R17 WAFL Wrap Up with Jacob Landsmeer - Thanks to The Left bank

 LEAGUE

East Fremantle has recorded six wins in a row, defeating Claremont by 20 points at the WACA to move top of the WAFL ladder on Saturday.

The Sharks powered away after half time, kicking seven goals to three to record a 11.10 (76) to 7.14 (56) triumph over last years Grand Finalists and runners up.

Beautiful conditions greeted two genuine premiership contenders at the WACA, second hosting third in a match up that looks likely to be repeated in September. 

Dual Sandover Medallist Jye Bolton opened the scoring four minutes in to the match, receiving a handball from Declan Hardisty and slotting truly from 35 metres out for the visitors.

The Sharks were on the back foot early, their skills letting them down as Claremont controlled the opening term. 

A pinpoint pass from Fraser Turner found Cody Leggett inside forward 50, the sharpshooter finding the target with what proved to be their only score of the quarter. 

The Tigers were wasteful with their dominance, kicking 2.5 in the opening term to leave the margin at 11 points after the first half an hour of football. 

The game turned in the second stanza, goals proving at a premium with both teams wasteful in front of the big sticks. 

Brayden Lawler broke the scoring drought after winning a free kick, Anthony Treacy responding with a crafty snap minutes later. 

Ben McGuire’s left foot again proved deadly as he slotted a major from right full forward, then setting up Dillon O’Reilly for his first goal as the Sharks found their feet in the contest. 

A late Claremont goal gave the visitors the lead at the half, but Bill Monaghan’s men would break ahead in the third term, kicking four consecutive goals to assume control of the match. 

OReilly and Cameron Eardley benefited from 50 metre penalties to kick majors from close range, Lawler popping up with a mark and goal as the momentum landed with the blue and whites. 

Chris Walker produced a brilliant intercept mark and finished truly, the margin out to 19 points with East Fremantle capitalising on their purple patch. 

Alex Manuel fired Claremont back in to the game with consecutive goals either side of three quarter time, the margin just seven points with plenty of time remaining. 

A brilliant athletic mark from Reuben McGuire set up an opportunity for O’Reilly, who duly slotted his third goal in his first match since round 13. 

A great run down tackle from Walker helped Lawler to a third major, before the dual Peel premiership player snapped the sealer to have four goals on the day, a sublime tap from Hugh Dixon setting the small forward on his path to goal. 

By the final siren there was no debate as to who was the better team, East Fremantle’s maturity and class evident against a Claremont side that was made to pay for their early inaccuracy. 

Tom Joyce was outstanding on his return from a broken thumb, recording 29 disposals having been a late inclusion for Jonathon Marsh (hamstring tightness). 

Kyle Baskerville had 26 touches to continue his consistent season, Jarrad Jansen (24) with impact in midfield while Dixon (21 disposals and 17 hitouts) had an enthralling duel with Ollie Eastland. 

Debutant Kale Paton got to sing the song to mark his maiden appearance at league level, the Sharks the form side of the competition in the run to finals. 

The win puts East Fremantle top of the ladder with three rounds to play, setting up a blockbuster clash with East Perth at the WACA next Saturday from 2:10 PM with first hosting second spot on the table. 

RESERVES

The East Fremantle Reserves came away with a crucial win against the 4th placed Claremont on the weekend. Sitting only percentage outside the top 5, the Sharks jumped the Tigers in the first quarter, kicking 5.6 to no score in perfect conditions to set the game up. Claremont attempted to rally numerous times, but the resilient Sharks always responded before kicking away in the final quarter, booting 6 goals to 2 to run out 57 point winners. 

It was an even performance form the Reserves, who won their second game in a row for the first time this season, and now sit 1.1% outside the 5 with 3 games to go. The game was set up by a dominant midfield performance, with Josh Schoenfeld, Enrique Aiken-Featherstone, Ryan Lester-Smith, Matt Williamson and Jack Walsh controlling the stoppages and providing plenty of opportunities for the forwards. The goals were spread around and were earnt off the back of some excellent forward pressure, with Luke Yeo nabbing 3, Austin Ball and Ethan Paholski 2 and  resting ruckman Lachlan Blakiston also chipping in with 2. 

An undersized back 7 fought manfully against some tall Claremont timber- restricting the flowing Claremont to 7 goals. Developing tall Jackson McManus, Sam Collins, Luke Kenny, Josh Ritchie and the returning Jamie Meade were resolute in their defence but provided of run form behind. 

The Reserves head into the final 3 with their fate in their hands, and come up against a desperate East Perth this weekend in another critical clash. 

COLTS

On Saturday morning, fourth placed East Freo looked to claim a top 3 scalp, as they clashed with second place Claremont at the WACA.

The Sharks got off to the perfect start with goals from Sam Otto and Tyler Messina, before Claremont snared a goal back from a free kick. East Freo led by 6 points at quarter time.

Looking to build from a solid first quarter, the Sharks gained the ascendency in the second term. Restricting Claremont’s ball movement while also pressuring them into mistakes, they opened a 16-point lead at half time.

In the third quarter, the game was halted after forward Taj Forrest suffered a serious leg injury. As both teams came into their huddles to regroup, the East Freo and Claremont medical teams did an excellent job treating Forrest’s injury. After play resumed, East Freo continued dominance to lead by 25 points going into three quarter time.

The final term was poised for a grand finish, with Claremont still in the contest while East Freo had the momentum. Halfway through the quarter, the Sharks’ game style looked threating as they continued to pressure the Tigers defence.

East Fremantle victors over Claremont 12.12.84 to 6.10.46.

Jack Cocking was a presence up forward, with another impressive 6 goal game and Dante Wiseman returned from a stint in the reserves with 3 of his own. Mitch Zadow’s 20 disposals and 8 tackles was vital for the midfield’s dominance in the game. There was a strong contribution from the backs with James Spadanuda (27 disposals 5 marks) and Presley Campbell (20 disposals 7 marks) provided great rebound, and lockdown key back Jacob Hills restricting one of Claremont’s dangerous forwards Sam van Rooyen.

The Sharks return to the WACA next Saturday for their clash against East Perth.

The club wishes Taj Forrest a fast recovery.