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South Fremantle Team of the Modern Era - Defenders

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - 8:37 PM - by Chris Pike

IN THE build-up to the South Fremantle Football Club announcing its Team of the Modern Era on Saturday May 31 we will be taking a look at the players in the running and here are the defenders who have been considered.

A competition will be held where members of the public can predict their team and whoever gets the closest to picking the final 24 players will receive a signed South Fremantle Football Club jumper from the 2014 season.
The winning entry will be announced on Tuesday June 3 following the event on the Saturday night and then the Foundation Derby with East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval on Monday.
You can submit your list of 24 players you believe will be selected in the Team of the Modern Era from 1987 onwards two ways – by submitting it on the club's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/southfremantlefc) or on email at bulldogs@sffc.com.au.
To be eligible for the team, a player must have played at least 50 games for South Fremantle between 1987 and 2013.
Now it's time to have a look at the defenders.
Tom Bottrell played 200 games with the Bulldogs after making his debut in 1992 and was a key player in the 1997 premiership team.
He continued his strong family history with the South Fremantle Football Club and his final game in Round 18, 2003 fittingly saw him reach the 200-game mark for his career.
He also played for Western Australia in 1999.
Cliff Collard began his career with South Fremantle in 1986 and won the fairest and best award in 1990.
He was also named on the interchange of South Fremantle's Indigenous Team of the Century.
Paul Duffield is a 2005 premiership player at South Fremantle and has played 77 with the Bulldogs mostly as part of the defensive unit starting in 2004 and most recently in 2012, but he has become a permanent member of the back-line with the Fremantle Dockers.
He has now played 140 matches with Fremantle including the 2013 losing grand final to Hawthorn at the MCG.
David Gault arrived at the club from York and made his league debut for South Fremantle in 1996 going on to amass 211 matches before retiring following the losing grand final of 2007.
He played in the 1997 premiership team and then was the only player to back up to play in the 2005 triumph where he became a premiership captain.
Jaymie Graham might have been the best ruckman in the WAFL by the 2009, but back in 2005 he was the centre half-back of the Bulldogs' premiership team.
He made his debut in 2002 and went on to play 105 games for South Fremantle before his retirement was force just seven rounds into the 2011 season after a horrific knee injury.
At that time, he was not only the dominant ruckman in the WAFL but the best player in the competition at that time following a brilliant 2009 season and 2010 campaign before also suffering a knee injury.
He was also the WA ruckman in 2009 in the drought breaking win over South Australia and prior to that, played 37 matches in various roles in the AFL for the West Coast Eagles.
Kyle Hams came into the South Fremantle league team for the first time in 2005 and up until the end of 2010 played 106 matches firstly as a small forward, but then as one of the best one-on-one defenders in the competition and also a creative force setting up play.
He then finished his career with three seasons and 61 matches at Swan Districts, including playing WA's drought breaking State game win over Victoria in 2013. In that time, he continued to be the prime small defender in the WAFL.
Roger Hayden is a 2005 premiership player at South Fremantle and played 59 matches all up with the Bulldogs between 2000 and 2009.
He made his name in the AFL with Fremantle, though, as one of the most creative defenders in the competition during his 128-game career.
Josh Head made his debut for South Fremantle in 2002 and played 121 matches before retiring during the 2012 season.
He was known for his trademark long-kicking left-boot and his dashing runs off half-back down the wings and through the middle, but he was also underrated for his defensive prowess.
He missed the 2005 premiership, but was part of the 2009 team that had a defensive unit unrivalled in recent memory in the WAFL.
Head also represented WA in 2011 and was twice listed by the Fremantle Dockers and ended up making his AFL debut in 2008 going on to play nine matches.
Sam Hunt was the full-back in that 2009 premiership team having arrived at South Fremantle from Geelong to start the 2008 season.
He also played for WA in 2008 and went on to play 59 matches for South Fremantle before returning home after 2010. As well being good defensively, he was outstanding creatively coming out of the back-line with good foot skills.
Glen Jakovich began his career at South Fremantle in 1989 and went on to play 51 matches up until the end of 1991 at the Bulldogs including being the club's leading goalkicker in 1990.
However, it was with the West Coast Eagles where he became one of the country's best ever centre half-backs during his 276-match AFL career that began in 1990, and including the 1992 and 1994 premierships, four-time best and fairest winner and being a two-time All-Australian.
He has also since been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, and the West Australian Football Hall of Fame as well as representing WA on nine occasions.
Hayden North made his debut with South Fremantle in 2002 and ended up playing 155 matches mostly running off the half-back line.
He played in the 2005 premiership team, but heartbreakingly was the player who made way for Jeff Farmer in the 2009 team. He responded by being best on ground in the reserves premiership of the same year much to his credit.
North also played twice for WA before the man affectionately known as 'Pope' retired before the end of 2012. Had it not been for chronic hamstring and soft tissue injuries, he likely would have surpassed the 200-game tally with South Fremantle.
John Porter made his league debut in 1990 and went on to play 191 matches for South Fremantle including the 1997 premiership.
He also played four times for WA with the first time coming in 1992, won the club's fairest and best award in 1996.
Craig White made his league debut in 2004 and played in premierships with the colts and reserves before cementing a senior berth as a small forward by the 2005 premiership.
However, by the time the Bulldogs won the 2009 premiership he was one of the best and most creative half-backs in the WAFL and that is where he has played the majority of his 164-game career.
He has also been a terrific leader and continues to be a strong contributor to the South Fremantle team at either end of the ground.
Peter Worsfold made his debut in 1987 and went on to play 156 matches for the Bulldogs and was the 1997 premiership captain with 31 AFL matches thrown in there as well with the then Brisbane Bears starting in 1990.
He also played twice for WA starting in 1994 and continued to be a fine servant at South Fremantle until retiring following the 1999 grand final loss to West Perth.
The Team of the Modern Era function will be held at the Griff John Function Centre at Fremantle Oval on Saturday May 31. It commences at 7.00pm with tickets available at bulldogs@sffc.com.au or on (08) 9335 1555.
DEFENDERS IN THE MIX FOR TEAM OF THE MODERN ERA
Tom Bottrell
Cliff Collard
Paul Duffield
Ned Fimmano
David Gault
Jaymie Graham
Kyle Hams
Roger Hayden
Josh Head
Sam Hunt
Glen Jakovich
Hayden North
John Porter
Shaun Tinsley
Craig White
Peter Worsfold
By Chris PikeIN THE build-up to the South Fremantle Football Club announcing its Team of the Modern Era on Saturday May 31 we will be taking a look at the players in the running and here are the defenders who have been considered.

A competition will be held where members of the public can predict their team and whoever gets the closest to picking the final 24 players will receive a signed South Fremantle Football Club jumper from the 2014 season.

The winning entry will be announced on Tuesday June 3 following the event on the Saturday night and then the Foundation Derby with East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval on Monday.

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Young Talent on Display!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - 1:39 PM

AS SOUTH Fremantle's senior players take a well-deserved break this weekend our young guns take to Patersons Stadium this Sunday at 11:40am in the curtain raiser match to the Eagles and the Greater Western Sydney Giants. 

After a thrilling one-point victory last weekend over Claremont at Fremantle Oval, our top-of-the-table colts side will be challenged by the WA State 16s team.

The match will be a showcase event for the rising young talent that the Read More [+]

Bulldogs dominate Tigers for third straight win

Monday, May 5, 2014 - 9:16 PM - by Chris Pike

SOUTH Fremantle beat Claremont for the first time since 2009 at Fremantle Oval and did it emphatically to the tune of 64 points for a third straight WAFL victory.

South Fremantle started the 2014 season slowly with four straight losses, but there was enough good signs against Subiaco, Perth and Swan Districts that things weren’t too far away from clicking.
And now that has happened over the past three weeks with victories against West Perth, East Fremantle and Claremont with Saturday's 17.13 (115) to 8.3 (51) thumping over the Tigers the pick of the performances at Fremantle Oval.
Not only was it South Fremantle's third straight win for the season heading into the bye and then a clash with the winless Peel Thunder, it was also the first time that the Bulldogs have beaten Claremont in 10 attempts since their last premiership year in 2009.
Jacob Martinez was best afield for South Fremantle and played the best of his 34 WAFL matches finishing with 31 possessions, 13 marks, five clearances, seven inside-50 entries, four rebounds from the defensive 50 and two goals.
Captain Ryan Cook was again outstanding with 28 possessions to go with 10 inside 50s, five clearances and six marks.
South Fremantle's back-line again stood up led by Adam Guglielmana who finished with 27 possessions while Dylan Ross had 24 to go with 13 marks while also keeping Claremont's ruckmen when forward quiet with help from Zac Strom.
Nick Borovac was again rock solid defensively holding Jack Richardson goalless while Ashton Hams had 22 possessions despite a close tag from Matthew Goyder.
Brendan Verrier also finished with 26 possessions, Steven Verrier 25, Shaun Bewick 21, Toby Bairstow 20 and ruckman Brock Higgins 17 to go with 20 hit outs, four clearances and four marks up against Mark Seaby, Mitch Andrews and Darcy Cameron.
South Fremantle's forward-line also proved potent with Ben Saunders kicking four goals and two each to Josh Pullman, Mitch Carter and Craig White to go with his 19 possessions, nine marks and five inside-50 entries.
Haiden Schloithe still contributed two goals from 14 possessions despite the tight tag of Claremont's Elliott Yeo.
South Fremantle got the first goal of the game through Martinez and never trailed at all the rest of the afternoon in a commanding performance.
The Bulldogs' pressure was good all over the field including making it hard on Claremont's defence to get the ball out and that resulted in the second goal to Saunders, and then the veteran White kicked truly from a terrific set shot to make the score 3.2 (20) to 0.
Claremont did get its first goal shortly after, but again Saunders handballed off to White for his second goal and the Bulldogs led by 20 points at quarter-time.
Claremont had its best quarter in the second term and kicked four goals, but South Fremantle held firm with goals to Martinez, Saunders and Josh Pullman still making sure the Bulldogs led by 16 points at the main break.
The game certainly wasn’t over at half-time, but it didn’t take long in the second half for South Fremantle to stamp its authority.
Carter booted the first goal of the second half to stretch the lead to 21 points and then it was 27 after a goal to Adam McIntosh, 33 after Pullman's second and then 41 when Schloithe ran on to a ball in the goal square and scissor kicked it through for a goal.
The Bulldogs were in control leading by 36 points at three quarter-time and then booted six goals to two in the final term to end up winning by a massive 64 points.
It was a final quarter for the highlight reel as well with Saunders taking a big pack mark before kicking his third goal where he did a full 360 spin in the air.
Things didn’t go to plan for South Fremantle's reserves, though, with Claremont running out 17.15 (117) to 4.13 (37) winners.
Kris Miller worked tirelessly for the Bulldogs with another 41 possessions, six inside 50s and a goal with Traye Bennell booting two goals from 21 disposals.
Lewis Harvey also racked up 33 disposals, Billy Collier 27, Ben Sokol 23, Joe Pantano 22, Matt Gundry 21, Jayden D'Vauz 21, Jakeb Tartaglia 18, Matthew Nicholson 18 and ruckman Myles Bolger 18 to go with 29 hit outs and six marks.
South Fremantle's colts recorded a thrilling one-point victory over Claremont finishing up winning 11.10 (76) to 12.3 (75).
Cameron Loersch booted another four goals for South Fremantle to now have 25 for the season in seven matches.
Brandon Donaldson also kicked two goals for the Bulldogs with Braden Fimmano picking up 26 possessions, Corey Salmon 22 and Luke Pearson 20.
SOUTH FREMANTLE 4.2 7.5 11.8 17.13 (115)
CLAREMONT 1.0 5.1 6.2 8.3 (51)
SOUTH FREMANTLE – Goals: Saunders 4; Pullman, Martinez, Carter, White, Schloithe 2; McIntosh, Sellar, Pickett.
Best: Martinez, Guglielmana, Cook, Ross, White, Higgins, B Verrier, S Verrier.
CLAREMONT – Goals: Bradshaw 3; Neates 2; Taylor, Seaby, Cameron.
Best: Blackwell, Yeo, Bradshaw, Aitchison, Goyder.SOUTH Fremantle beat Claremont for the first time since 2009 at Fremantle Oval and did it emphatically to the tune of 64 points for a third straight WAFL victory.

South Fremantle started the 2014 season slowly with four straight losses, but there was enough good signs against Subiaco, Perth and Swan Districts that things weren’t too far away from clicking.

And now that has happened over the past three weeks with victories against West Perth, East Fremantle and Claremont with Saturday's 17.13 (115) to 8.3 (51) thumping over the Tigers the pick of the performances at Fremantle Oval.

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Colts Report - Round 7

Monday, May 5, 2014 - 3:08 PM - by Arthur Maskos

WITH top spot on the WAFL colts ladder up for grabs this week, the battle between the two best-performing colts sides over the past three seasons produced a battle worthy of the occasion.

Both squads were tested with no fewer than 17 players called away for state duties. This gave coaching panels of both clubs the opportunity to see some of the younger inexperienced members of their programs.
Congratulations to Daniel Cabassi, Kyle Hoskins, Owen Ham and Callum McGuinness for making a memorable debut - they will definitely have a story to tell in remembering their first game of colts football.
The quality of the game may not have been to the usual standard but it was definitely a full blooded effort from all players that took the field.
The last minute come from behind win was inspiring as the South youngsters kept their composure to claim their position atop the premiership ladder.
The one-point win is just a reward for their efforts as they all played a part in the win.
South Fremantle was unable to capitalise on its early ascendancy and went in at quarter-time with a slender lead.
The second quarter went in similar fashion until Claremont seized the momentum and finished strongly, scoring easily late in the first half and opening up a substantial lead.
An inspired third term produced the best of the game as the Bulldogs were able to close down the Claremont runners. The ball winning ability of Corey Salmon and Luke Pearson gave our running players in Joel McComb and Braden Fimmano a chance to move the ball deep into the forward-line.
Cameron Loersch at full-forward finished with four goals and was again the focal point. His efforts along with those of ruckman Daniel Moore and rover Jake Florenca gave the Souths boys a four-point lead going into the last quarter.
The diminutive Brandon Donaldson gathered the crumbing ball well around the goals in the last quarter and gave Souths the opportunity to stay within striking distance.
The willingness of both sides ensured a close contest and much of the passion that was shown by the players cost both teams dearly as undisciplined acts crept into the game. With the game slipping from its grasp, South Fremantle was able to keep its composure and stick to the team game plan.
An inspirational mark and run through the middle of Fremantle Oval by Owen Ham set up a thrilling finale.
As the Claremont side tried to slow down play and retain possession, the Bulldogs were able to place them under enormous pressure and force a skill error and an undisciplined act which gifted Brandon Colbung a 50 metre penalty and the opportunity to kick the winning goal.
Joyous celebrations followed as the players gathered to celebrate a stunning comeback. It was definitely the closest win of my time in the colts program and it was pleasing to see all involved enjoy the spoils. The elation on the players' faces after the game will always stay in my memories.
Arthur Maskos
SFFC Colts CoachWITH top spot on the WAFL colts ladder up for grabs this week, the battle between the two best-performing colts sides over the past three seasons produced a battle worthy of the occasion.

Both squads were tested with no fewer than 17 players called away for state duties. This gave coaching panels of both clubs the opportunity to see some of the younger inexperienced members of their programs.

Congratulations to Daniel Cabassi, Kyle Hoskins, Owen Ham and Callum McGuinness for making a memorable debut - they will definitely have a story to tell in remembering their first game of colts football.

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Small Talk – Ashton Hams Column Round 7

Friday, May 2, 2014 - 9:46 PM - by Ashton Hams

AS TWINS, myself and Kyle obviously grew up playing footy together, won two flags together here at Souths and now I can think of no better way to finish up playing with him down at Busselton, but before that I have some unfinished business.

We grew up in Katanning and being a small town all we really did was play cricket, football and basketball. Mum and dad did a bit of driving around for us, but we had a great time growing up. Even going to primary and high school, having a twin is good because if you have no friends you can always talk to each other. We enjoyed growing up in Katanning as young blokes. Everything was revolved around sport and we did everything together.
There obviously was a few little punch ups as well, but we haven’t had one for a while. The Sony caused a lot of them and there were quite a lot of them in the backyard. The last one would have been somewhere around 2006 or 2007 when we had a night game at Fremantle Oval. We had a punch up at home before that and then had to come down, and play on the same team.
I turned up with a bit of a cut lip and he had a bit of a bruise around his eye, but for the life of me I can't remember what started it. There was a bit of tension in the rooms before the game, but it was fine once we were out there. I think the boys clicked on to what happened pretty quickly and being the way we both are, I don’t think anyone was surprised.
We both came up to Perth to live straight out of high school. We worked a couple of months down in Busso first and then came up to live together along with a young bloke Tyson Lee who played a bit of footy at East Perth. He played a few league games and he lived with us and so did another chick from Busso. We were pretty lucky to live with those two and it worked out well with the four of us moving up from Busso to Perth, and we were all there for each other.
We played colts together at South Fremantle in 2004 and lost our grand final, but the year before we spent a year playing against men in Busso and we felt that really helped us develop. To then come up playing against blokes our own age was a bit easier. We lost our colts grand final, but then in 2005 it was our first year playing league footy together and ended up winning a flag.
It was an awesome team to break into. We had Whitey there as well so all three of us were playing up forward at that stage. There were some really good players there with us like Matt Clucas, Ryan Webb and Evan Hewitt, and we learnt so much off those experienced blokes.
My first year going down back was 2006 and then Kyle came back there as well in 2007 as did Whitey. We had good times all playing there together and it was probably better there because we could switch to each other and get our stats up. It was good to learn to play forward and back early in our careers, and if you can play those two positions there's less chance of getting dropped.
By 2009, the back-line we had was pretty special. I haven’t seen much better and in that grand final team we had Sammy Hunt, Josh Head, Chris Bossong and then there was obviously Kyle, myself and Whitey. We all worked so well together, knew how each other played and it was an awesome to be part of.
That was definitely the highlight of my career. It was a bit different than 2005 when were still really young, but by 2009 we felt more a part of it, and we had a pretty good week.
I ended up getting drafted by the Eagles shortly after that and it was fairly hard not just on myself and Kyle, but for the family as well. Mum and dad had to be pretty happy for me, but very disappointed that Kyle didn’t get picked up as well. It was a tough couple of months there and we were still living together. He didn’t take it too well, but in the end you look at the positives and he now is a fully qualified sparky earning good money with a family, and I'm still trying to build myself a career on bugger all.
We are twins and play exactly the same, and he is a little bit taller. He definitely deserved an opportunity especially considering he probably played even better than me even in that 2009 grand final even though I got the Simpson Medal, but it has worked out pretty well for both of us in the long run.
He moved to Swans in 2011 and then the last couple of years when I came back to play at Souths there were a couple of times where we played against each other and it was just weird. The first time it was when we were still living together and I didn’t like it, and I don’t think he liked it either. It was very weird going to the same game to play against each other. There wasn’t much said during the game and I didn’t try to go to him, and he didn’t try to come to me. We tried to avoid each other really and get on with the game, but he did get a bit lippy there when Swans were up and on their way to winning. It had to be done, but neither of us liked it. 
We are still close today. We talk three or four times a week and I actually just got back from Busselton on the weekend. I went down to watch him play in Collie and he was up here to watch us play a couple of weeks ago. We actually now are closer than the years we actually lived together up here in Perth. He now has a couple of little boys and I love being around them as their uncle. It's always good to go to Busselton and relax a bit, and look after the boys.
I love spending time with his boys and the best thing about being an uncle is that you can give them all the lollies and chocolates, and leave. It is awesome though. He is a good dad and Lisa is a good mum, and they have a nice little family going there. They are loving living in Busselton. I'm happy just being an uncle and it's awesome watching his boys grow up.
Our parents have played a massive part in both our lives. They kept coming up to watch us play together at Souths when they were living in Busselton before we ended up at different clubs, and in about the first five years they only missed about two games. They did a lot of kilometres and were supporting us all the way through. It's just awesome to have good parents like that especially coming from the bush, and when they drove us around when we were younger. It's a pretty big job and they would have done anything for us. I think they enjoyed coming to watch us play up at Souths as well and most of the time ended up three-quarters pissed.
Kyle is now playing down at Busselton and I see myself ending up down there with him at some stage for our last chance to play together. I'd like to think I have another three or four years left here first and then we can both retire down there playing together. Before that, though, it would be nice to get one more flag up here and then one down there with him. We might be able to sit in the forward pocket together again which would be nice.
By Ashton HamsAS TWINS, myself and Kyle obviously grew up playing footy together, won two flags together here at Souths and now I can think of no better way to finish up playing with him down at Busselton, but before that I have some unfinished business.

We grew up in Katanning and being a small town all we really did was play cricket, football and basketball. Mum and dad did a bit of driving around for us, but we had a great time growing up. Even going to primary and high school, having a twin is good because if you have no friends you can always talk to each other. We enjoyed growing up in Katanning as young blokes. Everything was revolved around sport and we did everything together.

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Round 7 Preview v Claremont

Friday, May 2, 2014 - 2:42 PM - by Chris Pike

SOUTH Fremantle is searching for its first home win of 2014, three wins on the trot and a first victory against Claremont since 2009 when the Bulldogs host the Tigers at Fremantle Oval this Saturday.

The game will be South Fremantle's first home game at Fremantle Oval during the day this season after clashes against Perth and East Perth on Friday nights in Rounds 2 and 3.
The Bulldogs had shown some good signs throughout the first four rounds particularly having chances to win against Subiaco in Round 1, Perth in Round 2 and Swan Districts in Round 4, but couldn’t quite get the job done.
However, that has turned around impressively the last fortnight with South Fremantle beating reigning premiers West Perth by 23 points at Arena Joondalup in Round 5, and then last week downing East Fremantle by 17 points in the Anzac Day derby at East Fremantle Oval.
That sees South Fremantle improve to a 2-4 record on the season and with some players in outstanding form – most notably captain Ryan Cook, dual premiership player Ashton Hams, ruckman Brock Higgins, prolific midfielder Haiden Schloithe and key defenders Dylan Ross and Nick Borovac.
Schloithe's reward for games over the last three weeks of 38 possessions, 37 possessions and then 27 to go with four goals likely will be a close tag by Claremont's Mathew Aitchison while Higgins will have a big job to do in the ruck up against Mark Seaby, Mitch Andrews and Darcy Cameron.
While South Fremantle is aiming for a third straight win this season, it does need to stop a nine-game losing run against Claremont dating back to the Bulldogs' premiership year of 2009.
Over the past four seasons, Claremont has beaten South Fremantle on nine occasions by an average of over 43 points.
South Fremantle now has some winning form heading into Saturday's clash and as a result there is little reason for coach Paul Hasleby to look to make too many changes to his line-up.
However, versatile big man James Sellar does look set to return from a knee injury and play his first game since Round 2. With Brock Higgins doing well holding down the ruck, it gives Hasleby's the chance to use Sellar forward, back and in the ruck as well.
Paul Mugambwa is out of the South Fremantle team to face Claremont with Kris Miller, Jason Maskos and Ben Sokol on standby should the Bulldogs look to make any other changes.
Claremont got back on the winner's list last week to see the Tigers head to Fremantle Oval with confidence searching for a 10th straight win over the Bulldogs.
Nobody is out of the Claremont side yet with youngster Dean Blackwell, former Perth midfielder Bernard Sneeuwjagt and experienced key defender Brandon Franz all pressing claims for selection after good form in the reserves.
RESERVES TEAM
M Banks, T Bennell, M Bolger, S Borovac, E Collard, B Collier, J D'Vauz, B Fimmano, A Gillespie, M Gundry, J Hall, L Harvey, B Hill, K Hogan, L Lucev, J Maskos, K Matera, B Matera, K Miller, S Mills, M Nicholson, S Panizza, J Pantano, J Parry, M Russell, B Sokol, T Stewart, J Symmans, J Tartaglia, B Verrier
COLTS TEAM
D Cabassi, L Clark, B Colbung, J Culleton, J Depane, B Donaldson, J Florenca, J Foster, M Grubelich, K Hosking, B Kersten, C Loersch, J McComb, C McGuinness, G McLeod, J McMaster, J Mirco, D Moore, A Nodari, L Pearson, C Salmon, N Strom, S Williamson
By Chris PikeSOUTH Fremantle is searching for its first home win of 2014, three wins on the trot and a first victory against Claremont since 2009 when the Bulldogs host the Tigers at Fremantle Oval this Saturday.

The game will be South Fremantle's first home game at Fremantle Oval during the day this season after clashes against Perth and East Perth on Friday nights in Rounds 2 and 3.

The Bulldogs had shown some good signs throughout the first four rounds particularly having chances to win against Subiaco in Round 1, Perth in Round 2 and Swan Districts in Round 4, but couldn’t quite get the job done.

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Higgins thriving on No. 1 ruck role at Bulldogs

Wednesday, April 30, 2014 - 7:55 PM - by Chris Pike

BROCK Higgins has been thrust into South Fremantle's No. 1 ruck role early in his time with the Bulldogs and thrived, and it could have been the best thing to happen to him after an interrupted pre-season crossing from East Perth.

Higgins played 30 matches over the last three seasons at East Perth but with the Royals still possessing Josh Smith and Paul Johnson on top of Eagles talls Fraser McInnes, Jeremy McGovern, Callum Sinclair and Scott Lycett it was always going to be tough for the versatile big man to get a regular game in 2014.
The 24-year-old saw the writing on the wall and was weighing up options to continue his career elsewhere, and he lobbed at South Fremantle and has made an immediate impact.
Over the first two weeks, Higgins teamed with fellow recruit James Sellar in the ruck but now the last four weeks he has virtually played in the ruck on his own and done tremendously well.
He competed hard against East Perth's Johnson and Lycett in Round 3, and in games since against Swan Districts (Nathan Blakely), West Perth (Chris Keunen) and East Fremantle (James Bristow, Rob Young) he has been the best ruckman on the ground in tremendous performances.
He has always enjoyed playing in the ruck despite being slightly undersized and feels that being thrust into the No. 1 ruck role has actually helped him get up into top shape quicker than he might have otherwise.
"I enjoy playing in the ruck. I like being around the ball a lot and having the chance to touch it a few times during the game. Now I'm starting to get my fitness and that's coming after I wasn’t able to do much of a pre-season because of changing clubs," Higgins said.
"I rate Keunen as one of the best tap ruckmen in the comp as well so the last few weeks I have just tried to do the best I can. Every week, I seem to be up against someone a bit taller, stronger and bigger. All I can do is try my best, play my role for the team and that's what everyone in the team is trying to do.
"Now that I am into the ruck full-time, my fitness is coming back again and I seem to get better as the games go on. I started training in the second week that the boys were back at it in January so that made it tough because we tried to push the program. My body was a bit sore there, but I'm there now and I'm starting to get my fitness base under me which is a good feeling."
Leaving East Perth wasn’t something that really crossed Higgins' mind until 2013 drew to a close, but when he realised opportunities might be scarce with the amount of Eagles talls that would be playing for the Royals, he began to look elsewhere and South Fremantle was the pick of his options.
"I did probably see myself playing at East Perth for a long time, but by November and December last year the writing was on the wall that there wouldn’t be much opportunity there. I had a few offers over east and a couple in the country, but I think I have made the right decision in coming to South Fremantle," Higgins said.
"I was just pretty much looking for opportunities to play WAFL football. I didn’t really want to be a 25-year-old still running around in the twos. I'm very thankful that South Fremantle gave me the opportunity to play and I am loving it down here.
"The guys have been great and I can't complain at all. I didn’t know too many people, but it's made easier by the blokes down here. They have helped me fit straight in and it's great to be here."
Winning games of football obviously makes things more enjoyable as well and after playing in four straight losses to start the season, Higgins has enjoyed his first two wins with the Bulldogs the past two weeks against West Perth and East Fremantle.
"It was a great to get a win obviously and with it being a derby, there was a bit bigger crowd and the intensity out there was pretty good. It was a well fought out win in the end I though. They challenged us and we stood up when it counted, which is what we need to keep doing," he said.
"I think we have outplayed our opposition for a lot of quarters this year, but we have just been unlucky in a few games early on.
"Our discipline has got a lot better as well even though it crept in a little bit in the last quarter and we are now starting to put it together, and it's coming together nicely now.
"Hopefully we can keep it going. We have won two now and hopefully if we win the next one, and the next one then winning can become a habit. We need to try and create that habit."
The Anzac Day derby at East Fremantle Oval was Higgins' first chance to play in a Fremantle derby after playing in two Perth derbies during his time at East Perth.
He didn’t notice a big change in the intensity of the rivalry, but did enjoy the chance to play on Anzac Day.
"I didn’t notice a lot of difference from the derbies at East Perth. They both are pretty massive occasions and similar in that way, but they are definitely always good to play in," he said.
"This one was a bit special with it being Anzac Day. With the ceremony before hand it gets a bit emotional and it's a good experience to be part of.
"Hase did talk about Anzac Day before game and just focused on the Anzac spirit and things like mateship, courage and all of that to try to get us going."
South Fremantle now take on Claremont this Saturday at Fremantle Oval and that means another big task for Higgins up against the likes of Mark Seaby, Mitch Andrews and Darcy Cameron.
"They are still a very good team even though they've lost a few blokes and our sole focus this week is to do a good job and go into the bye with a lot of positivity and momentum behind us," Higgins said.
"They have some good, experience ruckmen like Seaby and Andrews that I will now get ready to battle against as well."
By Chris PikeBROCK Higgins has been thrust into South Fremantle's No. 1 ruck role early in his time with the Bulldogs and thrived, and it could have been the best thing to happen to him after an interrupted pre-season crossing from East Perth.

Higgins played 30 matches over the last three seasons at East Perth but with the Royals still possessing Josh Smith and Paul Johnson on top of Eagles talls Fraser McInnes, Jeremy McGovern, Callum Sinclair and Scott Lycett it was always going to be tough for the versatile big man to get a regular game in 2014.

The 24-year-old saw the writing on the wall and was weighing up options to continue his career elsewhere, and he lobbed at South Fremantle and has made an immediate impact.

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South Fremantle Team of the Modern Era

Wednesday, April 30, 2014 - 3:28 AM - by Chris Pike

THE South Fremantle Football Club will be announcing its Team of the Modern Era from 1987 onwards at a gala function on Saturday May 31 and you have the chance to get in on the fun.

A competition will be held where members of the public can predict their team and whoever gets the closest to picking the final 24 players will receive a signed South Fremantle Football Club jumper from the 2014 season.
The winning entry will be announced on Tuesday June 3 following the event on the Saturday night and then the Foundation Derby with East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval on Monday.
You can submit your list of 24 players you believe will be selected in the Team of the Modern Era from 1987 onwards two ways – by submitting it on the club's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/southfremantlefc) or on email at bulldogs@sffc.com.au.
In preparation of the event, the South Fremantle Football Club's website will be running a feature once a week over the next month looking at the players in the mix of making the team – starting with the defenders, then midfielders, forwards and ruckmen.
Picking a team has not been an easy task for those picking the official team and sure won't be for any supporter looking to have a go at entering the competition.
Since 1987, South Fremantle has won premierships in 1997, 2005 and 2009 so there are naturally around 50 premiership players that go in the running.
The Bulldogs have made the finals 16 times since 1987 as well while having two winners of the Sandover Medal, six State game and grand final Simpson Medallists, three Bernie Naylor Medal winners, 73 players who have entered the AFL and another 51 who have represented Western Australia.
There are also another 38 South Fremantle players to have played at least 100 WAFL matches in that time.
The Team of the Modern Era function will be held at the Griff John Function Centre at Fremantle Oval on Saturday May 31. It commences at 7.00pm with tickets available at bulldogs@sffc.com.au or on (08) 9335 1555.
By Chris PikeTHE South Fremantle Football Club will be announcing its Team of the Modern Era from 1987 onwards at a gala function on Saturday May 31 and you have the chance to get in on the fun.

A competition will be held where members of the public can predict their team and whoever gets the closest to picking the final 24 players will receive a signed South Fremantle Football Club jumper from the 2014 season.

The winning entry will be announced on Tuesday June 3 following the event on the Saturday night and then the Foundation Derby with East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval on Monday.

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Bulldogs too good for Sharks in Anzac Day Derby

Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 8:51 PM - by Chris Pike

SOUTH Fremantle backed up its impressive win over West Perth with a commanding Anzac Day derby performance against East Fremantle to come away 17-point victors at East Fremantle Oval on Friday.

The Bulldogs controlled the contest virtually from the outset and led by as much as 46 points during the third quarter before the Sharks got as close to 12 during the final term, but South Fremantle steadied enough to win 13.5 (83) to 9.12 (66).
Coming off a win over West Perth that meant the Bulldogs have won nine of the last 12, and 15 of 23 overall at Arena Joondalup, the Bulldogs continued their run of impressive recent form at East Fremantle Oval.
Since 2000, South Fremantle has now won 15 of its last 20 matches at Shark Park with the last two being particularly impressive and on big occasions – the Foundation Derby last year and this year on Anzac Day.
Haiden Schloithe was best on ground for South Fremantle finishing the day with 27 possessions, six clearances, five inside 50s and four goals including the game's sealer at the 21-minute mark of the final quarter.
Ashton Hams was allowed to control the game for South Fremantle across half-back and racked up a game-high 37 possessions to go with 12 marks, eight rebounds from the defensive 50 and four tackles.
Captain Ryan Cook was given the job of minding the dangerous Bradd Dalziell and not only did he quell his influence, but finished with 27 possessions and 12 marks himself.
South Fremantle's key defenders Nick Borovac, Dylan Ross and Zac Strom were outstanding ensuring that Jack Perham, Ryan Lester-Smith and Rob Young had no impact on the contest.
Borovac also finished with 22 possessions and seven marks, and Ross 21 touches and eight marks.
Adam Guglielmana spent time forward and back, but when he was in the back half he was another calming influence and was terrific finishing with 18 possessions.
Toby Bairstow has been given run-with roles since returning the line-up for the Swan Districts game in Round 4 and he was given the big job on Rory O'Brien on Anzac Day.
Even though the Sandover Medallist racked up 30 possessions, he had little impact on the game while Bairstow also did well himself with 19 disposals.
Marlon Pickett also worked into the game nicely and when it counted finishing with 18 possessions, six marks, six inside-50 entries and three clearances while also showing off his tremendous closing speed with a crucial run-down tackle on the half-time siren.
Ruckman Brock Higgins again showed that he is more than capable of holding down the No. 1 ruck role for the Bulldogs getting the better of both James Bristow and Young, and finishing with 16 touches, 26 hit outs and most impressively seven clearances.
Ben Saunders, Josh Pullman and Mitch Carter all kicked two goals apiece for South Fremantle with Pullman playing his best game of the season with 11 possessions and seven strong marks.
East Fremantle did get the game's first goal inside 40 seconds, but Schloithe got his massive day off to a perfect start kicking South Fremantle's first goal.
The Bulldogs then went on to kick four more before quarter-time with Jacob Martinez, Craig White, Schloithe again and then Pullman kicking truly.
South Fremantle led by 25 points at quarter-time and then by 37 after six minutes of the second term when Carter and Saunders got on the board.
The Bulldogs didn’t manage another goal for the half, but were still in control by 28 points at half-time.
It was then a blistering start to the third term with quick goals to Pullman, Schloithe and Saunders inside the first eight minutes as they built up a game-high lead of 46 points.
Shaun Bewick kicked a beauty from 50 shortly before three quarter-time to ensure South Fremantle still led by 32 points at the last change.
East Fremantle did fight back with the advantage of the breeze in the final quarter and got as close as 12 points, but steadying South Fremantle goals for Carter and Schloithe secured the 17-point win.
South Fremantle's reserves, however, lost to East Fremantle by 49 points on Saturday despite 38 possessions, five marks, four tackles and three inside-50 entries from Kris Miller.
Alistair Gillespie also kicked three goals while Bailey Matera had 25 possessions, Billy Collier 23, Matt Gundry 21, Simon Panizza 21, Ben Sokol 21 and Jason Maskos 20.
Ruckman Myles Bolger also finished with 21 possessions, six marks and 30 hit outs.
The colts did score an impressive 77-point win over the Sharks with Cameron Loersch kicking five goals, Jarrod Pickett four, Billy Frampton three, Brad Kersten two and Matt Ah Siu two.
Pickett also picked up 22 possessions, Jarrod Garlett 20, Kade Stewart 19, Joel McComb 19 and Jacob Dragovich 18.
SOUTH FREMANTLE 5.2 7.3 11.4 13.5 (83)
EAST FREMANTLE 1.1 2.5 5.8 9.12 (66)
SOUTH FREMANTLE – Goals: Schloithe 4; Carter, Saunders, Pullman 2; Bewick, White, Martinez.
Best: Schloithe, Cook, Hams, Ross, Borovac, Higgins, Guglielmana, Pickett.
EAST FREMANTLE – Goals: Jupp 2; Read, Bourne, Howlett, Lester-Smith, Perham, R O'Brien.
Best: McNamara, Jupp, Stephen, Tropiano, R O'Brien, Read.
By Chris PikeSOUTH Fremantle backed up its impressive win over West Perth with a commanding Anzac Day derby performance against East Fremantle to come away 17-point victors at East Fremantle Oval on Friday.

The Bulldogs controlled the contest virtually from the outset and led by as much as 46 points during the third quarter before the Sharks got as close to 12 during the final term, but South Fremantle steadied enough to win 13.5 (83) to 9.12 (66).

Coming off a win over West Perth that meant the Bulldogs have won nine of the last 12, and 15 of 23 overall at Arena Joondalup, the Bulldogs continued their run of impressive recent form at East Fremantle Oval.

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Anzac Day Preview v East Fremantle

Friday, April 25, 2014 - 3:51 AM - by Chris Pike

SOUTH Fremantle has its first win of 2014 and now heads to East Fremantle Oval for the first derby of 2014 against East Fremantle this Anzac Day Friday looking to make it two straight victories.

South Fremantle beat West Perth last Saturday by 23 points in its ninth win from the last 12 visits to Arena Joondalup, and 15 of 23 overall at the venue.
Now the Bulldogs return to another venue they have enjoyed visiting lately having now won at on 14 of the last 19 trips to Shark Park since 2000 including a thumping win last year in the Foundation Derby.
Both the Sharks and Bulldogs are coming into the contest in winning form with East Fremantle having won three of its first four games of the season including a solid win on Good Friday over Peel Thunder in Mandurah.
Meanwhile, South Fremantle lost its first four games of the season despite being a chance to win three of those four, but the Bulldogs got on the board last Saturday with an impressive 23-point win over West Perth at Arena Joondalup.
It is going to be a tremendous day of commemoration of Anzac Day in Fremantle all day long.
It begins in the City of Fremantle with the Dawn Service at Monument Hill at 5.30am followed by the Anzac Day parade at Esplanade Reserve at 10.15am.
Then at East Fremantle Oval, a live band along with a kids game that will begin from 1pm with the Anzac Day ceremony beginning at 2.40pm and then the battle over the Sir Hughie Edwards Cup beginning at 3pm.
After the match, South Fremantle's presentations will be held back at Fremantle Oval with the Fremantle v North Melbourne AFL match shown on the big screen.
East Fremantle and South Fremantle have now played in Anzac Day fixtures since 2009.
In that first encounter in 2009, South Fremantle won a thriller by a goal thanks to a late Toby Bairstow goal after a controversial deliberate out of bounds decision paid against Rob Young. A crowd of 5484 turned out on that occasion.
East Fremantle then won by 56 points in front of 3335 fans at East Fremantle Oval in 2010 before the Bulldogs bounced back in 2011 winning by 29 points in front of 4225 spectators at Fremantle Oval.
In 2012 back at East Fremantle Oval, the Sharks scored a thumping 85-point win with 2408 people watching and then last year, East Fremantle also won by 29 points in front 3985 fans at Fremantle Oval.
South Fremantle might have only won 45 of 94 matches overall at East Fremantle Oval, but since 2000 they have won 14 of the last 19 including last year in the Foundation Derby by 67 points.
That run included the Bulldogs winning 11 straight matches at Shark Park between 2001 and until Round 21, 2008.
East Fremantle is coming off a win over Peel Thunder back on Good Friday where it controlled the majority of the contest, but Tom Howlett didn’t play that day and is a certain starter for the Sharks on Anzac Day against the Bulldogs.
A big job will await Howlett as well on either Ben Saunders, Paul Mugambwa or Josh Pullman as well in the back-line.
Michael Edwards and Jayden Schofield have been in good form in the reserves for the Sharks as well, but it's a hard team to break in to right now.
South Fremantle is also coming into the Anzac Day derby in winning form having got on the board last week against West Perth.
There is also little reason for change at the Bulldogs but Kris Miller, Ben Sokol and Jason Maskos are pressing for a return to the league side after being dropped back to the reserves the last couple of weeks as coach Paul Hasleby searched for a winning formula.
RESERVES SQUAD
M Banks, T Bennell, M Bolger, S Borovac, M Carter, E Collard, J D'Vauz, A Gillespie, M Gundry, J Hall, B Hill, L Lucev, J Maskos, K Matera, K Miller, S Mills, M Nicholson, S Panizza, J Parry, M Russell, B Sokol, T Stewart, J Symmans, J Tartaglia, B Verrier
COLTS SQUAD
M Ah Siu, B Colbung, J Culleton, J Depane, B Donaldson, J Dragovich, B Fimmano, J Florenca, J Foster, W Frampton, J Garlett, M Grubelich, B Kersten, C Loersch, B Matera, J McComb, J Mcguire, G McLeod, J McMaster, B McPhail, J Mirco, D Moore, A Nodari, L Pearson, J Pickett, C Salmon, K Stewart, N Strom, S Williamson
By Chris PikeSOUTH Fremantle has its first win of 2014 and now heads to East Fremantle Oval for the first derby of 2014 against East Fremantle this Anzac Day Friday looking to make it two straight victories.

South Fremantle beat West Perth last Saturday by 23 points in its ninth win from the last 12 visits to Arena Joondalup, and 15 of 23 overall at the venue.

Now the Bulldogs return to another venue they have enjoyed visiting lately having now won at on 14 of the last 19 trips to Shark Park since 2000 including a thumping win last year in the Foundation Derby.

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