WAFLW 2023: Inaccurate East Fremantle let another one slip against Claremont

WAFLW premiership aspirants East Fremantle had no shortage of inspiration heading into Sunday’s opener against Claremont in Joondalup.

Having lost to the Tigers in the 2022 grand final, the match provided a brilliant opportunity for the South West-filled Sharks and new coach Steph Walding to begin the season with plenty of momentum.

East Fremantle managed a forgettable 2.9 up until three-quarter time, however still led by two points. The final term was one to forget, with Claremont holding the Sharks scoreless en route to a slender 4.3 (27) to 2.9 (21) win.

When the game needed to be won, the Tigers were far cleaner with their field kicking and executed fantastic physical pressure.

Busselton’s Beth Beckett (15 disposals, two tackles) and Doma Fedele (Bunbury/Harvey Bulls — nine disposals, two tackles) both played for the Sharks, who missed Harvey Bulls product Larissa Versaci.

Fedele spent a bit of time on the wing during the last quarter, with the wide expanses of Pentanet Stadium appearing to suit her.

South Fremantle unleashed a host of SWFL recruits during their 5.4 (34) to 4.10 (34) draw with Subiaco — including Kloe Bassett (Bunbury), Charli Wicksteed (Donnybrook), Bethany Bond (Donnybrook) and Trinity Brown (Harvey Bulls).

Ebony Bilcich (Bunbury) was named as an emergency (along with Busselton’s Kat Shrewsbury) for Peel Thunder during their 4.3 (27) to 2.10 (22) win over Swan Districts in Mandurah on Saturday, as she completed the final stage of healing from a knee injury.

Donnybrook’s Chelsea Hutchinson also made her WAFLW debut for the Thunder, picking up five disposals and as many tackles.

Daisy Rigby, daughter of Perth Demons legend Darren, played her first league game for Swans, and unsurprisingly, the Bunbury product did not look out of place at senior level.