EAST Fremantle managed its first win of the 2022 WAFL Colts Season, defeating reigning premiers Swan Districts by 10 points in a hard fought clash at Steel Blue Oval. The Sharks shot out to an early lead before holding off a gallant Swans comeback to run out 9.13 (67) to 9.3 (57) victors. In this week’s match of the round, we note the best players from that clash before taking a look around the grounds.

SWAN DISTRICTS:

#10 Riley Hardeman

The 17-year old speedster had the ball on a string, accumulating a whopping 37 touches, including 24 in the first half. The underage prospect is incredibly quick and he used his electric pace to receive handballs, provide run and carry from defence and create outnumber’s in his team’s favour. Hardeman’s ball use was untidy on occasions and he tended to over-handball at times but his work rate and willingness to compete could never be questioned. Remarkably, he finished with 18 more disposals than Swan District’s next highest ball winner.

#18 Angus Laurisson

The Upper Swan product was superb in defence, taking several intercept marks and providing plenty of rebound from the backline. The 18-year old was particularly influential in the first quarter, as he stood tall against a barrage of inside 50’s to ensure his side did not fall too far behind on the scoreboard. He balanced the elements of attack and defence very well, coming off his opponent at the right times to get involved offensively but also showed the ability to defend one on one when needed.

#38 Darcy Jones

The diminutive 17-year old was an important player for the home side, using his exquisite skills and creativity to hit up teammates in space. Playing as a midfielder, the fleet of foot Kalamunda product wasn’t as effective at stoppages against some of the Sharks big bodied on-ballers, but he still managed to have an impact when given time and space. He finished with 19 disposals and five tackles.

EAST FREMANTLE:

#4 Jed Hagan

The highly touted Geraldton product was instrumental in the Sharks 10-point win, finishing with a well rounded stat line of 31 disposals, 12 marks and nine tackles. What stood out most about the 17-year old’s game was his ability to outwork his opponents and spread hard from the contest to take a plethora of uncontested marks in transition. Hagan used the ball well generally, opting to kick the ball on his non-preferred foot on multiple occasions. It was an outstanding game from the youngster and one that should see him knocking on the door to play league football soon.

#9 Luke Yeo

The midfielder had a prolific outing finishing with 27 disposals, nine marks and six tackles to be one of the best players on the ground. Yeo was tough in the clinches, winning a mountain of contested ball in the clinches but was also able to find the ball in open play, showing an innate ability to drop into a hole and receive a kick on the ’45. He snapped an important goal on his left foot in the third term to stifle some of Swan District’s momentum and was important in the last quarter to ensure his team got over the line. 

#21 Samuel Otto

The 17-year old defender played an excellent game for the visitors, racking up 29 disposals and eight marks. Otto’s positioning behind the ball was particularly impressive, as he managed to find himself loose on countless occasions to take intercept marks and provide a lateral option for a teammate to switch the play.

#22 Jack Cleaver:

The 18-year old was a general down back, combining well with Otto and Jayke Scott to provide a cool head for the Sharks deep in defence. While he wasn’t the most prolific player on the ground, he generally made good decisions with ball in hand, with his penetrating left foot kick proving a weapon at times. The Rossmoyne product has trained with East Fremantle’s league side over the pre-season, and his strong-bodied frame made him look a mature prospect at colts level.

AROUND THE GROUNDS:

Claremont got their second win from as many starts, with the Tigers recording a 17-point win over Subiaco at Revo Fitness Stadium. Fletcher Netherway was prolific for the victors with 23 disposals, while Hugh Davies and Julian Maceri notched up 20 each. For Subiaco, Jack Gouge managed 28 while skipper Jacob Evitt had 22.

West Perth made the trip down to Mandurah and ran out 10.16 (76) to 5.7 (37) winners over Peel Thunder at Lane Group Stadium. Kane Bevan was busy for the Falcons with 26 disposals, while Fremantle NGA product Jasper Scaife kicked four majors. Reece Torrent (27 disposals) and Cooper Osborne (24) worked hard in defeat for the Thunder.

After a winless 2021 campaign, Perth made the perfect start to 2022 after having the bye last week, winning its opening game against East Perth by 38 points. Connor McDonald, brother of Sydney Swans forward Logan, managed 29 touches and eight marks for the Demons and received good support from Mitchell Keene (27) and Baxter Philip (21). Bonheur Cubahiro notched up 23 touches for the Royals with rangy defender Jedd Busslinger having 22.