TWO-TIME reigning Colts premiers Claremont have kept their hunt for a third-consecutive flag alive after defeating West Perth in Sunday’s semi final. The Tigers claimed a one-point advantage at half time and kicked nine goals to two thereafter, including six-straight in the final term to win by 44 points.

Able to control possession on the rain sodden Revo Fitness Stadium, Claremont registered 31 more marks, 30 more forward 50 entries, and a subsequent nine more scoring shots than the Falcons. Having ridden a double chance, the Tigers outlasted their adversaries to continue their 2025 campaign.

The result sees Claremont go on to face East Fremantle in the preliminary final on Sunday, hoping to join South Fremantle in the decider. If successful, it would make for the Tigers’ sixth Colts Grand Final appearance in seven years, having already won three titles in that time – including the last two.

>> Scouting Notes: Bulldogs advance to Colts decider

CLAREMONT 4.1 | 5.4 | 8.7 | 14.8 (92)
WEST PERTH 2.1 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.6 (48)

GOALS:
Claremont: C. Curtin 5, S. Jennings-Hopkins 3, C. Cossom 2, M. Hansen-Knarhoi, H. Banfield, R. Farmer, C. Watson
West Perth: H. Spawton-Guy 3, J. Marcello, A. Drewett, K. LeCras, M. Connell

BEST:
Claremont: H. Mellody, J. Hopkyns, J. Cattalini, H. Banfield, C. Banfield
West Perth: L. Boczar, A. Ross, S. Hewitt, L. Carpenter, P. Young

CLAREMONT:

#5 Joseph Hopkyns
Key Defender | 193cm | 12/09/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks

The Claremont captain was resolute as ever down back, winning all his key one-on-ones and completing several intercepts. He often had the job on bottom-age talent Harvey Spawton-Guy and fared well when isolated, but also peeled off to impact the contest when required. Hopkyns wasn’t afraid to venture up the field and looked to launch the ball long on his favoured left foot with minimal fuss. He provided great support for teammates too, as good leader should.

#6 Charlie Banfield
Midfielder | 191cm | 18/07/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 inside 50s

It was another massive game from Banfield, whose crash-and-bash style suited the conditions. He thrived on contested situations, using his size to break through tackles and hack the ball forward or dish off by hand. His handling held up well in those instances, while he tested that of the opposition with some ruthless hits and tackles. Banfield’s ability to accumulate as a physical presence on the inside have impressed after spending the National Championships as a wing/forward.

#7 Cody Curtin
Key Forward | 200cm | 18/05/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 9 marks, 5 goals

After being well held last week, Curtin was back to his best with a bag of five goals as Claremont’s focal point. It was the fourth time he has kicked five or more majors in seven Colts appearances this season. Manned by Falcons captain Lochlain Carpenter, the hulking forward charged out on leads and was simply immovable in physical battles. His bodywork and finishing were key features all day, particularly with a set shot conversion from the wrong side boundary for a right-footer in term one.

#9 Oscar Willis
Defender | 186cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

One of Claremont’s many classy ball users across half-back, Willis consistently ventured high up the ground and attacked with overlap run. He timed his movements well to support teammates on the outside and drive the ball forward, often finishing off with a long kick. Willis was also tidy in slow play and despite coming up short in a couple of contests, rose for some clean intercept marks.

#20 Benji van Rooyen
Ruck | 203cm | 17/09/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 tackles, 35 hitouts

It was another competitive display from van Rooyen, who took toll with a hefty size advantage in the ruck. He used his craft and reach to access the ball, being tested for strength but winning a game-high 35 hitouts. The bottom-ager also showed intent on the follow-up and plucked a couple of crisp marks overhead in the third quarter, holding firm in contests down the line.

#22 Heath Mellody
Defender | 181cm | 27/07/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles

Switching it up for a role across half-back, Mellody’s ball use remained clean in testing conditions. He hit some piercing passes long and wide, showcasing an ability to not only gain good distance, but also weight his kicks to perfection. Mellody got on his bike to help deliver the ball high up the field and was adept at winning his own ball at ground level. He seemed to make all the right decisions with ball in hand and looks like being one of WA’s best prospects for next year.

#24 George Gale
Defender/Wing | 187cm | 06/09/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

Along with Willis and Mellody, Gale stood out with some immaculate use of the heavy pill. He switched between the wing and half-back, working the ball into dangerous launch zones and punishing West Perth when given the opportunity to kick inside 50. He exhibited great vision and execution on the move, able to hit the ball flat or on creative angles. That kind of play, even in sheeting rain, was a constant along with Gale’s smooth movement on the outside.

#26 Harper Banfield
Forward | 181cm | 18/12/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles, 1 goal

The commentary call lauded that if one Banfield doesn’t get you, the other one will. Well, they both got West Perth on Sunday. The more junior brother brought great energy and intent to his high forward role, working up the ground to help Claremont connect into attack. He proved difficult to contain and was ultra competitive when the ball was there to be won, getting stuck in despite still being just 16 years of age. Banfield also hit the scoreboard, converting a sliding mark in term three.

WEST PERTH:

#4 Jacob Farrow
Midfielder/Defender | 189cm | 21/09/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 11 tackles

It was a relatively quiet end to Farrow’s campaign, those just about all of his 14 touches were laden with class. He started the game on-ball and made tackling a key feature of his game from the outset, consistently locking up opponents. His strength and size made absorbing Claremont’s pressure a little easier, though Farrow also showed he could step through traffic and take ground on the outside. He’ll now turn his attention to the National Draft Combine in Melbourne next month.

#9 Lochlain Carpenter
Key Defender | 194cm | 01/04/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 marks

Carpenter had arguably the toughest matchup of anyone afield, tasked with taking on Cody Curtin. The Falcons captain made a few statements in the early stages, charging out at the ball and intercepting with intent, before taking a direct approach to clearing his lines. He provided vocal instructions and a calm head, also getting involved in West Perth’s slow play out of defence. Despite his best efforts to split contests throughout the day, Curtin’s scoring impact eventually won out.

#12 Harvey Spawton-Guy
Key Forward/Ruck | 194cm | 08/09/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 goals

One of Western Australia’s many promising bottom-age prospects, Spawton-Guy gave a sighter for what may be to come in 2026. The mobile tall popped up with three goals, the first being an excellent finish on the run from a tight angle. He snuck out the back on that occasion, but both won and recovered marking contests later in the day en route to his second and third majors. Spawton-Guy’s booming kick and ability to follow up were highlights along with his aerial prowess.

#26 Sam Swadling
Midfielder | 187cm | 16/01/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 4 tackles

It was no surprise to see Swadling lead all comers in what ended up being his final appearance for the season, although things weren’t as easy as the stats show. The midfielder won the ball cleanly at contests, but often had his back to goal and struggled to drive his legs out or find definitive targets by hand and foot. He even resorted to a few soccer kicks in an attempt to get the ball moving forward. Swadling did show an ability to stand in tackles and absorb pressure, also stepping out of a forward 50 stoppage for his lone shot at goal in the third quarter.

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FINALS WEEK 2 RESULTS

South Fremantle 7.17 (59) def. East Fremantle 4.5 (29)
Claremont 14.8 (92) def. West Perth 7.6 (48)

Eliminated: West Perth
2nd Chance: East Fremantle
Grand Final: South Fremantle

PRELIMINARY FINAL

East Fremantle vs. Claremont
Sunday September 14, 10:50am @ Sullivan Logistics Stadium