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WAFL 2022: Claremont Tigers too strong for Perth Demons at Lathlain as finals await

Harry GrigsonThe West Australian
Claremont star Jye Bolton celebrates a goal.
Camera IconClaremont star Jye Bolton celebrates a goal. Credit: James Worsfold

Sterner tests await come finals, but Claremont got the percentage boost they craved after making light work of Perth Demons to lift the Pike Cup at a wet and slippery Mineral Resources Park.

The 81-point demolition propelled the Tigers into second spot on the WAFL ladder heading into the final three rounds.

Despite the two teams occupying opposite ends of the ladder, there was a finals-like feel with tempers flaring and spot fires littering the ground throughout a heated first half.

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But Perth did not have the skill to match their aggression falling to Claremont 6.5 (41) to 18.14 (122) in a fiery encounter.

Both teams were slow out of the blocks with the first goal finally coming in the 14th minute of the opening quarter, off Alex Manuel’s boot.

The Game AFL 2024

It was the second term where Claremont turned the screws, booting seven goals to one to take a commanding 42-point lead into the main break.

The Tigers could not capitalise on front half dominance in the third term, being outscored by a goal, but the damage on the scoreboard was already too severe for Perth to spark a comeback.

Claremont’s final quarter mirrored their second with seven straight goals putting an exclamation point on their victory - undoubtedly sending a message to the rest of the competition.

Claremont wingman Ryan Lim continued his excellent form.
Camera IconClaremont wingman Ryan Lim continued his excellent form. Credit: James Worsfold

Perth controlled the uncontested ball for most of the game but, the visitors were the ones who made use of the possessions with a fast, chaotic game style in conditions to suit.

Clean skills on a dirty day were the clear difference between the two sides, highlighted by reigning Sandover medallist Bailey Rogers (28 disposals and two goals), Jye Bolton (33 and one) and Ryan Lim (30).

Forwards Tyron Smallwood and Jack Buller proved to be a handful for the Perth defenders both in the air and on the ground, the former finishing with 5 majors and the later three.

PERTH, 1.2, 2.4, 6.4, 6.5 (41)

CLAREMONT, 2.4, 9.8, 11.11, 18.14 (122)

Goals – PERTH: S Stubbs 2 D Baldwin-Wright A Fisher C Martin S Perkusich 1. CLAREMONT: T Smallwood 5 J Buller 3 A Manuel B Rogers 2 J Bolton T Delacey O Eastland T House Z Mainwaring D Mountford

Best –PERTH: M Taylor S Stubbs C Byrne. CLAREMONT: B Rogers R Lim J Bolton J Buller O Eastland L Martinis.

Umpires: J Fry L Fahey-Gilmour J Kerr Crowd: About 500 at Mineral Resources Park.

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