WAFL Recap: Round 15 – Tigers win big as Demons, Sharks prevail in thrillers

Most games went to script last weekend as a former Geelong Cat did the damage for the Demons.

Perth 13.7 (85) v Swan Districts 10.12 (72)

The Black Ducks put up a strong fight at Mineral Resources Park, winning the clearance and inside 50 battles and having more scoring shots, but they were unable to capitalise with the Demons running out with a 13-point victory at home.

Blake Schlensog, who is in stunning form, was the catalyst booting four goals from 18 disposals and 10 marks, while also winning 18 hit outs.

Key forward Zack Derkson also kicked four majors while Sandover fancy Brandon Parfitt led from the front all day winning 28 possessions.

Matthew Taylor and Corey Byrne were also superb, while 19-year-old Cooper Moore played the best game of his young career, kicking two goals.

Swans put up good numbers again, with Jesse Turner, Jye Chalcraft and Jehb O’Donohue giving it their all, while Max Chipper and Nathan Blakely also chipped in with strong performances.

Leigh Kohlmann added three goals to his season tally to take his total to 28.

Claremont 18.14 (122) v Subiaco 5.5 (35)

The Tigers dismantled the Lions, allowing just 1.1 in three combined quarters.

It was a dominant display from Claremont who took second spot back from the Royals, thanks to big performances from their midfield trio of Jye Bolton (35 disposals, nine marks), Callan England (31 disposals, eight marks, one goal) and Bailey Rogers (29 disposals, nine marks, two goals).

Max Minnear was fantastic, as was Oliver Eastland through the ruck, while Talon Delacey cashed in with four goals.

Keiran Gowdie slotted three to take his season total to 28 and Jaiden Hunter and Joel Western each added two majors as well.

There wasn’t much to celebrate for Subiaco, whose percentage dipped to the worst in the competition, but Stefan Giro, Liam Hickmott, Taj Schofield and Tyler Senge all battled hard.

East Fremantle 12.14 (86) v Peel Thunder 11.10 (76)

The Sharks widened the gap between fifth and sixth with an important win over the reigning premiers to stay within a game of the two sides ahead of them inside the top five.

East Fremantle led early, but the Thunder stormed back with a six goal to zero third term that saw Peel take the lead heading into the final break.

It was a mature and vital final term comeback from the Sharks, who kicked two goals in the middle period of the last quarter to reclaim the lead, before piling on six straight behinds to finish the game.

It wasn’t a clean or pretty win, but to be a finals team these are the games you just have to win.

Reuben McGuire, Jarrad Jansen and Jono Marsh all impressed, as did Kyle Baskerville. Jack Cleaver was brilliant with 21 disposals, 11 tackles and two goals, while Zachary Rankin, Austin Ball and Mitchell Zadow all kicked multiple goals.

Isaiah Dudley and Liam Reidy were the best of the Thunder, while Will Brodie was back to his best upon return and Traye Bennell also played well.