SOUTH Fremantle has cashed in its double chance, progressing to the WAFL Colts final three after defeating West Perth by 35 points in Saturday’s semi-final. The Bulldogs overcame a sluggish start to set up a strong lead and rallied with a fourth quarter shutout to eliminate the plucky Falcons.

Having trailed by a goal at quarter time, South piled on six goals in term two, which proved crucial as the rain set in after half time. The Bulldogs’ inaccuracy left the door ajar for a Falcons fightback, as they cut the margin to just seven points heading into three-quarter time with a run of four unanswered goals.

With the advantage of the scoring end to finish, South Fremantle matched that feat in the final quarter to seal a strong victory. The result sets up a rematch against Claremont in a mouthwatering preliminary final matchup on Sunday, with the winner to face minor premier East Fremantle in the big dance.

SOUTH FREMANTLE 1.4 | 7.9 | 7.14 | 11.18 (84)
WEST PERTH 2.4 | 3.6 | 7.7 | 7.7 (49)

GOALS:
South Fremantle: C. Matera 3, E. Nathan 2, R. Stannard 2, K. Clucas, C. Douglas, C. Maynard, J. McAuliffe
West Perth: H. Wain 2, M. Collins, L. De Fraine, B. Fitch, H. Spawton-Guy, R. Williamson

BEST:
South Fremantle: B. Foster, H. Graham, C. Vanderhoek, J. McAuliffe, R. Stannard, K. Clucas
West Perth: C. Creyk, T. Barrowclough, R. Williamson, M. Collins, L. Boczar, H. Spawton-Guy

SOUTH FREMANTLE:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Finishing with 1.3, Maynard showed plenty of killer instinct without the finishing touch to match. The lively small forward pounced on any opportunity to attack, searching high up the ground and using his speed to create panic on the way back to goal. Maynard’s crafty ball use and incredibly clean ground level craft were clear to see, helping forge his several scoring chances. He missed a few shots on the fly but came up clutch to slot a team-lifting goal in the final quarter, followed by his trademark acrobatics in celebration. He possesses all the great small forward tropes.

#12 Chace Vanderhoek
Midfielder | 177cm | 14/05/2009

Stats: 29 disposals, 4 marks, 8 inside 50s

Vanderhoek’s consistency and production have been remarkable this season, proving to be an integral part of South Fremantle’s lineup as a bottom-ager. He put in another massive shift to accumulate possessions on the inside and outside, helping dictate play in every phase. His hands were quick and clean at stoppage, and he helped facilitate give-and-go passages as South Fremantle surged in transition. He simply demanded possession and worked hard for it.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles

Graham has settled nicely back behind the ball and owned his area on Saturday. The competitive and mobile tall was a trusted distributor deep in defence, but also ventured high up the field to help keep possession or gain territory. Graham mopped up plenty of loose West Perth kicks and made an impact in the air with courageous intercept attempts. His blend of athleticism and determination was highlighted by his defensive efforts, including desperate smothers and tackles.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 8 tackles, 28 hitouts

Foster had claims on being best afield for his efforts in the ruck, where he tends to play his best footy. His leap and reach served him well when competing aerially, leading the game for hitouts while also extending to clunk a few impressive pack marks. It’s clear his time in defence has done him wonders in that department. Foster took up good positions behind the ball to help lock it in South Fremantle’s front half, especially in the early stages. He showcased his agility with several clearances and a couple of attempts on goal, nimbly stepping into space before letting fly.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 15 hitouts

Bushe-Jones provided ample fold for Foster in the ruck, with both players also rotating forward. Lean and athletic, the 200cm prospect consistently showed great poise with ball in hand to navigate tight spots and join in on his side’s waves of possession. He improvised well in open play and was agile enough to stay out of danger before releasing the ball to teammates. Bushe-Jones lacked the marking output of other talls on the day, but the conditions weren’t exactly conducive to it.

WEST PERTH:

#9 Tadhg Barrowclough
Tall Defender | 191cm | 22/06/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks

Playing somewhat of a goalkeeping role deep in defence, Barrowclough cut off plenty of shallow shots and errant West Perth entry kicks. He was tested at ground level but thrived aerially, stamping his authority with timely spoils and several strong intercept marks. The bottom-ager was a steadying influence across the last line with his expert positioning and solid frame.

#12 Harvey Spawton-Guy
Key Forward | 195cm | 08/09/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

While he struggled to convert his chances amid a fierce breeze, finishing with 1.3, Spawton-Guy provided a much-needed focal point inside 50. He presented full-chested on the lead and was drawn into his side’s forward 50 entries, often gaining separation in front position. While capable of outbodying his opponent one-on-one, Spawton-Guy was also willing to search up the ground for opportunities. One of his defining moments came early in the piece, as he applied pressure to force a turnover on the wing and combined with teammates by hand before launching the ball long inside 50 for a direct goal assist. His mobility and dexterity in open play were impressive in tough conditions for a marking forward. He also had a brief stint in the ruck to outline his versatility.

#24 Campbell Creyk
Midfielder | 182cm | 03/04/2009

Stats: 30 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Creyk was utterly enormous in midfield, leading all comers in a display of raw power, speed and toughness. He was willing to crash and bash his way to the ball, applying great pressure at the contest while effortlessly evading it with his explosive shift in gears. The bottom-age bull surged the ball forward at all costs and looked dangerous when combining for repeat possessions through the corridor, often ending in forward 50 entries. Creyk can continue to work on his composure and foot skills, but proved he was capable of hitting up short targets on the run. Plenty to work with.

#29 Rafe Williamson
Defender/Wing | 189cm | 26/09/2009

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Williamson was arguably West Perth’s most daring and effective player in transition, helping launch several end-to-end passages throughout the day. His raw leg speed was a go-to weapon, allowing the bottom-ager to breeze past opponents and take ground before launching long kicks into attack. While capable of desperate defensive acts, that kind of play earned Williamson a move up to the wing after half time where he could more readily hurt South Fremantle on the overlap.

#34 Maxim Collins
Key Defender/Forward | 194cm | 06/11/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal

Collins’ playreading was outstanding in the first half before he was swung forward as West Perth chased the win. The bottom-ager acted quickly to reel in several shrewd intercept marks, doing so cleanly and with minimal fuss. His aerial presence was complimented by an outstanding smother and recovery effort during the second quarter, as Collins did everything he could to shut down the Bulldogs’ offensive threats. He was less prevalent ahead of the ball but slotted a set shot goal in the third term as the Falcons rallied.