Host of Great Southern players impress in Claremont’s terrific second semifinal win over Peel Thunder in WAFL

A group of Great Southern players have helped Claremont advance to the league preliminary final after a spectacular 59-point first semifinal win over Peel Thunder at the Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday. Former Royals and Albany midfielder Tyron Smallwood was a stand-out in the WAFL triumph, snagging three goals to go with 17 disposals and six tackles. The Tigers had opened up a 20-point lead at the main break but a dominant second half was the catalyst in the win as they piled on nine goals to Thunder’s three. After a see-sawing start to the contest, both sides managed just two majors in the opening term but the Tigers added five more in the second quarter to go into the main break ahead. A goal to Smallwood in the opening minute of the second term got the Tigers going and the crafty forward added another at the 24th-minute mark. Smallwood had his third by the fifth minute of the third term and when Max Spyvee kicked his second of the afternoon, the Tigers had five successive goals and were up by 33 points. Four goals in the third term and five in the fourth quarter helped the Tigers steam home to a resounding 16.15 (111) to 8.4 (52) victory and eliminate the Thunder. North Albany’s Talon Delacey was called up for his maiden league finals appearance, racking up nine touches, two marks and two tackles. Claremont captain and North Albany junior Declan Mountford collected 14 disposals to go with five tackles, four marks and three inside-50s. Borden’s Anthony Davis was impressive across half-back with 13 possessions and six marks while Gnowangerup’s Timm House was swung back to defence and finished with 13 disposals, six marks and three inside-50s. House also kept young Fremantle Dockers forward Josh Treacy to a single major. Meanwhile the Tigers reserves team lost their second semifinal, going down to West Perth by 55 points on Saturday at Pentanet Stadium. Ex-Albany tall Kieran Gowdie recorded 37 hit-outs to go with 10 disposals and two tackles. Railways defender Jacob Blight was rock solid in the back half to finish with 18 disposals and five marks. Former Royals and Albany midfielder Morgan Davies played his first game of the season after serious injury. Davies was superb, named in Claremont’s best players after his 24 disposals and six marks. Railways’ Bailey Bennett gathered 12 touches and four marks while forward Coen Jackman (Railways) was quiet with only five possessions. Claremont’s league side is now set to face East Fremantle in the preliminary final at New Choice Homes Park on Sunday. In the reserves Claremont will face Subiaco for a place in the grand final.