Dominant second half sets up Bulldogs’ win

SOUTH Fremantle geared up for Round 1 of the WAFL season with an impressive 41-point victory over Swan Districts in the final pre-season hit out at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

The Bulldogs led by a point at half-time against Swans but then played their best half of the pre-season campaign booting 11 goals to four in the second half to end up 18.8 (116) to 11.9 (75) winners.

South Fremantle now turns its attention to Round 1 of the home and away season of 2013 which begins this Saturday against two-time reigning premier Claremont at Claremont Oval.

Coming off pre-season games against Perth and West Perth where there were some good signs but South Fremantle didn’t come out on the winning side of, the Bulldogs put in a vastly improved outing against a Swan Districts team coming off a preliminary final appearance in 2012.

South Fremantle was far more efficient throughout the game on Saturday in hot conditions at Fremantle Oval.

Despite Swans having 18 more disposals and 32 extra marks throughout the game, the Bulldogs won by 41 points, had six more scoring shots and dominated around the stoppages with 35 clearances to 24.

The Bulldogs’ forward-line worked well and took advantage of the good work from further up the field.

Ashton Hams sent a message to West Coast coach John Worsfold that he should be considered for Round 1 of the AFL season against Fremantle by kicking five goals from 13 possessions.

Last year’s Bernie Naylor Medal winner as the league’s leading goalkicker Ben Saunders also booted three goals and Claremont recruit Alistair Gillespie two.

Gillespie finished with 15 possessions, five marks, five hit outs and four inside-50 entries as well as coach Paul Hasleby used him both at centre half-forward and in the ruck.

Port Adelaide recruit Mitch Banner was also terrific as he has been right throughout the pre-season.

The 22-year-old who played 19 AFL games with the Power picked up 26 possessions, took six marks, had six clearances, three inside-50 entries, five rebounds from defensive 50 and kicked two goals in a best on ground performance.

Kris Miller was another midfielder to continue his strong pre-season with the 279-game WAFL veteran showing no signs of slowing down picking up with 22 disposals to go with three clearances and three inside 50s.

Mitch Carter has returned to South Fremantle this season from Carlton and joined the leadership group, and played well on Saturday on the wing in a role that Fremantle’s Haiden Schloithe was set to play before being pulled out by the Dockers. Carter had 18 disposals and 10 inside-50 entries.

Returning 139-game veteran Craig White played well also picking 18 possessions while Alex Grima gathered 17, Sean Lynch 15, Toby Bairstow 14 and Adam McIntosh 13.

Ruckman Sean Tighe finished with 11 possessions, 17 hit outs, four clearances and a goal as well.

South Fremantle was without captain Ryan Cook as well as Adam Guglielmana, Nick Borovac, Schloithe and Jayden Woods who will likely come in on Saturday to take on Claremont.

Warrick Andreoli, John Sgherza, Shaun Bewick, Anthony Collica and Lewis Harvey are still working their way back.

By Chris Pike