Round 16 Rogers Cup Match Report | Claremont Tigers vs East Perth

By Sebastian Hasluck

With their season on the line, a motivated East Perth dismantled Claremont, handing them their fourth loss of the year in the last home and away match.

After suffering consecutive losses, Claremont finds themselves slipping to third place in the standings, while South Fremantle secures the second spot on the ladder. Similar to the previous week, the losses were not due to a lack of effort or determination, but rather a lack of composure and cohesion.

The team has seen several changes in personnel and a rotating mix of players in recent weeks, which may have affected their stability as they adjust to new roles and teammates.

In today’s match, Claremont struggled to convert their opportunities into goals, despite entering their attacking 50 numerous times. The Tigers remained goalless throughout the game, while East Perth also faced difficulties in front of the goal, kicking 9 behinds and allowing Claremont some relief from what could have been a larger winning margin for their opponents.

Claremont displayed promising passages of play, often stringing together effective chains of handballs and kicks to transition the ball from defence to the forward line. However, their execution faltered at the last hurdle, resulting in interceptions or kicks that found the opposition defenders instead.

The final score line favoured East Perth, with a 29-point margin, reading 4.9 (33) to 0.4 (4).

Ella Gilbey proved to be a shining star in today's match, particularly in her role off half back. Despite the Claremont Tigers facing relentless pressure and physicality in defence, Gilbey showcased her rebounding abilities and demonstrated why she is well-suited for a defensive position. Coming off a wing, she provided crucial support and stability amidst the battering and bruising the team endured.

May Nicholson and Phoebe Browne also deserve recognition for their performances under the relentless offensive pressure from East Perth. Their strong form and defensive efforts limited the opposition's scoring opportunities and prevented significant damage on the scoreboard.

Furthermore, Juliet Kelly seamlessly integrated back into the Rogers side after a stretch of games in the league team. As a run-with midfielder, Kelly formed impressive connections with teammates Charlotte Tompkin and Ruby Freeman, who also displayed resilience and strength in today's unfortunate loss.

In an intriguing turn of events, East Perth and the Tigers are set to face each other once again at Revo Fitness Stadium this Sunday at 12pm, this time in a high-stakes semi-final clash. The recent encounter between these teams has already provided valuable insights, and with even greater stakes on the line, one can expect an intensely fierce and competitive match. As we all know, finals bring a whole new level of intensity and pressure, and both teams will be fully aware of the significance of this game.

Interestingly, Claremont's loss to the Royals has actually granted them a unique advantage. The defeat has offered the Tigers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their upcoming opponent, East Perth.

By thoroughly analysing the match footage and carefully reviewing their strategies, the coaching staff and players can now develop a precise blueprint on how to overcome the Royals. The recent memory of their previous encounter will serve as a valuable guide, highlighting the areas where East Perth can be exploited and providing insights into the tactics that can lead to success.

Sunday's matchup promises to be a thrilling and closely contested battle. Both teams will bring their A-game, knowing that every moment counts in the pursuit of glory. The Tigers' season is on the line, and they are prepared to rise to the occasion, displaying their resilience and unwavering commitment to achieving their ultimate goal – the premiership.

Claremont Best:

Ella Gilbey, Juliet Kelly, May Nicholson, Ruby Freeman, Phoebe Browne, Rio Angus