IN the wake of the tragic passing of South Fremantle Colts player Nick Campo, the Bulldogs turned in a spirited performance to honour their much loved teammate on Saturday. Despite going down by 19 points to third placed Subiaco, South’s resilience was at the forefront of an emotionally-charged match.

The result saw the Bulldogs jump off the bottom of the ladder via percentage, with Mitchell Geier‘s 15 disposals, five marks and four goals spearheading the effort. Bottom-ager Fred Rodriguez also stood tall with 25 disposals, while fellow state representative Tom Bell clunked seven marks from 20 touches.

Subiaco was well served by Finley Henderson (three goals) and Sonny Siano (two), who ensured the Lions got the job done away from home. Regan Mott (24 disposals, six inside 50s, one goal) was named the victors’ best player, as his side kicked away with four majors to South’s one in the third quarter.

Elsewhere in Round 16 of the WAFL Colts season, Perth secured a crucial 29-point victory over East Perth at Leederville Oval. The Demons were inaccurate in front of goal but registered nearly double the scoring shots (29-15) to salute and continue pushing for a finals spot with five rounds left to play.

Robert Warrell bagged his second five-goal haul for the season, supported in front of the big sticks by Allies representative and Northern Territory native Taj Stanley (2.2). The likes of Cooper Moore (28 disposals, 11 inside 50s) and Loch Mactaggart (20 disposals, 11 marks) were also prolific.

Meanwhile, it was no surprise to see the prolific Andre Gulluni top East Perth’s disposal charts. The state squad member matched Moore’s effort of 28 touches for the losing side, as his team now languishes in last spot. The Royals are tied with South Fremantle and Peel Thunder on three wins apiece.

West Perth took advantage of a four-goal head start to beat East Fremantle by 13 points at Pentanet Stadium. The Falcons got up in a low-scoring affair, booting 6.10 of their total 7.11 at one end of the ground, while holding off the Sharks’ inaccurate final quarter surge to remain locked into third place.

Falcons ruck Kayle Gerreyn was on fire, amassing 30 disposals, 30 hitouts, eight marks and two goals in the victory. Sam Swadling (34 disposals) and Jack Wooden (28) also filled their boots, as did Sharks Luke Carrello and Elijah Stockden – who both managed 25 disposals.

Others to impress for the Sharks were Kaydn Wilson and Kye Ormerod, who combined for 16 marks. The latter is a state Under 16 representative and capped off his effort with two goals. East Fremantle remains a chance of scraping into finals, but will have to act fast – sitting sixth with a 4-9 record.

After the weekend’s three-game fixture, the top seven spots remain unchanged. The top five teams – all with positive records – look to be pulling away, with Perth (fifth) closing to within a game of Swan Districts (fourth) while also streaming six points clear of East Fremantle (sixth).

Claremont, who enjoyed a bye alongside the Swans and Peel Thunder, remains in the box seat to make a successful premiership defence. The Tigers are locked into top spot with an 11-1 record, two wins clear of Subiaco. Another three-game weekend is slated for next week in Round 17.