Smallwood shines in colts season opener

Youngster Tyron Smallwood has begun the new WAFL season in outstanding style, leading Claremont colts to a 17-point win over West Perth in round 1 at HBF Arena on Good Friday.

Making the move to play colts for Claremont after a stellar year playing for Royals in the Great Southern Football League in 2017, Smallwood was named in his new side’s best players in the season-opener.

The talented midfielder was playing just his second WAFL colts match and gathered 28 possessions to go with six inside 50s and two goals in a lively display through the middle of the ground.

It was a brilliant start to 2018 for Smallwood, who is hoping to make the State under-18s side and press his claims for selection in the AFL draft later in the year.

In a day when five Great Southern footballers played in the colts side, Borden junior Anthony Davis was also a shining light in the victory.

Playing on a wing and across half-back, Davis finished with 15 disposals, three marks, three inside 50s and a goal to be named in the best players alongside Smallwood.

Ex-Royals forward Tom Baldwin collected 13 touches and laid three tackles, also playing through the midfield, while Jordan Clark, who played for Railways, also had 13 possessions and former Royals big man Hamish McMorran had seven kicks.

Speedy Mt Barker wingman Russell Wynne was very impressive in his debut for East Fremantle, being one of their better contributors in their reserves despite a heavy 51-point defeat to Peel Thunder on Good Friday.

Russell Wynne collected 22 touches and six inside 50s and kicked a goal to go with seven tackles.

Former North Albany livewire Jesse Wynne also played reserves for the Sharks, kicking a goal from 12 possessions.

North Albany junior Rhett Lloyd was named in Claremont reserves’ best players in his first senior game since stepping up from the colts.

He gathered 22 possessions and nine marks and laid five tackles as his side won by 61 points.

Addison Dew and Corey Hitchcock, both former North Albany players, kicked a goal apiece in the win.

Ongerup product Angus Litherland booted a goal for Subiaco in their 118-point league mauling of East Perth, while former Railways big man Beau Maister kicked three goals for Claremont’s league side as they went down to West Perth.