2025 WAFL season review : ClaremontMonday, October 20, 2025 - 12:20 PM

Claremont’s bid to win its first premiership since 2012 fell short again despite reaching the Preliminary Final.  

The Tigers bounced back from a Qualifying Final loss to East Perth to defeat the Demons in the First Semi Final before going down in a thriller to the Royals in the Preliminary Final by just five points. 

Finishing the season in second spot with 14 wins, three losses and a draw, the Tigers were a model of consistency. 

Their defeats included an 11-point loss to the Royals in Round 3, beaten by 18 points against the Bulldogs in Round 6 and in Round 13 they went down to the eventual minor premiers again by 27 points. 

But Ashley Prescott’s side secured the double chance by winning the last six matches of the home and away season, including coming from 50 points down against Perth at quarter time to claim an amazing victory in Round 19. 

Claremont’s core of senior midfielders again led the club throughout the season. 

33-year-old Jye Bolton averaged 28 disposals in 20 games, fellow Sandover Medallists Callan England and Bailey Rogers each averaged more than 20 possessions a match with Rogers also kicking 15 goals and Ben Elliott was a strong contributor as well. 

Add star ruckman Oliver Eastland into the mix, averaging 19 disposals a match through 19 matches, plus 677 hit-outs, and the Tigers were always a threat to rival sides. 

In attack, the addition of Jaiden Hunter proved a blessing with the former Bomber and Demon booting 40 goals, while Kieran Gowdie contributed 35 for the year, Talon Delacey 27, Zac Mainwaring 21 and Alec Waterman landed 20 goals. 

Experience was well supported by youth with Jasper Peace, Max Minear, Thomas Baldwin, Jack Musika, Mitch Barron and Bailey Banfield among those to play more prominent roles in 2025. 

At the club’s end of season EB Cook Medal count, Eastland beat a trio of Sandover Medallists to be named the best player in 2025. 

Another heartbreaking end to the year will lead to soul searching at Revo Fitness Stadium over summer as the Tigers desperately search for the ingredients to win that elusive flag.