CLAREMONT lifted its third premiership cup in four seasons, defeating Swan Districts by a point in a memorable victory on Sunday. The Tigers had three State Academy members playing in the WAFL Women’s Grand Final, while Western Australia’ MVP donned the black and white.

Claremont:

#11 Ella Gilbey (Forward)
Stats: 9 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 behind

Had a quiet first half with only a spoil in the opening term, before having a half chance in the second term bursting forward with a running shot from 35m that missed to the right for a behind. She went on to be more lively through the third and looked to get goalside, having a tough matchup with Swans’ skipper Eliza Gelmi. Couldn’t get too much happening but ran hard and provided a transitional option in the front half of the ground.

#21 Emma Henderson (Forward/Wing)
Stats: 9 disposals

Spent the most time inside 50 and the front half, almost being the player to kick the opening goal of the game. A quick snap towards her in the goalsquare was gobbled up but was deemed to be touched off the boot and she was immediately tackled. Doubled her disposal tally in the thrid term as she linked up well, but her best work was done in the second when Henderson’s slick and clean hands at ground level dished off to Sarah Viney for a goal.

#33 Juliet Kelly (Defender/Midfielder)
Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 1 behind

Kelly started the game on the bench then rotated between half-back and midfield, really given the Tigers a different look around the ball. She had some big moments, mostly around her tackling or clean hands. She got caught a few times, but always bounced up and tried to release into space, with Kelly’s efficiency focused on high ball retention. Her elite tank allows her to run all day, and she finished as one of the better Claremont players in an even team performance.

Swan Districts:

#5 Carys D’Addario (Midfielder)
Stats: 25 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 6 inside 50s

The pick of the State Academy members in the match despite being on the losing team, D’Addario did all she could to help drag her team towards victory. Be it offensively or defensively, the teenager was huge around the ball and powered her way out of stoppages to get the ball forward. D’Addario had 12 disposals by half-time and finished just as strong with an eight-disposal fourth quarter. Boasting clean hands and being able to read the ball off the ruck taps exceptionally well, D’Addario was outstanding from the first bounce to the final whistle to cap off a sensational season.