Bulldogs go down in final derby of 2013

SOUTH Fremantle was unable to repeat its Foundation Derby performance or continue its recent strong form on Saturday in a disappointing final derby for 2013 at Fremantle Oval.

South Fremantle was outstanding back in the Foundation Derby at East Fremantle Oval thumping East Fremantle by 67 points on that occasion and then the Bulldogs’ recent form had been encouraging as well.

Following a disappointing 52-point loss to Swan Districts in Round 14, South Fremantle did well the next two weeks to be in winning positions against top-four teams Claremont and Perth in the final quarter before narrowly going down.

The Bulldogs then put in an outstanding performance last weekend up at Arena Joondalup to beat the second-placed West Perth in emphatic fashion by 39 points to climb off the bottom of the ladder.

Unfortunately, the Bulldogs couldn’t continue that this Saturday at Fremantle Oval, though, with East Fremantle running out 20.18 (138) to 8.7 (55) winners to claim the Uittenbroek-Ciccotosto Cup in the final derby of 2013.

It was a disappointing day for South Fremantle but Mitch Banner once again did all he could finishing with another 31 possessions and kicking two goals to go with five entries inside the forward 50.

Captain Ryan Cook also worked tirelessly picking up 24 disposals while youngster Brendan Verrier showed strong signs gathering 21 disposals.

Haiden Schloithe also continued his emergence as a prime midfielder in the competition finishing with 23 possessions, six inside-50 entries and five tackles.

Reece Adams put in perhaps his best effort of the season to date with 20 touches and a goal while Kris Miller had 19 possessions, Toby Bairstow 18 and Tim Kelly 16.

The back-line was under siege all afternoon with East Fremantle going inside-50 a massive 65 times but the young Bulldogs defenders did all they could and Adam McIntosh ended up with 24 possessions, Dylan Ross 17, Nick Borovac 17 and Mitch Carter 16.

South Fremantle’s reserves put in a strong performance, though, beating East Fremantle comfortably 16.12 (108) to 10.6 (66) in the tough conditions at Fremantle Oval.

John Sgherza kicked three goals for the Bulldogs from 17 possessions with Myles Bolger putting in a good effort in the ruck with 17 disposals, six marks, 15 hit outs, seven inside-50 entries and two goals.

Blaine Johnson and Kingsley Smith also kicked two goals for South Fremantle with Sam Lowrie outstanding with 24 possessions and two goals as well.

Rhys D’Alton gathered 21 disposals, Jarrod Parry 20, Alex Grima 17, Jason Maskos 17 and Dylan Main 17.

South Fremantle’s colts started the derby day well at Fremantle Oval with a narrow 8.12 (60) to 7.12 (54) win over East Fremantle.

Willie Rioli booted four goals from just eight kicks for South Fremantle with Jermaine Lewis also booting two majors.

Bailey Matera finished with 21 possessions for the Bulldogs to go with five inside-50 entries and four tackles. Braden Fimmano collected 18 disposals, Jarrod Garlett 18, Tim Stewart 17 and Jacob Dragovich 17.

SOUTH FREMANTLE 3.1 5.3 7.4 8.7 (55)

EAST FREMANTLE 6.7 11.10 16.16 20.18 (138)

SOUTH FREMANTLE – Goals: Saunders, Mugambwa, Banner 2; Adams, Gillespie.

Best: Banner, McIntosh, Schloithe, Verrier, Adams, Cook.

EAST FREMANTLE – Goals: Perham 5; Lester-Smith 4; Young 3; Dick 2; Depane, Bayliss, Cronan, Peake, Tropiano, Hadley.

Best: O’Brien, Hancock, Stephen, Tropiano, Perham, Cooper, Sheppard.

By Chris Pike