FALCONS LEAVE RUN TOO LATE

WEST Perth held Claremont to just one goal in the second half but the Falcons still lost to their opponents at the Showground on Saturday. As has been the case all year the Falcons found goals hard to come by and this was never more evident than in the first half when they kicked just two as opposed to the Tigers' seven. At no time did West Perth lead the game but it was a match that they could have won.

The conditions were sunny and fine but the ground appeared heavy as the ball rarely covered 50 metres during the course of the game. The Tigers dominated from the beginning of the first term and by the 24-minute mark led by three straight. Their goals went to Tom Ledger, Jack Bradshaw and Jackson Starcevich. The score to Bradshaw was his only one for the game as the dangerous forward was well held by Laine Rasmussen. The only Falcon goal for the quarter went to WAFL debutant Corey Chalmers who took the ball off hands to snap on his left from 30 metres out. Unfortunately for West Perth, Claremont replied right on the siren and they took an 18-point lead into the first change; 4.2 (26) to 1.2 (8).

Goals continued to be very hard to find for West Perth and their only goal for the quarter didn’t come until the 25-minute mark when Drew Rohde took advantage of some good forward line pressure to run into an open goal. This reduced the margin to 21 points but Claremont had the last two scoring shots of the quarter and as a result took a 28-point lead into the main break. They led 7.3 (45) to 2.5 (17).

The Falcons dominated the third term holding their opponents scoreless but unfortunately they only added one goal themselves. The ball spent long periods in West Perth’s half of the ground but they were unable to finish effectively. It was probably one of the most frustrating quarters of the year as the effort didn’t translate into score board pressure. At the final change Claremont led 7.3 (45) to 3.9 (27), a lead of  18 points.

Claremont kicked their first score for the half, a behind, at the four minute mark but once again West Perth dominated. Goals to Max Alexander and Seva Martin had West Perth within five points at the 13-minute mark. Claremont’s only goal for the half came four minutes later when Starcevich was awarded a mark 30 out. Luke Tedesco appeared to clearly have first touch but this didn’t matter as the straight kick took the lead back out to 11. The Tigers followed with another behind before Martin received a free 20 metres out on a sharp angle. He kicked his second and at the 21-minute mark the game was, once again, up for grabs. Both teams managed a behind in the dying minutes but at the final siren Claremont had recorded a six point victory; 8.6 (54) to 6.12 (48).

It was a dirty day for the West Perth Football Club as all three grades suffered losses but this was not unexpected as players moved up due to the number of injuries. The reserves should still finish second, if they beat Perth next week, and grab the second chance. With the number of players to come back from the league side they are a real chance to break the 54-year premiership drought. The colts won’t make the four but finished the season very strongly to just fall short. Best players for the league included Laine Rasmussen, Aaron Black, Marcus Adams, Luke Tedesco and Shane Nelson. Dan Hunt missed due to a hand injury but hopefully he will be back for his final game next week. Hunt was in elite company watching the game yesterday as fellow onlookers included Andrew Strijk, Jordan Jones, Kody Manning, Steve Potente and Nick Rodda. A handy group of players to say the least. Let’s also hope that Anthony Tsalikis can kick his 333rd goal next week and move into third spot on the all-time goal kicking list. Final game of the season for the league next week and a must win for the reserves. Be there to help get them over the line.