WA Football Commission

Sharks knock Tigers out of finalsWednesday, August 9, 2017 - 8:22 AM

Written by Sandra Argese, Photos by Thomas Campbell.

East Fremantle 12.8 (80) defeated Claremont 2.2 (14) 

East Fremantle have gone full-throttle and switched up the notch on their form with a stellar 66 point victory over Claremont on Sunday afternoon at East Fremantle Oval. 

From the get go, the Sharks were in complete control. East Fremantle's Latoya Wallace gave Tigers fans something to worry about as she kicked off proceedings with 2 classy goals within the first 5 minutes of play. As Claremont headed into the first break staring directly down the barrel of a 26 point deficit, the comeback they needed to execute never happened.  

The Sharks dominated in the clearances, won plenty of the ball around stoppages and were ruthless up forward and in defence. 
The Tigers were dealt a blow when Emily Johnston was taken from the field just over 8 minutes into the second quarter after suffering a heavy knock, though relief was ensured as she returned to the ground to play out the remainder of the game. 

While the game was done and dusted by the third and final break as the Sharks got themselves a healthy 49 points up, Claremont’s never say die attitude was on song as they continued to contest hard around the ground. Leading the charge, Claremont’s Isabella Zadnick was virtually unstoppable in the ruck and had no problems tapping the ball down the throat of her teammates. 

Caitlyn Edwards was one of East Fremantle’s best, working hard around the ground with clean disposal and kicks to advantage, even managing to switch on the goal scoring goods, finishing with two majors to her name.

A wave of energetic goals and multiple goal scorers heaped the pressure onto Claremont, with Wallace, Edwards, Melissa Caulfield and Cassie Davidson each kicking two goals, while Joanne Beechey, Samara David, Belinda Smith and Gabrielle O’Sullivan didn’t miss out either as each kicked individual goals.   

Whilst not the outcome the Claremont family were chasing, the club is elated to have made League finals in 2017, their first appearance in 14 years.

East Fremantle are still very much alive and will look to take their confidence into the preliminary final, where they will meet Swan Districts on Sunday Afternoon. 

QUARTER BY QUARTER

EAST FREMANTLE: 4.2 (26) 7.2 (44) 9.8 (62) 12.8 (80) 
CLAREMONT TIGERS: 0.0 (0) 2.1 (13) 2.1 (13) 2.2 (14)

GOALSCORERS 
EAST FREMANTLE: Caitlyn Edwards (2), Melissa Caulfield (2), Cassie Davidson (2), Latoya Wallace (2), Joanne Beechey, Samara David, Belinda Smith, Gabrielle O’Sullivan. 
CLAREMONT TIGERS: Matilda Sergeant (2).