CLAREMONT has advanced through to the 2024 WAFL Colts Grand Final after a commanding win in their qualifier against Subiaco. Meanwhile, Swan Districts set up a preliminary final matchup against the Lions after snatching a thrilling victory at the death against West Perth, who go out in straight sets. We took note of some of the best performed prospects from either game.

West Perth 12.7 (79) def. by Swan Districts 13.6 (84)

WEST PERTH:

#3 Kayle Gerreyn
Ruck/Forward | 199cm | 10/05/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 marks, 23 hitouts, 2 goals

It was an indifferent game for Gerreyn, who had a few poor moments mixed in with near game-winning plays. His frustration was evident, but the way he was able to battle through adversity to impact the game in a major way was phenomenal. He still used the ball well across the ground, being used as a link-up option in transition. Gerreyn spent much more time up forward in this game, using his size and strength to his advantage to mark inside 50. He kicked his goals at vital moments in an attempt to lift his side to victory.

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 marks

Under 18 state representative Hiscock was a brick wall down back for the Falcons, taking four intercept marks and stopping Swan Districts in their tracks on several occasions. At times he was the player who kept West Perth in the game, quelling constant attacks from the Swans’ lively forward group.

#19 Judd Marcello
Tall Forward | 188cm | 02/01/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Bottom-ager Marcello was super impressive up forward in this game, taking several skilful contested marks, hunting down opponents, applying pressure at every opportunity, and regularly beating his direct opponent. He was prolific, finding the football everywhere across the ground, and created space out on the lead for multiple hit-up marks. Rounding out his performance were two goals, kicked in the second and fourth quarters.

Others:

Midfielder Jayden Rigoll continued his exceptional season, collecting 23 disposals and laying 10 tackles. His counterpart Jack Wooden (21 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s) also battled hard for West Perth. Key forward Eli Alexander (12 disposals, three marks, two goals) was dangerous inside 50, causing the Swans some real problems for large parts of the game.

SWAN DISTRICTS:

#3 Otis Harvey
Midfielder | 182cm | 17/01/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 marks

Harvey worked hard inside at the coalface, putting his body over the football to win it for his side. He ran both ways, laying tackles and defending intently. Harvey’s pressure was fantastic and set the tone for Swan Districts in the midfield.

#6 Thomas Cathcart
Forward | 189cm | 28/05/2006

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 2 goals

It was a quiet day for the 2022 Under 16 All Australian, until it wasn’t. Swung forward for Swan Districts, the usual key defender became the unlikely hero up forward, converting an outrageous snap from the boundary line in a puddle-like pocket to bring his side back within a point with less than three minutes remaining. Then, with just 40 seconds to go and recognising the importance of the moment, Cathcart courageously went back with the flight, getting crunched but holding onto an incredible mark. He was able to pick himself up, go back and slot the winning goal on the siren for Swan Districts, sending them through to a preliminary final in spectacular fashion.

#7 Evan Smith
Ruck | 201cm | 11/08/2005

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 24 hitouts

The ruck battle was a fascinating one. Smith was able to quell Gerreyn’s influence with the hitouts in the opening half, and in the second half he arguably outplayed him. Though he was lost around the ground on a few occasions, Smith’s ability to take his opponent forward and hit up at the ball carrier was impressive. The over-ager looked as though he wanted to be involved in everything and put on a positive performance.

#13 Anthony Hansen
Small Forward | 173cm | 26/02/2006

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 goals

Hansen was the most dangerous forward on the ground in this game, hunting and chasing opponents and scrapping for the ball. He was able to influence the game positively for Swan Districts early and set the tone for the day. His hard work and effort were noticeable, and he was rewarded with three sublime goals. In a game filled with enormous moments and memorable plays, it was Hansen’s solo effort on the wing against three Falcons, pressuring and then winning the football, followed by a second effort to prevent West Perth from winning it back, leading to a ridiculous team goal that took the cake.

Others:

Chayse Martinson was well held in the opening three quarters, before springing to life in the final term to kick two imperative goals. Key forward Colby McDonald (eight disposals, six tackles, 10 hitouts) displayed his vice-like hands, taking multiple contested marks, and his effort could not be faulted. Key defender Zaid Buckland (17 disposals, 10 marks) was resolute, standing tall for to intercept against taller opponents. Leon Kickett also kicked two big goals.

Claremont 15.11 (101) def. Subiaco 5.8 (38)

CLAREMONT:

#7 Will Hayes
Wing | 178cm | 16/05/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 3 marks

Hayes was a welcome addition back into Claremont’s side, slotting in on the wing sporting a sleeve to protect his injured arm. Hayes provided vital run and carry for the Tigers, hitting the ball at pace and collecting possessions through smart running patterns. He used the ball calmly and deliberately, particularly going inside 50.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 13 kicks, 7 marks

West Coast father-son prospect Banfield was as reliable as ever, playing the opposite wing to Hayes perfectly. He held his width intelligently, getting used regularly in transition and drifting back to take multiple intercept marks. The 17-year-old found himself in great positions all morning and used the ball well by foot.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 26 hit-outs, 6 marks, 1 goal

The mobile ruckman was the standout player on the ground on Sunday, showing off his full set of talents. Riddle took advantage of the height difference in the ruck battle to win it convincingly. He displayed excellent one touch skills at ground level, cleanly distributing by hand at stoppages. Riddle played a confident brand of football, shrugging opponents off and asserting himself from the get-go. He worked hard around the ground, getting involved in transition and had the play of the game, running down the wing and taking a bounce before hustling forward to cap off the passage with a contested pack mark and goal. It was evident that Riddle’s intent was to dominate, and he went out and did exactly that.

#18 Hugh Boxshall
Midfielder | 187cm | 11/07/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 marks

Also returning to the Tigers’ outfit, Boxshall made an immediate impact, utilising his height to stand tall in tackles and distribute, creating clearances from the midfield. He was neat with ball in hand, particularly delivering inside 50 which he did six times. The ever-prolific Boxshall continued his superb run of form in the second half of the season.

#28 Cody Curtin
Key Forward | 191cm |18/05/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 6 marks, 6 goals

Following on from his breakout game two weeks ago, Curtin could not be denied on Sunday morning. Overcoming a slow start to finish with six majors was a credit to his work ethic and intent. He came out crashing packs and scrapping one-on-one, and was rewarded for his efforts as the game went on, kicking goals at important times. Curtin’s ability to take his moments was commendable, kicking accurately for goal and reeling in some difficult grabs. He kicked a stunning running goal, showing off his mobility for his big frame.

Others:

Clancy Dennis (16 disposals, six marks) was important with his defensive efforts, fighting tooth and nail to keep his opponents from scoring. Oscar Willis (11 disposals, five marks) ran great patterns and his ball use in transition from half-back was admirable. Jaxon Douglas (11 disposals, five marks) also played a role down back, taking multiple intercept marks.

Cody Angove (16 disposals, six inside 50s) was amongst it all day, playing a mid-forward role and used his pace and terrific entries inside 50 well for the Tigers. Lucas Ravenhill took full advantage of Claremont’s dominance on his way to 14 disposals, seven marks and two goals, while Rory Luscombe also enjoyed the Tigers’ win, bagging five goals.

SUBIACO:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 marks

The dominant Lion on the ground on Saturday, Burke was everywhere in the opening quarter, powering Subiaco when the game was still within reach. He was composed with ball in hand, weaving through traffic to create ventures forward. He popped up for 45 degree hit-up kicks and used the ball innovatively. Burke displayed high football IQ and the Lions skipper did all he could.

#3 Malakai Champion
Small Forward | 176cm | 17/05/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Champion came out of the gates aggressively, hunting and chasing opponents with great intent. He put himself in fantastic crumbing positions and was rewarded with an intelligent goal. The lively forward flashed his pace on multiple occasions, including an electric run through the corridor with ball in hand. He stayed involved throughout the entire day finding plenty of the ball and was clean and composed with his entries inside 50.

Others:

On what was a tough day for Subiaco, forwards Darcy Montgomery (14 disposals, seven marks, one goal) and Koopa Walsh (two goals) stayed vigilant and found a way to impact the scoreboard.