EAST Fremantle has moved into pole position with only one round left to play in the WAFL Colts season after earning bragging rights in Saturday’s Fremantle Derby. The Sharks conceded a four-goal head start to rivals South Fremantle, but roared back with seven majors in the second term and never looked back.

In what was a spiteful and hotly contested match, Sharks spearhead Benjamin Wood booted five goals to lead his side’s 44-point win. The victors’ bottom-age cohort also stood tall, with the likes of Hunter Hearn and James Artemis showing their class in the face of South Fremantle’s immense pressure.

We took note of the top prospects from either side.

EAST FREMANTLE 1.3 | 8.4 | 11.5 | 14.10 (94)
SOUTH FREMANTLE 4.3 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.8 (50)

GOALS:
East Fremantle: B. Wood 5, M. Baker 2, I. Boothey 2, H. McClure 2, J. Taylor 2, L. Jones Jnr
South Fremantle: S. Hookham 2, J. Hunt 2, C. Vanderhoek 2, E. Nathan

BEST:
East Fremantle: H. Hearn, B. Wood, L. Martignago, J. Gould, J. Artemis
South Fremantle: S. Hookham, H. Graham, J. Hunt, H. Wilson, C. Vanderhoek

EAST FREMANTLE:

#1 Finlay Yeo
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 01/04/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Yeo was typically energetic and busy at ground level, using his sharp turn of foot to cut through traffic. The Fremantle NGA prospect popped in and out of packs, often emerging with the ball and quickly flicking it out by hand. He was made to punch above his weight and wore hits when competing aerially, but was willing to apply desperate tackle pressure. His skills were slick and creative when given the time and space.

#7 James Artemis
Midfielder/Forward | 177cm | 05/03/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 tackles, 5 inside 50s

While patchy at times, Artemis was one of the most dangerous players afield at his best. After a quiet start, the bottom-age star used his quick feet to get to the outside, bursting or spinning his way away from would-be tacklers. He was fumbly at times but helped surge the ball forward with plenty of run and drive, bringing teammates into the play along the way. One of his best plays was an unselfish goal assist in the second term, showing great composure to find a teammate inboard.

#11 Hunter Hearn
Defender | 181cm | 12/08/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 9 marks, 2 tackles

Hearn was a brick wall in East Fremantle’s defence, playing well above his height to act as an intercept marking machine. The bottom-ager overcame a costly early error to bounce back with force, going on to clunk some sensational and gutsy grabs across the back half. Once he had won back possession, Hearn looked to rebound the ball with intent, often surging forward and shrugging tackles along the way. He seemed to be in all the right spots to be a thorn in South Fremantle’s side.

#31 Jayke Taylor
Forward | 186cm | 26/02/2010

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

One of the most exciting prospects in the 2010-born pool, Taylor continued his bright start at Colts level. The athletic forward presented typically well on the lead, timing his runs well to gain separation and attack the ball hard. He slotted two set shot goals, put another two wide and one out on the full, albeit striking the ball well from distance. The 16-year-old has plenty of tools to be a highly potent power forward over the next few years.

#32 Noah Hannaford
Key Forward/Ruck | 195cm | 23/03/2009

Stats: 8 disposals, 6 marks, 10 hitouts

Hannaford was among East Fremantle’s many marking options up forward, while also providing capable fold in the ruck. His leap and aerial range were terrific, as was his mobility to lead into dangerous spots. Hannaford took a few strong marks out in front and was nimble enough to gather the ball below his knees. He didn’t look as confident kicking for goal though, giving one chance off and putting another wide. Another bottom-ager with high upside.

#34 Benjamin Wood
Key Forward | 190cm | 02/09/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 5 goals

Returning to the Colts grade after a fruitful Reserves stint, Wood ended up with a bag of five goals. He was matched up by the powerful Max Jones, but that didn’t stop him from taking several strong marks and taking his chances with aplomb. Wood converted well both on the snap and over the mark, often reading the flight of the ball over the back or charging out on the lead. South Fremantle had few answers for his pure craft. A proven goalkicker.

#39 Cooper Ramsay
Ruck | 203cm | 09/01/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 25 hitouts

Ramsay is finally beginning to string consistent games together after an injury-ravaged couple of years, and the green shoots have emerged. The mobile ruckman utilised his reach advantage to get first hand on the ball, but arguably impressed more with his agility in open play. The over-ager confidently stepped around opponents and coolly dished the ball out, remaining upright under pressure. Like Wood, he is coming off some valuable weeks at Reserves level.

SOUTH FREMANTLE:

#1 Cameron Maynard
Small Forward/Wing | 171cm | 14/08/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 marks, 2 inside 50s

After enjoying a stint in South Fremantle’s League side, Maynard was up for the fight in his Colts return. He may not have found much of the footy but made his presence felt in a physical sense, setting the tone with manic pressure and big bumps. Acting as a battering ram, he laid a few late hits and tended to play on the edge, which suited the derby atmosphere. His hunt, chase and repeat efforts were strong even if his attacking output was shut down by Jordan Gould.

#20 Hudson Graham
Key Defender | 194cm | 28/05/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles

While capable of playing up on the wing, Graham looks most comfortable behind the ball and once again proved that on Saturday. He attacked the ball like a man possessed, crashing aerial contests and intercepting with intent. The athletic tall also looked dynamic with ball in hand and used his raking left foot to drive the ball forward whenever possible. Graham’s competitiveness and repeat efforts were noticeable throughout the four quarters and he was hardly beaten.

#23 Byron Foster
Ruck/Key Forward | 196cm | 05/06/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 17 hitouts

Forming an athletic ruck duo with Conor Bushe-Jones, Foster got to showcase his leap and mobility around the ground. He did well to compete undersized against the likes of Ramsay, while following up well at the fall of the ball. Foster’s touch and distribution were neat as he remained engaged in the play and presented an option when rotating forward.

#24 Conor Bushe-Jones
Ruck/Key Forward | 200cm | 07/08/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 tackles, 9 hitouts

Another nimble tall who rolled through the ruck, Bushe-Jones was also quite skilful in general play. He stepped around opponents seamlessly for a player his size, looking agile and confident in the process. Bushe-Jones was prepared to carry the ball and while relatively lightly framed, did his best to hold his own in aerial duels and at the contest.