Claremont Season Review

Claremont’s wait to win its first flag since in more than a decade continues after yesterday’s devastating 62-point defeat to Peel Thunder at Optus Stadium.

Claremont has been a regular finalist over the past 15 years but only have one premiership to show for their efforts, back in 2012.

The season began in stunning fashion for Ashley Prescott’s charges, winning their opening six games, including a victory over eventual minor premiers and their Grand Final opponents Peel Thunder, plus a superb come from behind win over reigning premiers South Fremantle in Round 3.

They spent the first 10 weeks of the season on top of the table, their only defeat during that period coming in Round 7 against East Perth.

Claremont suffered a mid-season slump losing in Round 9,10,13 and 14, but they still sat second on the table after the period and ended the home and away season in that position to secure the double chance.

The Tigers took care of Perth in the Qualifying Final, before lowering their colour to Peel in the Second Semi Final.

Claremont’s ability to field a stable line up for much of the season was significant.

Ten Tigers have played every game this season, but the club also suffered some significant injuries, notably to key forward Jaiden Hunter who ruptured his ACL in his right knee in July having kicked 34 goals to the point of the season.

Claremont had six players average 20 disposals a game or more during the season.

Sam Alvarez produced the best season of his career, averaging 26 touches through 21 games.

Ben Elliott, Callan England, Alex Pearce, Bailey Rogers and Heath Mellody also achieved 20 possessions or more during the year.

Mellody joined fellow teenager George Gale in the League side at the back end of the season, playing five games, including two finals.

On the goalkicking front, while Hunter’s injury was a major blow, the Tigers shared the load in the back half of the season.

Kieran Gowdie (27 goals), Alex Waterman (25 goals), Zac Mainwaring and Talon Delacey (23 goals each), Sam Van Rooyen (20 goals), and Tyson Headland (17 goals) were all strong contributors.

Ashley Prescott is about to complete his sixth season in charge as coach in his second stint at Revo Fitness Stadium.

Prescott led the club to the 2022 Grand Final, only to be defeated by West Perth.

The defeat at Optus Stadium yesterday is a bitter pill to swallow for the Tigers and a pain which will last for most of the summer.