Plenty of bark left in Bulldogs

South Fremantle’s impressive finish to the home and away season continued with a hard-fought 46-point win against Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval today.

Swans had won both previous clashes between the two teams in 2014, eking out a 10-point home victory in round four and holding on by five points at Fremantle Oval in round 13.

The chances of a Swan Districts clean sweep looked possible after they twice reduced the margin to 16 points in the final quarter.

South Fremantle steadied to take the match 18.7 (115) to 9.15 (69).

It was the Bulldogs’ fourth win from their past five games, set up by a dominant effort from Ashton Hams.

Former West Coast utility player Hams had 43 possessions, 12 marks and eight inside 50s to spearhead his side’s seventh win for the season.

Others to do well for the winners included key position player James Sellar, midfielder Haiden Schloithe, full back Dylan Ross and utility player Anthony Collica.

Forwards Josh Pullman and Ben Sanders were also productive with five goals and four respectively.

Swan Districts were well served by veteran Ryan Davis, centre half-forward Tim Geappen, utility player Justin Simpson and midfielders Blaine Boekhorst and Aaron Elari.

Swans, like so many times before this season, were slow out of the blocks.

South Fremantle had all the early play with Hams dictating play, the visitors 27 points up at quarter time.

Swans’ first goal came at the 12-minute mark of the second term, Matt Rogers kicking accurately.

The Bulldogs led by 24 points at half time and turned for home with a 31-points advantage.

The two clubs split the minor grades, Swans taking out the colts by 57 points and Swan Districts the reserves by 85 points.

John Sgherza staked his claim for a recall to South Fremantle’s senior side with 21 possessions, four marks and six goals in the reserves whilee Adam McIntosh found plenty of the football with 37 possessions, 10 marks, nine inside 50s and a goal.

League regular Paul Mugambwa was also busy with 18 possessions, nine marks, four tackles and three goals.

Swans’ colts side is certain to take out the minor premiership, five games clear with two rounds remaining.