Dazzling Dalziell guides Sharks past Tigers

Hard-running midfielder Bradd Dalziell was was the catalyst when East Fremantle beat Claremont by 75 points at East Fremantle Oval today.

Former Brisbane and West Coast wingman Dalziell was in dynamic form in the warm conditions, creating numerous opportunities for Sharks forwards from the opening bounce.

Dalziell finished with 30 possessions, eight marks, four inside 50s and four goals in East Fremantle’s 21.11 (137) to 9.8 (62) victory.

The home taking took control with seven consecutive goals after the Tigers hit the front in the opening minute of the second quarter following goals to Jack Richardson and Andrew Foster.

Sharks midfielders Sean Henson, Jamie McNamara, Scott Hancock and Rory O’Brien were also prominent while O’Brien’s brother, Brock, was outstanding in defence.

Sharks forward Richard Bourne made an eye-catching debut, kicking four goals, while centre half-forward Jack Perham had a purple patch of form with three consecutive goals in the second quarter.

Claremont’s better players were midfielders Luke Blackwell, Tom Ledger and Ryan Neates, classy forward Andrew Foster and tall utility player Mark Seaby.

It was Claremont who were first out of the blocks and the visitors had two of the first three goals of the match to Keifer Yu and Seaby.

The Sharks, with Dalziell leading the way, hit back with the next four goals to skip 16 points clear.

The Tigers rallied with goals to Jack Richardson and Matt Davies before Dalziell replied with his third goal for the term to give the home side an 11-point lead at quarter time.

Accurate kicks to Richardson and classy forward Andrew Foster gave Claremont a one-point lead five minutes into the second stanza.

East Fremantle rattled on the next five goals, three to Jack Perham, and had opened up a commanding 32-point lead at half time.

Claremont won both the minor grades to start the day on a positive note.

The Tigers colts, missing six players to under-18 or AIS duties, posted a 12.12 (84) to 9.10 (64) victory.

Claremont’s reserves were more emphatic, taking out the match 14.15 (89) to 12.9 (81).

Mathew Aitchison staked his claim for a league recall with a dominant effort in the reserves.

Former Swan Districts tagger Aitchison had 28 possessions, four tackles and eight inside 50s while dual premiership ruckman Mitch Andrews signalled a return to senior ranks might not be far away with 15 possessions, four marks, 24 hit-outs, three inside 50s and a goal.