Claremont small forward Zac Mainwaring believes an honest wake up call from one of his coaches played a key part in his development as a WAFL league player and his breakout performance this weekend.

Mainwaring was a crucial part in Claremont’s 59-point thrashing of East Perth at Claremont Oval, delivering a career best performance at WAFL level. 

The 23-year-old came out firing on the weekend finishing with 23 disposals, 7 tackles and a five-goal haul and was named one of the best players on ground. 

Speaking to SportFM, such a performance wouldn’t have been achievable if it weren’t for a ‘clip around the ears’ from forward coach, Glenn McCallum in his early WAFL days.

“(It’s) is probably one of the best things that’s happened to me in my footy career,” he said.

“He said, you need to change your mindset to, I guess, more team first and and also I just needed to get bigger. 

“I always had the running capability but I was just a bit too small and getting out-bodied by opponents too often. 

“I put a massive effort into getting stronger and putting a bit more size on to hold my own against defenders, and then putting in work in other areas to get my one up on my opponent each week.”

Along with his breakout performance and a dominant win against the Royals, the Tigers also had plenty more to celebrate with Callan England and Bailey Rogers each notching up milestones. 

England raised the bat for 100 games, while Rogers received life membership with 150 games under his belt. 

Mainwaring has credited those senior players on having a ‘massive’ impact on him as a player in his first 41 games. 

“Bailey’s been huge in helping me settle down and giving me the confidence just to go back and finish off my opportunities.

“They’re such level heads and they’ve been in the competition such a long time and playing some great footy along with Bailey, Jye, Callan, Alec Watto.”

“They’re all just great fellas and great leaders of our club. I think that’s a big reason why we’re heading in such a good direction right now – their level and wise heads.”

Last weekend’s win puts Claremont in sixth and on the border of a finals berth in 2024 after rebounding from a disappointing start to the season. 

This weekend, they’ll be put to the test against Peel Thunder who have been the dominant team all season, and currently occupy the top spot on the ladder.

“Everyone’s here to get better and to help the team win,” he said.

“The vibe around the club at the moment, it’s just amazing. It’s probably one of the best I’ve been at. 

“Everyone’s just really enjoying this hunt and this journey we’re on. We’re bloody hungry to make finals. 

“The team focus is where we’re at at the moment and just focusing on us and focusing on getting that win each week is a massive help.”

IMAGE: The Sunday Times/ West Australian