Bulldogs hammer Sharks in Foundation Derby

SOUTH Fremantle turned on its best performance of the year and saved it for the biggest day of the WAFL season to thump East Fremantle by 67 points in the Foundation Derby at East Fremantle Oval.

The Bulldogs turned on a clinic at times kicking four goals in 13 minutes in the first quarter, six in 17 to start the second term and eight in the first 21 of the third to lead by as much as 83 points before winning by 67, 21.13 (139) to 10.12 (72).

South Fremantle has been threatening such a performance all season showing glimpses of outstanding running and attacking football, and defensive pressure and for the first time on Sunday in the Foundation Derby it all came together for four quarters.

The Sharks had no response for the tackling and defensive pressure applied on them all over the ground, and with that pressure South Fremantle was able to cause turnover after turnover.

And then with ball in hand, South Fremantle’s skills were exquisite with the running power more than East Fremantle could cope with and the Bulldogs managed to lead by as much as 83 points in the third quarter, before winning by 67 in what could be a season-defining victory.

There was not a South Fremantle player who didn’t step up and play a strong game in the derby even ruckman Sean Tighe had dominated the ruck with 22 hit outs before he went off with an ankle injury.

Alistair Gillespie had already put together a strong game by that point up forward with three first half goals, but he carried the ruck throughout the second half in the absence of Tighe for his best performance of the season for South Fremantle.

The former Claremont athletic big man finished with 27 possessions, five marks, five hit outs, five clearances, four entries inside-50 and the three goals.

While Gillespie was outstanding, it was Ashton Hams and Ryan Cook who dominated the contest and vied for best on ground honours right throughout the afternoon.

Hams was outstanding both up forward and in stints on the ball with the dual-premiership star and West Coast-listed player finishing with 34 possessions, seven marks, seven clearances, six inside-50 entries and three goals.

Captain Cook ran hard all day to continue to lead the way for the Bulldogs whether on the wing or on the ball. He finished with 31 disposals, seven marks, five clearances, eight inside-50 entries, a goal and several direct assists for goals to teammates.

There were star performers everywhere you looked, though, and when it comes to pressure once again 20-year-old midfielder Jacob Martinez led the way with another nine tackles to go with his 23 possessions.

Alex Grima and Mitch Carter both earned a recall into the league side and made the most of it with Grima finishing with 24 possessions, five tackles, four clearances and a goal off the wing, and Carter 18 touches, six marks and six rebounds from defensive 50 off half-back.

The rest of South Fremantle’s defence was rock solid as well with Justin Monaco playing his second straight Foundation Derby, and keeping returning East Fremantle big man Rob Young quiet. Last year, Monaco kicked five goals against South Fremantle.

Dylan Ross continued his outstanding form as a key defender with 22 possessions and 10 marks. Nick Borovac was also terrific keeping Ryan Lester-Smith goalless and sneaking forward to kick the first goal of his 30-game league career as well.

Adam Carter also had 18 touches in the back-line, and Craig White 17 and 10 marks.

Toby Bairstow was another prolific ball winner picking up 30 possessions with Mitch Banner gathering another 23 to go with two goals.

The South Fremantle forward-line not only benefited from the good work up the ground, but dominated the Sharks’ defenders.

Adam Guglielmana kicked three classy goals with John Sgherza and Paul Mugambwa adding two apiece to go with three majors from Hams and Gillespie.

South Fremantle’s reserves might have gone down to East Fremantle by 17 points, but there were some strong performers with none better than premiership player Reece Adams who picked up 27 disposals, took six marks and kicked a goal.

Brendan Verrier also worked hard to finish with 27 possessions with Jarrod Parry picking up 21 while also laying seven tackles as he continues his impressive return from a horror run of two knee reconstructions.

Warrick Andreoli also gathered 19 possessions, Andrew Moody 17 and Sean Lynch 16.

Meanwhile, the colts got the day off to a terrific start recovering from trailing by two goals at quarter-time to beat East Fremantle by 37 points, 13.10 (88) to 8.3 (51).

Jarrod Pickett led the way for South Fremantle with 23 possessions and four goals with Bailey Matera also terrific with 23 disposals and three goals. Tim Stewart also gathered 25 possessions and kicked a goal for the Bulldogs.

SOUTH FREMANTLE 4.4 11.5 19.7 21.13 (139)

EAST FREMANTLE 2.1 5.3 7.10 10.12 (72)

SOUTH FREMANTLE – Goals: Hams, Gillespie, Guglielmana 3; Sgherza, Mugambwa, Banner 2; Cook, Grima, Winter, Miller, Borovac, Kelly.

Best: Hams, Cook, Gillespie, Martinez, Ross, Grima, Banner, M Carter, Bairstow.

EAST FREMANTLE – Goals: Simpson, Young 2; Howlett, MacDougall, McGough, Dick, Boyle, Duffy.

Best: Hadley, McGough, Simpson, Duffy, O’Brien.

By Chris Pike