Round 7 – Swan Districts v Claremont Match ReportMonday, May 1, 2017 - 11:26 AM - by Chris Pike

SWAN Districts and Claremont had both made encouraging starts to 2017 but were coming off losses ahead of Saturday's clash at Steel Blue Oval.

One of them had to bounce back while the other's start to the season would somewhat be diminished with a defeat on Saturday setting up a fascinating clash at the Bassendean venue who have become used to some remarkable battles over the past decade.

Swans have started the season impressively winning their opening four games and it was only a narrow five-point loss to West Perth at HBF Arena last week that saw them lose for the first time.

The Tigers, meanwhile, started well under new coach Darren Harris winning their first three games before losses to top two teams, South Fremantle and Subiaco over the past fortnight.

It set up a terrific contest at Steel Blue Oval and it was the home team who managed to lead by eight points by quarter-time.

Claremont turned that around in the second quarter with three goals to one and that saw the Tigers take a five-point lead into half-time.

Again with the advantage of the breeze in the third term Swans regained the lead on the back of six goals to two to lead by what would turn out a match-winning 23 points.

Claremont was able to finish with five goals to four in the last quarter, but ultimately it wasn’t enough and Swan Districts won 15.9 (99) to 13.4 (82).

The win improves Swans to a 5-1 record on the season while the Tigers slip to 3-3. Their three losses have come against the top three teams though.

Ricky Cary continued his impressive start to the season as a key forward for Swan Districts kicking five goals from nine kicks and four marks.

Matthew Rogers returned to the Swans line-up after missing the loss to West Perth and delivered a terrific performance with 23 possessions, nine marks and three goals.

Small forward Taryce Stewart also booted three goals for the black-and-whites and Brayden Noble two.

Adam Faulkner had another strong performance in the midfield for Swans finishing with 24 possessions while Matt Riggio gathered 22 disposals, David Ellard 21 (13 tackles), Xavier Ellis 20, Jesse Turner 17 and Jarrad Blight 17.

Alex Howard was tremendous in defence holding Tom Lee to three kicks and no score.

The only downside for Swans was a knee injury to Ryan Crowley.

Jack Bradshaw started the season in the reserves for Claremont but continues to make the most of his league opportunities kicking another four goals on Saturday.

Beau Maister, Ian Richardson and Ryan Lim also kicked two goals apiece for the Tigers.

Lim also racked up 32 possessions while Jye Bolton finished with 26 disposals, Ryan Murphy 22, Harrison McCracken 21, Bailey Banfield 20, Morgan Davies 20 and Haydn Busher 19.

Mitch Andrews battled hard in the ruck for Claremont with 45 hit outs to go with 11 disposals, four marks and four tackles up against both Corey Gault and Jake Nuich.

Swan Districts remain at Steel Blue Oval next Saturday to take on Subiaco while Claremont plays a rare home game at Fremantle Community Bank Oval up against Peel Thunder due to Claremont Oval still being unavailable.

SWAN DISTRICTS        4.2    5.4    11.8    15.9    (99)
CLAREMONT            3.0    6.3    8.3    13.4    (82)

SWAN DISTRICTS – Goals: Cary 5; Stewart, Rogers 3; Noble 2; Ugle, Banfield.
Best: Rogers, Cary, Howard, Faulkner, Ellard, Ellis, Stewart.
CLAREMONT – Goals: Bradshaw 4; Maister, Lim, Richardson 2; J Murphy, Holt, Hardisty.
Best: Lim, Bolton, R Murphy, Andrews, Bradshaw, Busher.