CLAREMONT has wrapped up the WAFL Colts minor premiership in Round 21, thumping Subiaco in a crucial top three clash. The Tigers and their raft of state representatives kept Subi goalless for three quarters in the 13.10 (88) to 2.10 (22) victory, earning a bye in week one of finals.

In the opening game of Colts Super Round at East Fremantle Oval, second placed West Perth picked up its fifth consecutive win heading into finals after defeating South Fremantle by 30 points. The Bulldogs were up at half time but faded thereafter to go down 5.10 (40) to 10.10 (70).

We put a bunch of Western Australia’s state Under 18 representatives under the microscope in the latest edition of Scouting Notes, before taking a look around the grounds and up the grades.

>> SCROLL to see the week one finals fixture

South Fremantle 5.10 (40) def. West Perth 10.10 (70)

SOUTH FREMANTLE:

#5 Toby Whan
Midfielder | 180cm | 09/05/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Whan displayed every reason why he one of WA’s most impressive bottom-age prospects, demonstrating his ability to run and carry the football and weave in and out of traffic. He was involved in almost everything the Bulldogs did, regularly using his quick hands in and under contests to find teammates and allow South Fremantle to clear stoppages. On multiple occasions, Whan showed tremendous courage standing under high balls and going back with the flight, putting his body on the line when needed. He stayed composed in the tricky conditions and impressed with his ability to burst away from centre bounces, at one stage steaming towards goal and using the wind to easily carry 60m, just narrowly missing. As has been the case all season, Whan was direct and accurate by foot, seemingly finding time where there was none in order to hit targets.

#7 Fred Rodriguez
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 10/07/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Bouncing back from a quiet performance last week, Rodriguez had his fingerprints all over this game. He spent more time up forward against the Falcons, exhibiting his exceptional ability to hit targets going inside 50, lowering his eyes, kicking across his body and pulling kicks to allow his fellow forwards to run onto the football. Rodriguez battled through the midfield too, often creating breaks from stoppage with elite hands at the coalface. He kicked an exciting goal during the second quarter as the Bulldogs mounted their charge, and when West Perth began to dominate after half time, it was still Rodriguez who stood tall for South Fremantle with 11 touches in the third term alone. He gave his all to keep the Bulldogs in the game and his effort could not be faulted. He had a phenomenal smother in the third quarter that got the crowd on its feet and his teammates loved it. Despite his side’s fadeout, Rodriguez could hold his head high after a standout performance.

#9 Jaxon Artemis
Wing/Defender | 180cm | 24/08/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 2 inside 50s

Artemis, a national draft combine invitee, was used as a defender after the opening quarter and looked relatively comfortable in the position. He used the ball superbly when he found it, lowering his eyes going inside 50 to hit targets. He was composed on a blustery morning early on when lining up on the wing, but was out-bodied at times by bigger defenders down back.

Others:

Midfielder Orlando Keleman (25 disposals, four marks) was superb all day, driving South Fremantle forward with his grunt and effort. He complimented Whan and Rodriguez in the Bulldogs’ engine room perfectly. Rhys Mercer was engaged and dangerous, finishing the morning with two deserved goals. Nic Davidson (13 disposals, 20 hitouts, four marks) was having another impressive game until he injured his shoulder and finished the day in a sling.

WEST PERTH:

#14 Trent Hiscock
Defender | 190cm | 23/03/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle

Hiscock asserted himself from the beginning of the match, confidently barking instructions to his defensive cohort. He was vocal, directing and held up well during an early South Fremantle onslaught. The Falcons needed a cool head to steady them, and Hiscock was every bit that leader. He was physical, laying multiple bone-crunching hits, and composed coming out of defensive 50 while driving the ball out with his high football IQ, as has been a trend this season.

Others:

17-year-old Sam Swadling capped off a remarkable final six weeks of the Colts season as one of West Perth’s best again on Saturday, bobbing up in all the right places on his way to 29 disposals. Jayden Rigoll (25 disposals, four marks, four tackles) worked hard in the midfield again and the competition’s leading disposal getter Jack Wooden (25 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) had a brilliant second half when the Falcons needed somebody to step up and impact the game. Bottom-ager Judd Marcello finished with multiple goals again, taking his tally this season to 34. Under 16 star Koby LeCras also backed up his Colts debut with 15 touches and two goals.

Subiaco 2.10 (22) def. by Claremont 13.10 (88)

SUBIACO:

#1 Charlie Burke
Utility | 183cm | 11/04/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s

Burke was used as a utility for the Lions in this game, starting in his regular spot on the wing but then moving into the midfield before spending large amounts of the second half up forward. He was super aggressive at the football and played with real intent. His attack was ferocious and he looked best as an inside midfielder/forward, which could be the next stage of progression for him. It was a tough day for Subiaco and there was not much football to be shared around for them, but Burke fought until the final siren and was commendable in his efforts as captain.

#5 Hayden Windsor
Ruck/Forward | 192cm | 06/02/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 16 hitouts, 3 tackles

Windsor moved well across the ground for a player of his size, so it is no wonder Subiaco prefers to use him in the ruck. Despite a large height difference between he and Claremont ruckman Aiden Riddle, it was Windsor who impressed most in that battle. He competed hard with his laudable vertical leap, knocking down multiple hitouts to the advantage of Subiaco midfielders. He also followed up his own work at ground level and was just as good forward of the ball. Windsor was one of the Lions best in this game.

#28 Wesley Walley
Forward | 180cm | 29/11/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks, 3 inside 50s

Walley has been in and out of Subiaco’s Colts team this season and though this was not his day, there is a lot to like about the bottom-age prospect. Walley was around the play a lot and the football just didn’t bounce his way. He led up and was used as the link man between half-forward and attacking 50, and if he can tidy up his ball use then he can be effective in this role going into the 2024 finals campaign.

Others:

Sonny Siano (13 disposals, four marks) started the day like a house on fire, while Dylan Prance (16 disposals, five tackles), Hudson Walker (17 disposals, four tackles) and Thomas Macgillivray (18 disposals, six tackles) battled hard for the well-beaten Lions.

CLAREMONT:

#2 Jaxon Douglas
Defender/Wing | 188cm | 07/02/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles

Douglas was used often by teammates coming off half-back, being entrusted with the kick-ins for the Tigers and using the ball aggressively coming out of defensive 50. His attacking style of play was handy in a windy, chaotic game and became pivotal to moving the football down the ground. Douglas has a smart ability to read the play and take intercept marks darting in front of Subiaco forwards.

#9 Cody Angove
Forward | 182cm | 28/05/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Angove was one of Claremont’s best in this game, providing important run and carry with ball in hand, and spreading across the ground to give his side’s ball users an option coming out of the defensive half. He used the ball tidily and was dangerous inside 50, finishing with an impressive goal just before quarter time. His effort was noticeable and he made things happen whenever he was involved, which was often as he burst through the middle of the ground and down the wings. Angove showed exciting follow up work and nearly slotted what would have been a superb second goal, exploding from a centre bounce in the second quarter.

#10 Austin van der Struyf
Midfielder | 178cm | 17/03/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 3 inside 50s

van der Struyf played a perfect complimentary game to Claremont’s daring attack mode, popping up on 45-degree kicks through the midfield to assist the Tigers’ transition from defence to attack. He won clearances at stoppages and used his clean disposal by foot to steady the chaotic game style, working hard for his 21 disposals.

#14 Charlie Banfield
Wing | 188cm | 18/07/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles

Banfield was a welcome addition back into the Tigers’ side and made an instant impact with four disposals in the opening two minutes of the game, offering dash along the wings and playing with real urgency. He was one of Claremont’s best on Saturday as he played a mature game, delivering the ball to teammates cleanly and with high football smarts. The bottom-age prospect and son of West Coast great Drew Banfield slotted straight back into a side that is primed for a big finals campaign, and he will play a big part in how far they can go.

#15 Aiden Riddle
Ruck | 199cm | 27/12/2005

Stats: 14 disposals, 24 hitouts, 4 tackles

Riddle was involved in a lot of Claremont’s play in this game, fighting a tough battle against Subiaco’s Hayden Windsor. Riddle tried to use his big frame to hold Windsor off and win the hitout battle, which he did, but it wasn’t the dominant performance that recruiters hoped to see from the over-age prospect against a smaller ruckman. Riddle did not take his opponents forward as he has on occasion this year, opting instead to play a full-time ruck role. Despite that, most of the Tigers’ forays forward began with transition from defensive 50, rather than in the middle.

#22 Clancy Dennis
Key Defender | 195cm | 28/12/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 10 kicks, 4 marks

Dennis played a terrific game off half-back for the Tigers, slotting back in after a three-week hiatus. He took multiple intercept marks, positioning himself well and using his body effectively to out-mark opponents. He played clever football, disciplined with his ball movement and displaying his football nous. Despite his bigger size, Dennis is quick and supplied the Tigers with plenty of drive.

#28 Cody Curtin
Key Forward | 197cm | 18/05/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 6 goals

A dominant performance for the younger brother of Adelaide’s Daniel. Cody Curtin stayed in attack mode from the start of the game until the final siren, finishing with goals in every quarter and ending the day with six majors. His standing reach is enormous and defenders simply could not affect Curtin when he marked the ball at its highest point. He still needs to add some strength which will allow him to develop his contested marking and ability to crash packs, but raw talent alone means as a mobile near 200cm key forward, he is one of the most intriguing bottom-age prospects in the country. Curtin remained aggressive all day, kicking goals from ground level after crumbing off packs, marking out on the lead, in general play, and from contested marks. Goalless to this point in the season, this was the standout game from Curtin needed to stamp himself as someone to watch.

Others:

Joshua Grahame took advantage of the dominant Tigers display en route to 20 disposals and six inside 50s. Max Hansen-Knarhoi kicked three goals from 15 disposals and West Australian state squad member Oscar Willis (11 disposals) bounced back from a big hit to impact the game with his clean ball use off half-back.

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AROUND THE GROUNDS

The third fixture at East Fremantle Oval saw East Perth leapfrog Peel Thunder off the foot of the ladder with a seven-point win. After being a kick ahead at the first two breaks, the Royals fell one point behind at three-quarter time but rallied to salute 6.8 (44) to 5.7 (37) in the bottom two clash.

Luke Hallett (26 disposals, 12 tackles) and Adam De Masi (25 and 11) got their hands dirty in the victory, while state Under 18 squad member Andre Gulluni had it 20 times for six marks. Ruck Tahn Payne was also among the bests with 16 touches, 23 hitouts, and seven tackles.

Peel Thunder’s top ball winner was Deian Roberts with 22 disposals to go with eight tackles and six inside 50s. Bottom-ager Matthew Becker (21 disposals) also had a say, while Bronson Martin tackled fiercely with 12 and dominant tall Tye Kemp won a monster 41 hitouts.

Earlier on Saturday, Perth took a second straight win into finals after defeating Swan Districts by 44 points. The Demons poured on nine goals to one at one end of Steel Blue Oval and led at every break in the 10.16 (76) to 4.8 (32) victory, having 26 scoring shots from 36 inside 50s.

Cooper Clark was economical with three goals from five disposals, while Ethan Hall bagged two for the Swans to go with 19 hitouts. Teammate Otis Harvey led all comers with 39 disposals and nine tackles, with Nate Tomasini (21 disposals) and Baxter Gray (20) the most prolific Redlegs.

WAFL COLTS LADDER

1. Claremont (14-2, 164.8%)
2. West Perth (12-3-1, 135.5%)
3. Subiaco (11-5, 105.0%)
4. Swan Districts (9-7, 107.8%)
5. Perth (8-7-1, 104.9%)
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6. East Fremantle (5-11, 86.4%)
7. South Fremantle (5-11, 78.3%)
8. East Perth (4-12, 65.9%)
9. Peel Thunder (3-13, 83.0%)

WEEK ONE FINALS FIXTURE

Swan Districts (4th) vs. Perth (5th)
Saturday August 31, 9:10am @ Lane Group Stadium

West Perth (2nd) vs. Subiaco (3rd)
Sunday September 1, 8:50am @ Revo Fitness Stadium

Bye: Claremont (1st)

UP THE GRADES

A pair of state Under 18 teammates locked horns as Claremont beat Subiaco by 49 points at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. The Tigers continue to blood tall utility Hamish Davis, who had 16 disposals and booted three goals in the victory. Meanwhile, Subiaco forward Malakai Champion was kept goalless.

Our scouts said:
On Hamish Davis…

“Davis was ultra impressive in Claremont’s big win at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. He stayed involved all day and was dangerous around goal, bobbing up in great spots to crumb the ball off packs or to take marks himself.

“He was clean at ground level for his size and superb aerially, using his big frame and size to more than hold his own one on one against mature aged defenders. He got up quickly from a big knock in the first quarter and proved he can take a hit at the next level.

“Among his best moments was an outstanding 40m snap around his body in the second term. He out-bodied his direct opponent late in the final quarter to take a nice mark, and calmy went back and slotted his third goal for the afternoon, cementing himself as one of the Tigers’ best for the day.”

Our scouts said:
On Malakai Champion…

“It was a tough afternoon for West Coast Next Generation Academy prospect Malakai Champion, who lost his cool at the end of a frustrating first half. Despite playing a hand in Claremont scoring before the main break, he provided hunt and pressure around Subiaco’s goals.

“In the third term he was injected into the midfield and began to play much more impactful football. He was lively for the Lions, providing dash through the middle that they lacked. Champion’s run and carry with ball in hand was important in setting up multiple forays forward.”

Elsewhere in the top flight, Bo Allan registered nine disposals and six tackles as Peel Thunder coughed up the minor premiership in a loss to East Perth. Meanwhile, tall talent Kayle Gerreyn opened his account for West Perth with two goals from eight disposals and four marks in a loss to South Fremantle.