Tigers turn tables on Lions

Subiaco’s premiership ambitions have been dealt a brutal reality check after a determined Claremont produced a memorable upset at the Showgrounds this afternoon.

The Tigers had won just two matches for the season heading into the WA Day contest, but sealed the nine-point win with a dominant third term where they kicked four goals to one.

The visitors surged late after being four goals down early in the final quarter to produce a thrilling climax, but a contested mark and goal from Tigers forward Anton Hamp with four minutes to go sealed the 13.9 (87) to 10.18 (78) win.

Subiaco were left to rue a last term where they booted 2.10 from a glut of chances.

Claremont’s midfield was ultimately the difference despite the absence of skipper Jake Murphy, with Andrew Foster,

Corey Yeo, Luke Blackwell and Jack Bradshaw all prominent.

The Lions were surprisingly flat coming off the State game bye and have now lost three of their past four matches ahead of a top-of-the-table clash with Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval.

Their prospects have taken a further battering in the short term, with Wayde Twomey ruled out with a serious calf injury before the match and expected to miss several weeks.

Matthew Boland booted four goals for Subiaco to soar to the top of the WAFL’s goal kicking tally, but the solo effort in attack was not enough given the limited supply.

Claremont’s smaller forwards made up for the lack of a dominant tall target, with Bradshaw and Jack Richardson each chiming in with three goals.

Foster provided the class in the third term when the game was on the line to give the hosts a critical edge.

Foster kicked his second goal early in the quarter from a composed set shot and won several crucial clearances to set up his side’s 18-point lead at the final break that proved crucial.

Both sides had earlier traded goals in an absorbing opening half.

The Lions led by the narrowest of margins at quarter time after the returning Rhys Waters hit the scoreboard twice to support Boland.

But with young stars such as George Hampson and Chris Phelan well held, the Tigers got themselves far enough in front to hold off the opposition’s late charge.