Round 1 – East Fremantle v Claremont Match ReportSaturday, March 18, 2017 - 11:06 PM - by Chris Pike

CLAREMONT has made a statement in Round 1 of the 2017 McDonald's WAFL Premiership Season under new coach Darren Harris beating East Fremantle by 62 points at East Fremantle Oval.

East Fremantle and Claremont both narrowly missed out on playing finals in 2016 and were looking to make a winning start to 2017 to build some momentum.

It was East Fremantle who made the fast start on home turf with a four-goal to one opening quarter to catch the Tigers off guard.

However, Claremont soon steadied after Harris' first quarter-time address to a WAFL team he has coached in 2005 did the trick. The Tigers were able to turn the tide the rest of the afternoon.

Claremont was able to kick six goals to one in the second quarter to end up taking a 13-point advantage into half-time.

The Sharks were able to maintain touch throughout the third quarter with the Tigers only managing to extend their advantage to 21 points by the last change.

It was a complete domination by Claremont in the final quarter. The Tigers piled on eight goals to one in supremely impressive fashion to secure the eventual 19.9 (123) to 9.7 (61) victory.

There was plenty to like in Claremont's 62-point victory and the forward-line looked especially dangerous with the addition of Tom Lee on return from St Kilda.

He picked up right from where he left off in 2012 for the Tigers when he kicked 60 goals in the premiership year. He was outstanding for Claremont kicking five goals from 19 possessions and seven marks.

Beau Maister also kicked three goals for the Tigers with small forward Zac Langdon booting three to go with 21 possessions. Alexander Manuel chipped in with two goals and Ian Richardson worked hard for 19 touches, five marks and a goal.

Claremont's midfield also got on top of East Fremantle led by reigning Sandover Medallist Jye Bolton. He ended up with 26 possessions for the Tigers.

Ryan Lim racked up 28 disposals as well while Tom Ledger finished with 27 touches, Ryan Neates 24 (and two goals) and captain Jake Murphy 20 (seven tackles).

Haydn Busher was solid down back and set up play well also with 20 possessions and seven marks.

Matthew Watson did provide a target in attack for East Fremantle kicking three goals with veteran Brett Peake chipping in for two.

Jesse Adamini was a real shining light for the Sharks racking up 27 possessions in just his eighth league appearance.

Returning ruckman Cameron Symonds was another impressive performer ending the afternoon with 15 disposals, seven marks, 29 hit outs and a goal.

East Fremantle did also have some good ball winners with Cameron Eardley collecting 25 possessions, Conor Regan 24, Jayden Schofield 23, Ryan Lester-Smith 22 and Dion Anthony 20.

Jonathon Marsh also showed some good signs in his first game back after his time in the AFL with Collingwood. He had 20 possessions and could have had a better afternoon with better kicking on goal. He booted 1.3.

East Fremantle takes on reigning premiers Peel Thunder at Bendigo Bank Stadium next Saturday. Claremont has the bye before a Round 3 clash with Perth at Lathlain Park.

EAST FREMANTLE        4.2    5.2    8.5    9.7    (61)
CLAREMONT            1.1    7.3    11.8    19.9    (123)

EAST FREMANTLE – Goals: Watson 3; Peake 2; Perham, Marsh, Symonds.
Best: Adamini, Eardley, Regan, Marsh, Symonds, Schofield, Lester-Smith.
CLAREMONT – Goals: Lee 5; Langdon, Maister 3; Manuel, Neates 2; I Richardson, Murphy, Lim, Bolton.
Best: Bolton, Lee, Langdon, Neates, Ledger, Lim, Busher, I Richardson.