Round 14 Rogers Match Report – Claremont Tigers vs Swan Districts:

By Sebastian Hasluck

Match Day Reporter

Claremont showcased their control and remarkable effort, effectively putting an end to Swan Districts' season with a confident display of ball-winning skills.

Right from the beginning, Claremont took charge, capitalising on Swan Districts' inability to convert their attacking opportunities in the opening quarter. This allowed Claremont to kick the first two goals of the game and establish a crucial two-goal lead.

Although Swan Districts gradually narrowed the margin, the early buffer of those two goals remained a significant factor throughout the match. In the final quarter, Ester Cooney's two goals proved decisive, sealing the victory for Claremont.

Despite the challenging conditions on a blustery day, which made marking difficult, the Claremont players showed great determination and attacked the ball with multiple efforts, often relying on scrappy movements to gain an advantage.

Ultimately, Claremont comfortably extended their lead in the second half, securing a convincing 8.3 (51) to 4.4 (24) victory.

In today's match, Jess Freame and Harper Gamble stood out as exceptional onballers, utilising their impressive leg speed to burst out of packs or navigate through them with remarkable speed.

Freame showcased her prowess in gut running and demonstrated excellent anticipation, frequently taking off with great speed after reading the ball well. On the other hand, Gamble impressed with her unwavering determination, consistently delivering first, second, and third efforts at every contest. She fearlessly put her head over the football, even in challenging contested situations.

The dynamic performances of Freame and Gamble were complemented by the poise and skill of India Bonadeo, an established player who had her most productive goal-scoring game of the year, scoring two goals.

Demonstrating her trademark class in ball handling, Bonadeo snapped both goals running through heavy traffic, with her second displaying an impressive check-side finish. Bonadeo, who played as a high half-forward, had several opportunities and could have potentially added more goals to her tally.

Each midfielder brought a distinct skill set to the game, and their cohesive synergy was evident throughout the match.

In today's match, Esther Cooney continued her impressive run of form by achieving her highest goal-scoring tally for the season. Over the past few weeks, she has displayed a newfound ability to find the goals, and today she capitalised on that momentum by kicking three goals. While Cooney scored one late in the second quarter, it was her two goals in the final quarter that sealed the game and provided well-deserved reward for her consistent effort throughout the day.

Cooney's success can be attributed to her excellent positioning on the field. Although she may not fit the mould of a traditional lead-up forward, she managed to find pockets of space in the forward line, enabling her to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Harmony Bellotti, Phoebe Browne, and Jemimah Port showcased remarkable resilience in defence, particularly when Swan Districts attempted to stage a comeback during the second and third quarters. Faced with the Swans' tactic of bombing the ball long to their forwards, this trio worked cohesively to intercept and collect the ball, swiftly distributing it back to Claremont's running midfielders and forwards.

Among them, Bellotti stood out with her consistently impressive performances, as she has been on a positive trajectory in recent weeks, steadily building her defensive prowess. Together, Bellotti, Browne, and Port formed a formidable defensive unit, effectively thwarting the opposition's attacks and providing crucial support to their team.

Claremont faces a formidable task in Round 15 as they go up against the undefeated top-ranked team, West Perth. Earlier this season, West Perth handed Claremont one of their only two defeats, making this matchup even more challenging. However, this presents a valuable opportunity for Claremont to secure second place on the ladder, providing them with added motivation.

A victory over the competition leaders before the finals would not only solidify their position but also instil a surge of confidence as they enter a highly competitive finals series. The game will be held at Revo Fitness Stadium, providing Claremont with a home ground advantage, and is scheduled for 12pm on Saturday.

Claremont Goal Scorers:

Esther Cooney (3), India Bonadeo (2), Ella Gilbey, Annalise Fielding, Jayde Musika

Claremont Best:

Jess Freame, Harper Gamble, India Bonadeo, Harmony Bellotti, Esther Cooney, Phoebe Browne