Colts Report - First Semi-Final

SOUTH Fremantle's colts were able to put together a scrappy win over their tough East Perth opponents in Sunday's first semi-final at Medibank Stadium. South Fremantle’s good start was wasted as the Royals took advantage of some undisciplined acts in the second term and found themselves two goals up at half-time.

Some positional adjustments at the break and some stern words from the coaches was all it took for the Bulldogs to show bite in the second half and in doing so, gained a place in this year’s preliminary final.

Matthew Ah Siu (25 disposals) and Jacob Dragovich (29) controlled the centre clearances and were able to give plenty of opportunities to the forwards in the first term.

With the aid of a breeze, the young Bulldogs were looking the superior side but failed to place any scoreboard pressure on the opposition. Braden Fimmano (18) and Jesse Mirco continually repelled the East Perth forward moves as they ran the ball back toward our scoring zone. Kade Stewart and Callum Ah Chee both showed class giving their opposite number many headaches.

The second term featured many uncharacteristic efforts as the players continually made handling errors and placed each other under pressure with their poor skill. The frustration grew throughout the term and East Perth were the beneficiaries of undisciplined free kicks from South Fremantle.

After the break the Bulldogs ran harder and played smarter. The wingmen in Bailey Matera (20), Joel McComb (15) and Brandon Truss (15) shared in the spoils as they gave outside run that was missing in the first half.

Jarrod Pickett was introduced to the midfield and set about showing the class he possesses with some creative work around the stoppages working well with Corey Salmon to give the Bulldog forwards every chance to quickly do away with the half-time deficit.

Big men Cameron Loersch and Bill Frampton started to hold their marks and the rest of the team lifted with renewed confidence.

With only a 17-point lead at three quarter-time, the game still seemed in the balance. A long 60 metre goal in the first minute from Frampton lifted the Bulldogs and deflated East Perth as the four goal lead seemed too difficult to overcome for the Royals.

Noah Strom and Jesse Mirco stood tall to hold up the opposition and steadied the side in what was a dower affair late in the game as both sides tired.

It is pleasing to see the team given the opportunity to take on a strong Claremont side. It will be a great game as both sides strive to return to Patersons Stadium after their clash in last year’s grand final.

Arthur Maskos
SFFC Colts Coach