SOUTH Fremantle has continued its unblemished start to the WAFL Colts season with a comprehensive 83-point victory over Swan Districts on Saturday. A pair of Fremantle Next Generation Academy (NGA) members played integral roles in the Round 3 clash, which saw the Bulldogs consolidate top spot.

>> RECAP: Tigers, Bulldogs streak ahead as early Colts frontrunners

South Fremantle 17.7 (109) def. Swan Districts 3.8 (26)

SOUTH FREMANTLE:

#5 Toby Whan (Fremantle NGA)
Midfielder | 184cm | 09/05/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

One of the competition’s most consistently elite and well-rounded midfielders, this game was no different despite the inclusion of another big name in the Bulldogs’ engine room. Whan showed his trademark composure and measured decision making throughout his 27 disposals. One of the primary catalysts of a massive win, Whan led the ground for inside 50s and managed two goals of his own, once again displaying the ability to be just as lethal when resting forward.

#7 Fred Rodriguez (AFL Academy)
Midfielder | 184cm | 10/07/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Fresh off two games against senior opposition – in the WAFL League against Perth, and for the AFL Academy against Richmond VFL – Rodriguez found the ball with ease in this affair. He worked hard all day to shake the defensive efforts of the Swans midfield and bring his teammates into the game. The clear target man for the Dogs at many stoppages, Rodriguez was hard-nosed and bullish to win contested possessions throughout this game, though his cleanliness and disposal was not up to his usual high standards. Impressively, any new watchers of Rodriguez would find it hard to distinguish his preferred foot, looking just as comfortable kicking on either side.

#49 Ryda Luke (Fremantle NGA)
Forward | 185cm | 19/09/2007

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 8 goals

Perhaps the most clinical performance the competition has ever seen, the Fremantle NGA prospect kicked eight of his side’s 11 first half goals. Even more impressively, coming from just the eight disposals (all kicks). Showing a blend of small and tall forward craft, Luke’s scores came from a blend of crumbing the packs, lead-out and contested marks, shots on the run from distance, and a boundary line set shot. Luke’s ability to read the ball in the air was unmatched, allowing him many opportunities to run into an open goal. The only knock on Luke’s performance was his inability to get involved in the second half, finishing the day with his half time stat line of eight goals from as many disposals. Regardless, it was one of the all time individual WAFL Colts performances.

SWAN DISTRICTS:

#3 Blake Kelly
Midfielder | 183cm | 03/01/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s

A game played on the back foot from the very start, Kelly was a rare shining light in an otherwise bleak Swan Districts performance. Accruing 23 disposals, the former state Under 16 captain was relentless in his attack on the ball in the contest. Showing some good work on the outside of midfield with his positioning and disposal of the ball, his contested use was scrappier than usual. Though, this could be pinned down to immense pressure and defensive coverage from the Bulldogs throughout this game.

#9 Leon Kickett
Small Forward | 172cm | 07/11/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 goals

Arguably the hardest worker afield for the Swans, Kickett continued to apply immense pressure on Bulldogs defenders whenever he could get himself to a contest. Forced to work high up the ground to win the ball, Kickett was crafty in both his winning of and use of the ball when trying to get his side forward. Managing two of his side’s three goals was reward for immense effort throughout this game.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

A strong last quarter from Claremont saw the Tigers continue their winning ways over East Perth by just the one goal. George Hale and Harper Banfield both ticked over the 30-disposal mark, with Hale adding a goal to his 31 touches, and Banfield amassing eight tackles. Robert Farmer led the attacking game with three goals, and Luke Hallett was the standout for East Perth on the stat sheet with 17 disposals, eight tackles and two goals.

Peel Thunder’s poor form continued against East Fremantle, falling 12 goals short in a one-sided affair. Matthew Becker continued to find the ball in this game with 28 disposals and eight marks, Lachlan Birch (27) and Lukas Jakovich (24) both finding plenty of it also. For the Sharks, Oli McManus and Tom Grylls both finished with 28 disposals, McManus adding 10 marks and Grylls 10 tackles. Luke Carrello also found plenty of it with 27 disposals, Jake Boniwell leading the goals with three.

A breakaway second half saw West Perth take the W over Subiaco. Sam Swadling continued his form for the Falcons with 30 disposals and a goal. Versatile tall forward and one of the leading prospects for the 2026 draft Koby LeCras managed four goals. For Subiaco, Toby Jones impressed with 27 disposals, and Wes Walley returned from AFL Academy duties with 19 disposals and two goals.