{"id":128208,"date":"2023-04-10T21:00:06","date_gmt":"2023-04-10T11:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=128208"},"modified":"2023-04-10T21:00:08","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T11:00:08","slug":"around-the-grounds-2023-wafl-round-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2023\/04\/10\/around-the-grounds-2023-wafl-round-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Around the Grounds: 2023 WAFL – Round 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

THE EASTER long weekend saw the long awaited resumption of the WAFL, with Western Australia’s premier competition delivering some thrilling results in what was an action packed start to the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claremont exacted some redemption for last year\u2019s heartbreaking Grand Final loss, downing reigning premier West Perth by 13 points in a scrappy clash in Joondalup. The Tigers controlled the contest from the outset, leading at every change and steadying late to pick up a hard-fought four points and kickstart their campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Leederville Oval, East Perth began a new era under Ross McQueen in the best possible fashion, downing Swan Districts by one point in a thrilling encounter. In a see-sawing game, the Royals held the ascendency in the first half before surviving a fierce comeback from the Black Ducks to record an opening round win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peel Thunder opened its account with a victory, storming home to defeat East Fremantle by four points in Mandurah. The Sharks controlled the clash for large portions of the game and led by 21 points at the final change only to be ran down from behind courtesy of a spirited comeback from the Thunder who were well aided by their Fremantle-listed contingent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Fremantle took its first step towards parity, defeating a competitive but outclassed West Coast side by 43 points at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. Having started the season on minus-eight points due to salary cap infringements, it was a crucial first up win from the Bulldogs as they look to make up the ground on the rest of the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, Subiaco came from behind to run over an impressive Perth outfit by 26-points at Mineral Resources Park. The Demons, under new coach Peter German for the first time, shot out to an early lead but ran out of steam as the Lions held them scoreless in the final term to notch up an opening round win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DRAFT PROSPECTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two of the state\u2019s more highly touted draft prospects in Riley Hardeman<\/a> and Koltyn Tholstrup<\/a> <\/strong>both made their League debuts in the opening round and were solid contributors to their respective sides. Tholstrup was lively playing in the front half for Subiaco, gathering 15 disposals and having four shots on goal while Hardeman didn\u2019t look out of place playing behind the ball, gathering 10 disposals in a good first up showing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Koltyn Tholstrup made his League debut for Subiaco | Image Credit: Subiaco FC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MATURE AGER TO WATCH: <\/strong>Jack Buller<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After an impressive finals series, Buller kicked off the new campaign with an imposing performance; racking up 16 disposals, 10 marks and a goal to be a strong contributor in the Tigers first-up win. The 21 year-old was impressive overhead, clunking a number of contested grabs and could have been the dominant player on the ground had he finished his work, finishing with four behinds. Having played at both Under 16 and 18 level for Western Australia across various key posts, Buller would be no stranger to recruiters and could be one to keep an eye as someone destined for higher honours if he continues his development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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