Tigers too strong for poor Peel

Claremont underlined their finals credentials and exposed Peel’s vulnerability with a crushing 72-point win at Claremont Showground today.

Setting the standard with a seven-goal opening term, the Tigers showed little respect for Peel’s cohort of 16 Fremantle players as they produced their most impressive display of the season.

Gang-tackling with ferocious intent, Claremont completed their fourth consecutive victory 17.16 (118) to 6.10 (46) against a team that was third on the ladder and had often produced Fremantle-like intensity in their five victories this season.

But it was a limp and insipid Thunder performance with several Dockers playing careful football as they sat on the verge of AFL promotion.

Small forwards Jack Bradshaw and Shane McAdam set the early standard for the home team with three goals apiece in the first quarter that helped cut Peel’s defence to shreds.

If not for errant kicking and regular turnovers, Claremont would have had the result in hand by half-time.
Kepler Bradley was one of the main culprits with 1.4 though his endeavour and presence in attack provided a strong advantage against his old team.

Fourth-gamer Francis Watson stared for the Tigers with a robust running display at half-back.

The Halls Creek product had 21 disposals, took the ball inside 50 four times and while he was credited with just four tackles, his pressure on the Peel players was a significant factor in the team’s win.

Claremont were superbly served by midfielders Ryan Neates, who played for WA last week, and youngster Ryan Lim while Corey Yeo continued his good form with a tight-checking display against Matt de Boer.

Claremont big man strength was also apparent with Bradley, Beau Maister and Darcy Cameron stretching their Peel opponents.