Around the Grounds: WA state stars make senior debuts
A PAIR of West Australian Under 18 representatives made their WAFL League debuts over the weekend, and both left an impression on the state league. Namely, they were Claremont’s Hamish Davis and Subiaco’s Malakai Champion, who only recently combined in the same state forwardline.
Davis turned out for the Tigers in their emphatic 59-point rebound win over East Perth. The 190cm utility proved clean and composed by hand, but also had a say going forward with five inside 50s among his 16 touches. His senior berth came on the back of a dominant 40-disposal Colts outing.
Meanwhile, Champion became the latest Lion to debut and made a splash with three goals and two assists from nine disposals. The speedy small forward helped Subi beat West Coast by 19 points – somewhat ironic given his status as an Eagles Next Generation Academy (NGA) member.
>> WAFL Player Focus: Malakai Champion (Subiaco)
State skipper Bo Allan also continued his run in the WAFL’s top flight. The hybrid midfielder-defender posted 14 disposals and three marks in Peel Thunder’s 19-point win over Perth, a result which saw his side move into pole position on the League ladder. It was his fifth game at the level.
Down in the Reserves grade, Allies representative and Northern Territory native Taj Stanley made his maiden appearance for Perth. The well travelled Colt managed 13 disposals and five marks in his side’s nine-point win over Peel Thunder. He’s renowned for his toughness and versatility.
While Davis showed his wares at senior level, Claremont remained a rampant ladder leader in the Colts competition. The 12-1 reigning premiers notched this season’s highest score and winning margin in their 23.10 (148) to 6.4 (39) drubbing of East Perth, maintaining their two-game buffer in top spot.
The Tigers kicked five or more majors in every quarter, boasting 10 individual goalkicker (seven multiple) headlined by hauls of four from Lucas Ravenhill and Cody Angove. Jett Sibosado led all comers with 32 touches, while Austin van der Struyf (21 disposals, two goals) and Aiden Riddle (44 hitouts) dominated.
Playing against a host of state teammates, East Perth accumulator Andre Gulluni led the way on a tough day for his Royals with 25 disposals. Angus Motherwell could also hold his head high having booted three of East Perth’s six goals, though the Royals remain planted to last spot.
Elsewhere, Swan Districts notched an even seven-goal win over South Fremantle. Despite having less disposals and an equal amount of inside 50s, the Swans ran out comfortable victors. Much of the difference was made in a four-goal to nil opening quarter, and three-to-one fourth term.
Ivan Starr kicked all three of the Bulldogs’ goals, while Rank Millar managed a hat-trick of behinds but laid 11 tackles. Midfielders Toby Whan (27 disposals) and Fred Rodriguez (24) were prolific, while the pair’s state teammate Tom Bell stood tall with five marks from his 19 touches.
The victorious Swans were spearheaded by Tylah Williams‘ three majors, as ruck Evan Smith bagged two to go with 31 hitouts. Lucas Andrews (25 disposals) and Chayse Martinson (19) combined for 23 tackles in the win, and Anthony Hansen (18 disposals, one goal) was typically lively.
Perth also came away with a win in Round 17 after downing Peel Thunder to the tune of 25 points. The Demons started out with six goals to one in the opening half, only to concede five in the third quarter. Despite inaccuracy, they won out on the back of 15 more scoring shots and 33 more inside 50s.
Liam Cooley was everywhere with 12 marks, while Cooper Moore (26 disposals) unsurprisingly led all comers and Robert Warrell (two goals) was again atop the scoring sheet. Brodie McLean and Loch Mactaggart were also prominent with 23 and 21 disposals respectively.
Peel ruck Tye Kemp amassed a whopping 45 hitouts in the defeat, with Jayden Funazzi (23 disposals) and bottom-ager Matthew Becker (20 disposals, seven marks) also putting up strong numbers for the side which remains second-bottom – only percentage away from the foot of the ladder.
Regular programming resumes upon the commencement of Round 18 next weekend, with a full allotment of four games. The competition is now entering its last home-and-away month and Claremont remains the frontrunner to defend its premiership.
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