Schloithe’s inspirational return sparks Bulldogs reserves

Sandover medallist Haiden Schloithe’s inspirational returned has sparked South Fremantle’s reserves to a win over East Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.

The Bulldogs champion played his first game of the season, just two months after being told he was cancer-free.

Schloithe finished with 13 disposals, seven marks and a goal playing in Souths’ forward-line.

His goal early in the second term was the highlight of the game, with the popular veteran swamped by his teammates after converting a set shot from 45m out in the 19-point win – 9.10 (64) to 6.9 (45).

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The 31-year-old, who was diagnosed with cancer in January but is now in remission after surgery and several bouts of chemotherapy, spoke about his cancer battle in the lead up to his emotional comeback.

“One Friday night I woke up in the middle of the night and felt some pain in the groin area and mentioned it to the family and they said you should get it checked out and get an MRI the next day and an ultrasound and unfortunately found out the bad news,” Schloithe told 7News.

The 31-year-old, a five-time South Fremantle best-and-fairest winner, will be pushing for senior selection in the coming weeks as he builds fitness following a significant period on the sidelines.