FALCONS FAIL TO HOLD OFF TIGERS

WEST Perth appeared to have the game under control at the 10-minute mark of the last quarter against Claremont at HBF Arena on Saturday in the final home and away game of the season. The Falcons led by 25 points but the combination of only having one fit player on the bench and a Tigers side playing for a place in the finals was too much and they were overrun.

The first quarter was a scrappy affair with both sides finding it difficult to kick goals. A number of behinds were scored but only three majors. The first went to Aidan Lynch who bounced one through at the five-minute mark. Right on the 30-minute mark Trent Manzone took possession from a throw in to slot one for the Falcons and give them a four-point quarter-time advantage; 2.4 (16) to 1.6 (12) after a scrappy opening term.

The second quarter was more of the same but it was Claremont who kicked the first of the term at the 10-minute mark. Corey Yeo scored on the run from 40 metres to give the Tigers a four-point lead. Shortly after West Perth kicked its only goal for the quarter. Matt Johnson’s foot skills were once again on display when he passed to Michael Lourey deep in the pocket 30 out. His accurate kick gave the Falcons back the lead. There was little impact on the score board until the 24-minute mark when Oliver Tate kicked his first to give Claremont a one-point lead. This is the advantage that they took into the main break. The score line at half-time was 3.7 (25) to 3.6 (24).

The Tigers started the third quarter with three behinds to extend their lead before West Perth had their best period of the game kicking four goals in quick time. They moved the ball quickly and used it precisely. The first didn’t come until the 18-minute mark and this was a second to Lourey after some really good work by Blake Wilhelm. The next went to Lynch who marked and played on, his shot went wide but because the umpire hadn’t called play on he had to come back for his shot. He proceeded to kick his second from 50 metres out. Ray Bartholomew then showed his ability to kick the really difficult goals when he snapped a beauty from 40 on the boundary. Johnson completed the run of four at the 25-minute mark when he took a strong mark 20 metres out after some good work by Chris Keunen and Jay van Berlo. The lead was out to 20 points in a short space of time. Jack Bradshaw got one back for Claremont before Aaron Black passed to big man, Keunen, who scored from the square. As the quarter ticked well past the 30-minute mark the Tigers kicked a goal and a behind to reduce the margin to 13 points at the last change. West Perth led 8.6 (54) to 5.11 (41).

Last quarters have been one of the strengths of the Falcons and when they kicked the first two goals of the last quarter supporters could be excused for relaxing and thinking that the game was under control. Goals to Matt Fowler and Steve Potente appeared to give West Perth enough of a buffer at the 10-minute mark. To their credit, realising that their season was on the line, Claremont responded. They kicked four goals, the winner at the 28-minute mark to snatch a season saving two-point victory. West Perth tried to soak up time as they were disadvantaged by their lack of interchange options but it was not to be. Former Falcon, Kepler Bradley, kicked two of these. Up until the injury to Marcus Adams he had been well held. Final scores were 9.15 (69) to 10.7 (67).

At the end of the home and away season West Perth has three teams in the finals; the only WAFL club to do so. All three sides will play at HBF Arena next Sunday with the reserves starting the day off at 9am.

On Saturday the colts were beaten by Claremont, the reserves drew and the league just went under. Best players in the great come back by the reserves were Max Alexander, Marc Crisp, Ben McGillivray, Sam Money and best was Jesse Kirwen. League players to receive awards included Steven Browne, Jay van Berlo, Nick Rodda, Aaron Black and Steve Potente. Blake Wilhelm also did a great job across half back. In his speech, senior coach, Bill Monaghan stated that this was the first time since he had been at the club that all three teams were in the finals. Be there on Sunday to help keep the run going.

ARTICLE BY DARRELL KENT
PHOTS BY BELINDA TAYLOR