Tigers on top after Delacey completes comeback

John Townsend

Lazarus was on holiday for a week or two but he’s back now and isn’t he enjoying his football?

Rising from the dead against East Perth was one thing.

Coming back to life against Swan Districts was another.

But the win over Peel, a team second on the ladder, stacked with AFL talent and driven to avenge last year’s first semifinal defeat at Revo Fitness Stadium, was the pick of Claremont’s remarkable comeback victories in the past month.

“We’ve won three of these now but I think this is the best of them,” ruckman Ollie Eastland said after Saturday’s surging two-point miracle underlined the team’s resilience and self-belief.

The challenge was clear in the gruelling final moments of the top-of-the-table clash.

Eastland was inspirational against giant opponents Riley Smith and Liam Reidy, Jye Bolton showcased his Sandover Medal-winning class to tower over the contest and Declan Mountford continued to lead by outstanding example.

But it was going to take something remarkable to hold onto top place on the ladder.

The Tigers were still 17 points behind during time-on in the last term after twice overcoming deficits of 23 and 19 points during a tough match played in heavy conditions.

Emerging wingman Sam Alvarez then swooped on a loose ball in attack and snapped a critical goal from close range. Five minutes left; 11 points down.

Declan Hardisty limped out of the game with an ankle damaged in the same passage of play but the ball quickly returned and was forced over the goal-line. Four minutes left; 10 points the difference.

Teia Miles received a free just outside 50, pumped the ball to the top of the goal-square where Anthony Treacy, in a perfect front and square crumbing position, sharked the ball and kicked truly. Two minutes, four points.

The ball back in the middle for the most crucial ball-up of the season, Eastland won a decisive knock against Smith to the advantage of Mountford whose long bomb was marked by Talon Delacey.

“I was saying out in the middle that he was probably the guy you wanted to have the ball,” Eastland said. “He’s a really good kick.”
Delacey confirmed that assessment with a cool-headed strike from 40m for his third goal of the match and 18th of the season. 45 seconds left, two points up.

The siren then went to prompt jubilation on the field, on the packed Dollar’s Deck and in the grandstand as Claremont held on 9.8 (62) to 8.12 (60).

Eastland identified Claremont’s self-belief as the key factor in the three comeback wins this season.

“We just never give up,” he said.

“That’s the attitude and belief we need to have.

“There was a bit of luck at the end but we went at the game and really backed our mids and our ability.

“We’ve been a tight group for a few years now and really got that hunger and belief now.”

Claremont needed both elements as Peel built a substantial lead after Delacey struck in the opening minute to maintain his sparkling form.

It took until midway through the second term for Ben Elliott to land his team’s second major but good finishes from Alex Manuel and Max Minear helped the Tigers narrow the gap after Peel’s strong midfield group created numerous scoring chances.

Veteran Fremantle defenders Joel Hamling and Nathan Wilson led Peel’s resistance but Claremont were fortunate that the Thunder were not able to convert more of their opportunities in the middle of the game.

Bolton imposed himself in the second half with many of his 36 possessions gaining considerable territory while Eastland, whose 37 hit-outs and 22 disposals had significantly greater impact than the 39 and 17 shared by Reidy and Smith, maintained his career-best form.

“I just tried to battle all day,” he said. “I think I’m used to it now against the bigger bodies but really just tried to dig in and find a way.

“I’ve played a fair bit of senior footy now and understand my role.”

The ruckman kicked the first goal of the second half but Claremont were facing their third loss of the season when Peel started the last quarter with two majors.

Lazarus then emerged from his slumber.

Claremont laid 25 tackles for the rest of the term, took the ball inside 50 17 times and, with Bolton leading the charge, stopped Peel’s momentum and turned the game in their own favour.

Three goals in the last five minutes then did the job.

CLAREMONT 1.1 5.2 6.4 9.8 62

PEEL 3.4 5.6 6.11 8.12 60

GOALS – CLAREMONT: Delacey 3; Treacy, Alvarez, Eastland, Elliott, Manuel, Minear.

PEEL: Kuek 2; Reidy, Barnes, Middleton, Worner, Sears, Smith.

BEST – CLAREMONT: Bolton, Eastland, Delacey, Mountford, Miles, Elliott.

PEEL: Erasmus, Bell, Wilson, Hamling, Grey, Bennell.