Semi Final Rogers Match Report – Claremont Tigers vs East Perth:

by Sebastian Hasluck

Match Day Reporter

In a remarkable turn of events, Claremont defied the odds and delivered a commanding performance against East Perth to secure a place in the Preliminary Final and keep their finals hopes alive.

Just a week prior, Claremont had suffered a defeat at the hands of East Perth, being held goalless in the process.

However, the Tigers turned the tables in this crucial match, showcasing their determination, cohesiveness, and sheer effort.

From the opening bounce, it was evident that Claremont was playing with a sense of urgency and a collective spirit. While the first quarter had its shaky moments, with East Perth taking an early lead, the Tigers fought back to level the scores heading into the second quarter.

From there, the game took a dramatic turn, with Claremont unleashing a triumphant onslaught, scoring three goals in each subsequent quarter. East Perth, on the other hand, failed to register a goal after quarter time, finding no answers to Claremont's dominant display.

A notable aspect of Claremont's gameplay was their strategic setup around the center bounce. The players were willing to allow the ball to go out the back rather than charging through, a tactic that seemed to have been instilled by the league leaders or observed from the stands.

This allowed for unique clearances and unleashed the Tigers' attack down the wings, leaving East Perth defenceless in finding a response.

The final score line of 9.6 (60) to 1.1 (7) in favour of Claremont reflected their complete control over the match.

Throughout the game, several Tigers players stood out with their exceptional contributions and performances.

Charlotte Tompkin, who had spent time in the league side this year, led by example with her influential display. Tompkin kicked two goals and made significant contributions in the contest, showcasing her ability to win the ball and impact the scoreboard.

Tompkin’s positioning as a high half-forward allowed her to be involved in front of goals and also lock the ball in the Tigers' offensive half, setting up scoring opportunities.

In defence, Shannon Bistrup and Harmony Bellotti played vital roles as the last line of defence. They took numerous crucial intercept marks, thwarting East Perth's advances and contributing significantly to the defensive success of the team. Their presence and composure were instrumental in nullifying East Perth's scoring chances.

Claremont's forward line was also a force to be reckoned with, as all three key positional forwards made their mark on the scoreboard.

Savannah Muir led the goal count with three impressive goals, while Jessica Rava and Georgia Webb added two and one goal, respectively.

The delivery and cohesion from the Tigers' midfield were sublime, with players like India Bonadeo, Amy Evans, and Jess Freame providing excellent ball distribution while performing at their best.

The Tigers now shift their focus to the upcoming Preliminary Final against a determined South Fremantle team, who are seeking redemption after a tough loss to West Perth. South Fremantle, the second seed this season, holds a favourable record against the Claremont Tigers, having emerged victorious in their last five encounters, albeit with close margins.

This highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Sunday at 5.10pm. With both teams fighting for their season survival and a coveted spot in the Grand Final, fans can expect an intense and fiercely contested matchup.

The Tigers will look to carry forward the energy and passion displayed in today’s victory, as the cohesiveness demonstrated in their performance bodes well for the challenges that lie ahead in the remaining two potential games.

Claremont Goal Scorers:

Savannah Muir (3), Jessica Rava (2), Charlotte Tompkin (2), India Bonadeo, Georgia Webb

Claremont Best:

Charlotte Tompkin, India Bonadeo, Shannon Bistrup, Jessica Rava, Jess Freame, Savannah Muir