major from a sizzling Kyle Baskerville pass reducing the margin to 4 points at the half. 

The Sharks surged ahead in the third stanza, their ball use and composure too good for Claremont while the tackling pressure inside forward 50 was also immense, Alex Montauban and Dillon O’Reilly with repeat efforts and tackles close to goal that led to majors.

O’Reilly loomed as the circuit breaker in the arm wrestle of a contest, booting two goals for the term as the Sharks booted four goals in a row to lead by 21 points at the last change. 

More inaccurate goal kicking kept the Tigers in the contest, Tyron Smallwood with the first goal of the last before Corey Holmes scrounged a major from a frenzied passage to give Easts some breathing space. 

Consecutive goals to the Tigers set up a tense finale, but the Sharks backline held firm under immense pressure, captain Matthew Jupp outstanding in the last line of defence as he kept Jack Buller goalless. 

Tom Bennett, Cam Eardley and Lennon Marlin also defended stoutly in the final minutes, Chris Walker with another crucial run down tackle and a spectacular mark on the wing to showcase his immense potential. 

A blistering Ben McGuire run down the wing and spot up kick to Cody Leggett ended the contest, the siren sounding as the forward went back to take his kick which he duly converted, sealing East Fremantle’s most significant triumph of the season to date, defeating last years Grand Finalists. 

Fraser Turner had 25 disposals to be in his sides best, Baskerville with 21 disposals and 2 goals, while Tom Bennett and Tom Joyce (19 disposals) also had an impact. 

Coach Bill Monaghan was delighted not just with his side’s win, but how they handled the warm conditions. 

“To fly up here last night and get out here today in what were hot conditions it was really good to come away with the win,” he said. 

“I thought the boys battled hard, to Claremont’s credit I thought were good as well.

“ They really came hard at us late, rolling the dice a little bit and coming over the hill which we struggled with a bit in the last quarter, but overall really happy to come up here and get the points.” 

Monaghan was quick to praise the efforts of his captain. 

“I thought Matthew Jupp was outstanding, playing on someone likely to go in the mid-season rookie draft next week (Buller) I thought he led the way.

“His attack on the footy, his spoiling was outstanding. He also took 3 or 4 quality marks as well, he leads from the front always.” 

The victory improves East Fremantle’s record to 5-2, now sitting second on the ladder ahead of a traditional WA day Derby against South Fremantle on Monday. 

Images: Stanley Francis Photography

WACA: - Monday 5th June: Colts: 8.40am Reserves: 11.10am League: WAFLW: 4.45pm

Fremantle Community Bank Oval - Friday June 2nd: Rogers Cup 6pm