THERE was only the one game this week in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) Colts, with bottom placed South Fremantle taking on last years runners-up Swan Districts. Despite being the only game on the fixture list, there was plenty on the line especially for the Black and Whites.

WAFL Colts wrap: Round 16

South Fremantle 5.11 (41) defeated by Swan Districts 11.6 (72)

Swan Districts got the victory they were after, claiming a composed 31-point victory over South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Saturday morning.

Of all the teams in the top five, Swan Districts were certainly in the poorest of form after losing their last five games in a row. While their finals status was not in doubt they would dearly liked to get on a winning streak before the big games arrive in a months time.

The first quarter was an even affair with both teams kicking two goals each and the home team holding a slender three-point lead at the first break. The visitors made a strong start to the second term with Atem Deng kicking two quick goals. The athletic utility was having a outstanding quarter and he soon kicked his third for the quarter pushing the lead out to a game-high 16 points which was extended by an another point at the long break.

The statistics showed that Swans had a 75 disposal advantage (179-104) over their opponents with Ethan Nordahl leading all players with 20 while Ashley Brockbernd (14), Brenton Hilton (14), and Deng (13) all providing able support. Bottom ager Ira Jetta was a livewire for South Fremantle with 15 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and a goal.

Swans kept on with their momentum early in the third with Nordahl adding to his fine game to this point with a goal and that was soon followed by a major to bottom ager ager Jamieson Ugle. It was now five goals on the trot to the visitors and South Fremantle needed to find something quickly if they did not want to be blown away. However, that is exactly what happened with three further goals to the visitors which included Deng kicking his fourth for the game. Swan Districts had put the game well and truly to bed and the only question was how much the final margin would be. Meanwhile for South Fremantle, the final quarter was going to be all about pride having only amassed a total of four points in the second and third quarters.

The two quarter goal drought was finally broken for the Bulldogs early in the fourth term when Nash Miller converted but Swans ruckman Ryan Letessier quickly responded. Bottom-ager Aidan Hall then kicked South Fremantle’s second of the term and that was soon followed with a goal to 16-year-old Jermaine Pickett. It was a nice way for the game to finish for the Bulldogs, winning the quarter three goals to one and their younger members of the 22 running the game out very nicely. However, all Swan Districts were concerned about on their trip down to Fremantle was picking up the four points and getting their season back on track which is what they did as they climb above East Perth into fourth on the ladder.

Swans amassed over than 130 disposals more than their opponents (375-241) but despite controlling the tempo of the game, the home team had plenty of opportunities to convert, taking the ball inside 50 four more times (42-38), but their overall conversion let them down.

The victors had a range of very good contributors across the board. Brenton Hilton led the way from from the half-back line in his usual composed fashion tallying 31 disposals and eight marks. In midfield, Nordahl was prevalent with 30 disposals, six marks, four tackles and four inside 50s. While up forward Deng’s three goal burst in the second term certainly helped set up Swan Districts’ first victory since round eight finishing with four for the game along with three marks and 20 disposals. A special mention goes to Jack Allen who has not played for Swans since late April due to school footy commitments. His impressive form from there translated to his club side combining time in the ruck and up forward finishing with 14 disposals, 14 hit-outs and a goal.

The Bulldogs remain rooted to the bottom with just two wins for 2019. Jetta set the standard that his teammates can hopefully follow in the weeks ahead as he finished with 33 disposals, six tackles, five marks and eight inside 50s. Souths’ inability to get their hands on the ball was illustrated by the fact that they had only one other player top 20 disposals and that was Manfred Kelly who had 24 and five tackles.