Strijk shines in Falcons triumph

West Perth held on during a tough last quarter to end Claremont’s good recent record at the Showground and stay within touch of the top four.

In a game marred by terrible skills from both teams, with each of them totalling nearly 400 disposals, the Falcons were more efficient at critical times in winning 10.14 (74) to 9.11 (65).

But the Tigers gave them a great scare by coming from 31 points behind at the last change to cut the deficit to nine as veteran Mark Seaby twice converted strong marks inside the forward 50.

Andrew Strijk was the standout performer in the dour contest with his sublime kicking ability allowing him to provide West Perth with great rebound from defence.

The former West Coast player had 26 disposals, including 20 kicks that went directly to a team-mate, while his 11 marks at half-back were instrumental in keeping the Tigers at bay.

It was Claremont’s first loss at their temporary home ground this season and, despite playing just a handful of matches there in nearly a century, their first defeat there since their inaugural season in 1926.

Defenders held sway for most the game with Claremont tyro Hugo Breakey keeping Marc Crisp touchless in the first half before getting the better of Anthony Tsalikis.

Nic Rodda was well held by Lachlan Davey while Claremont veteran Brandon Franz kept Marcus Adams goalless.

West Perth got great service from their back men as Kris Shannon, perhaps the speediest player in the league, dashing forward to kick two goals after blanketing Stephen Edwards.

West Perth’s potent midfield was prominent again with Rohan Kerr (32 possessions), Shane Nelson (30), Aaron Black (29) and Jay van Berlo (23) amassing 80 effective disposals between them.

Luke Blackwell (30 touches) was a prime mover for the Tigers while Ryan Neates, Sam Fong and Corey Yeo got plenty of the ball.

After spending much of the first half of the season playing as a permanent forward, Seaby was used as Claremont’s primary ruckman and had a great tussle with Falcons’ second-gamer Seva Martin.