Local trio play in Claremont’s homecoming

Railways duo Beau Maister and Matt Palfrey, along with Denmark-Walpole’s Jesse Laurie, were part of Claremont’s memorable first match at their redeveloped home ground, as their side posted a thrilling three-point win over East Fremantle on Saturday.

Playing in front of a strong crowd at Claremont Oval, Palfrey and Laurie were recalled to the league team and all three of the Great Southern players had an impact at some stage of the contest.

Former West Coast Eagles and St Kilda key position player Maister finished with 1.3 from 14 disposals, six marks and two inside 50s, while Palfrey kicked a crucial goal to go with five marks and 13 touches.

Laurie, who spent time on Port Adelaide’s list, was solid in his return to the league side, collecting 12 possessions and six marks.

Ex-Royals midfielder Steven Edwards was a late inclusion into South Fremantle’s league side.

Edwards was busy throughout the contest, gathering 20 disposals, six marks and two inside 50s, but his side went down to Peel Thunder by six points.

Mt Barker’s Ben Saunders had only eight touches but kicked 3.3 and provided a highlight with a mark-of-the-year contender, leaping high on an opponent’s shoulders to take a trademark hang.

Skilful pair Morgan Davies and Bailey Bennett produced superb performances for Claremont’s reserves side as they beat Peel by four points.

Davies, a former Royals junior playing his 50th club game for Claremont, had a career-high at WAFL level with 33 possessions, eight tackles, four inside 50s and a goal.

Bennett, who hails from Railways, was also dominant with 25 disposals, six marks and seven inside 50s.

In the colts, ex-Royals midfielder Declan McNamara was named in Claremont’s best players, with 20 touches, three marks and three tackles, to have a strong influence in the 27-point loss.