TWO-TIME reigning premier Claremont is setting the pace early in the WAFL Colts season after moving to 3-0 with a six-point win over East Perth on Friday. The Tigers’ record is matched by South Fremantle, though the Bulldogs sit pretty in top spot with a superior percentage after thrashing Swan Districts.

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Claremont rallied in the fourth quarter to edge past a gallant Royals outfit. The Tigers found themselves seven points down at the final break after conceding five goals to one in term three, but snuck over the line thanks to a late goal from Val Davies. He broke the deadlock with just over three minutes remaining.

George Gale (31 disposals, seven marks, one goal) and Harper Banfield (30 disposals, eight tackles) stuffed the stats sheet for Claremont, while Joshua Grahame (26 disposals, 10 tackles) was named among the best and Robert Farmer snared three goals in the nailbiting victory.

East Perth ended with four multiple goalkickers on a list of six overall, with Luke Hallett (17 disposals, eight tackles) among them. Max Donnelly’s 18 disposals were enough to see him named among the best with Jake Caton, who also had 18 touches, and Liam McAlister (15 disposals, seven marks).

South Fremantle also maintained a perfect record after dismantling Swan Districts to the tune of 83 points. The Bulldogs shot out of the blocks with 11 goals to two in the first half, and while the result was a formality thereafter, they finished strongly to pile on another five unanswered majors in term four.

Ryda Luke booted a remarkable eight goals from as many kicks to put his name on the map. Fellow Fremantle NGA prospect Toby Whan collected 27 touches and two goals, bested only by Fred Rodriguez’s 29 and one. Both also registered seven inside 50s apiece.

Bottom-age star Lucas Robinson (24 disposals, two goals) was also prominent for the victors. Leon Kickett booted two of the Swans’ three goals to be named their best, while gun midfielder Blake Kelly notched a team-high 23 touches and five marks in the loss.

Over at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday, West Perth kicked away to a 44-point win over Subiaco to get on the board in 2025. The Falcons broke ahead in term two before adding eight goals to the Lions’ four after half time, consolidating the 13.7 (85) to 8.3 (51) result.

Midfielder Sam Swadling was again terrific for West Perth, leafing all comers with 30 disposals, seven tackles and a goal. Bottom-ager Koby LeCras made a statement with four goals from seven marks, while Sebastian Hewitt (16 disposals, 20 hitouts) stood tall in the ruck.

Toby Jones was Subiaco’s standout accumulator, landing on 27 touches while laying eight tackles. He was named the best in a losing effort, while AFL Academy and West Coast NGA member Wesley Walley booted two goals from 19 disposals and five marks.

East Fremantle was another Colts side to notch its first win of the season after trouncing Peel Thunder by 74 points at Lane Group Stadium. The Sharks started steadily but kept Peel goalless across terms two and three while piling on nine unanswered majors of their own.

Oliver McManus turned in a best afield performance with 28 disposals and 10 marks, with Tom Grylls (28 disposals, 10 tackles) and League hopeful Luke Carrello (27 disposals, eight marks) not far behind. Meanwhile, Jake Boniwell booted a game-high three goals.

Lachlan Birch (27 disposals, five marks) and Brodyn Robinson (20 and five) were named in the best for Peel, though it was Matthew Becker who topped the stats sheet with 28 touches and eight marks. Freo NGA prospect Basil Hart was the only multiple goalkicker with two of his side’s three majors.

ROUND 3 RESULTS

East Perth 10.4 (64) def. by Claremont 10.10 (70)
South Fremantle 17.7 (109) def. Swan Districts 3.8 (26)
Subiaco 8.3 (51) def. by West Perth 13.7 (85)
Peel Thunder 3.6 (24) def. by East Fremantle 14.14 (98) 

Bye: Perth

WAFL COLTS LADDER

1. South Fremantle – 3-0, 258.3%
2. Claremont – 3-0, 157.2%
3. East Perth – 2-1, 120.4%
4. East Fremantle – 1-1, 125.0%
5. West Perth – 1-2, 90.7%
6. Perth – 1-1, 87.1%
7. Swan Districts – 1-2, 69.9%
8. Subiaco – 0-2, 63.1%
9. Peel Thunder – 0-3, 39.1%

ROUND 4 FIXTURE

West Perth vs. South Fremantle
Friday April 25 @ HIF Health Insurance Oval

East Fremantle vs. Subiaco
Saturday April 26 @ The Good Grocer Park

Perth vs. East Perth
Saturday April 26 @ Mineral Resources Park

Swan Districts vs. Peel Thunder
Sunday April 27 @ Steel Blue Oval

Bye: Claremont