A TENSE final quarter saw Claremont edge out Boorloo (Perth) by just three points in a thrilling Round 15 WAFLW clash, with the Tigers overcoming a three-quarter time deficit to secure a crucial 5.6 (36) to 5.3 (33) victory in NAIDOC Week.

The Tigers found themselves trailing for much of the afternoon, as Boorloo established a narrow lead at every change. However, Claremont’s resilience shone through in the final term, kicking 2.3 to Boorloo’s 1.0 to snatch the win in a low-scoring, tightly contested affair.

Boorloo started brightly, kicking 1.2 to 1.0 in the opening term to take a two-point lead into the first break. The home side extended their advantage slightly in the second quarter, adding two goals to Claremont’s two behinds to lead by eight points at half-time, 3.3 (21) to 1.2 (8).

The third quarter saw both teams hit the scoreboard with more frequency. Claremont kicked two goals, but Boorloo responded with one of their own to maintain a four-point buffer heading into the final change, 4.3 (27) to 3.3 (21). The final quarter was a battle of attrition, but Claremont’s ability to find the big sticks when it mattered most proved the difference, securing the hard-fought three-point win with a three goals to one final term.

Jayme Harken was a dominant force for Claremont, racking up a game-high 29 disposals, including 17 handballs, and laying two tackles. She was well supported by Hayley Bullas (23 disposals, three tackles) and Sarah Viney (20 disposals, 11 tackles), who provided plenty of grunt around the contest. Jacinta Valentini also found plenty of the ball, finishing with 26 disposals.

Up forward, Bec Anderson was the only multiple goalkicker for the Tigers, slotting two crucial majors. Matilda Husband was dominant in the ruck, amassing 23 hitouts to go with her 13 disposals.

For Boorloo, Isabella Shannon battled hard all day, finishing with a team-high 22 disposals and five tackles. Amy Trindade (19 disposals, nine tackles, one goal) and Holly Britton (19 disposals, two tackles) also worked tirelessly to keep their side in the hunt.

Boorloo had five individual goalkickers, with Natalie House, Amber Wyatt, Brooke Whyte, and Monet Cannon all finding the net alongside Trindade. Molly Warne competed well in the ruck, finishing with 23 hitouts.

BOORLOO 1.2 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 5.3 (33)
CLAREMONT 1.0 | 1.2 | 3.3 | 5.6 (36)

GOALS:
Boorloo: N. House, A. Trindade, A. Wyatt, B. Whyte, M. Cannon
Claremont: B. Anderson 2, J. Musika, E. Campo, A. Evans

BEST:
Boorloo: G. Dix, A. Trindade, J. Green, N. House, I. Baldwin
Claremont: H. Bullas, A. Maynard, M. Husband, K. Perry, A. Evans

AROUND THE GROUNDS

South Fremantle delivered a commanding performance to easily account for Peel Thunder by 62 points. The Bulldogs started strongly, kicking three goals in the opening term while keeping Peel scoreless, and never looked back. Though the Thunder did kick two final term goals, the Bulldogs were far too good and sealed the comprehensive 12.10 (82) to 3.2 (20) victory.

Former SANFLW talent Kiana Lee was the star of the show for South Fremantle on debut, kicking a massive six goals from 14 disposals and eight marks. She was well supported by Ashleigh Gomes (26 disposals, four tackles) and Tahleah Mulder (21 disposals, 13 tackles). For Peel Thunder, Chloe Wrigley battled hard with 25 disposals and nine tackles, while Holly Bilcich (22 disposals, three tackles) also tried her best to stem the tide.

Swan Districts ground out an 18-point victory over West Perth in a low-scoring, inaccurate affair. The Swans held a slight advantage throughout the match, but a return of 3.10 (28) to West Perth’s 1.4 (10) highlighted their struggles in front of goal. Despite the inaccuracy, the Swans did enough to secure the win and keep their finals push alive.

Jaime Henry was an absolute ball magnet for Swan Districts, amassing a staggering 40 disposals, five marks, five inside 50s and three tackles. Former captain Jessica Cox was also prolific with 22 disposals and four inside 50s. For West Perth, Jessica Roper (24 disposals, five marks and six tackles) and Madison Dodd (24 disposals, three marks and four tackles) fought valiantly in defeat.

East Fremantle secured an 11-point victory over East Perth in a closely fought contest. The Sharks started well, kicking two goals to one in the opening term, and maintained a slender lead throughout the match. A strong final quarter, where they added two goals to East Perth’s two, was enough to seal the 6.4 (40) to 4.5 (29) win.

Tiani Teakle was influential for East Fremantle, finishing with 17 disposals and seven marks. Chloe Colegate (17 disposals, six tackles) and Kai Clucas (16 disposals, three tackles) were also strong contributors. For East Perth, Layla Firns racked up a game-high 29 disposals, while Brooke Edwards took control in the ruck with 27 hitouts and 18 disposals.