Claremont has claimed its second straight WAFLW premiership after holding firm in a one-point thriller against a relentless Swan Districts side at Mineral Resources Park. 

This flag now takes Claremont to three grand final victories in four years, and makes them the most decorated WAFLW side in the competition’s history. 

But to Swan Districts’ credit, they managed to cut the margin to one point and even had the opportunity to seal it with minutes left on the clock. 

A moment of panic from Claremont’s defence almost cost them the game, with the ball deliberately soccered over the line, handing sharpshooter Emily McGuire a shot on goal. 

However, McGuire kicked the ball across the face, and Claremont could breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they had avoided losing their one-point lead. 

Claremont’s Jayme Harken has also gone back-to-back in the Lou Knitter medal, adding this achievement to two consecutive flags and Dhara Kerr medals. She was outstanding and fought hard for her side, winning 20 disposals and laying a whopping 18 tackles. 

But it was a tight call, as fellow tiger Matilda Sergeant was also impressive with 21 disposals, 8 tackles and one goal. 

Young gun Juliet Kelly also played well, while Mackenzie Webb and Claire Ortlepp held firm in defence as the Swans’ usually lethal forward line continued to put them under siege. 

Captain Rachel Ortlepp opened Claremont’s scoring with a goal, while Sarah Viney was their other goal kicker.  

Swan Districts’ first-year player Summer Yarran was composed up forward for her side, booting all three majors, including the crucial final quarter goal that put Swan Districts within two points of their maiden flag. 

Meanwhile, Carys D’Addario’s AFLW Draft stocks continued to rise, finishing as the game’s top disposal winner with 24 disposals and nine tackles.

Jaime Henry and Naomi Baker also gave commendable efforts, as did Summer Adjuk. 

Swan Districts had the opportunity to jump the Tigers at the start as Emily McGuire missed two early shots on goal. 

But the first major came 17 minutes into the opening term as Claremont stalwart Rachel Ortlepp dribbled it through the goals. 

From there, Claremont opened the second quarter with another goal as Sarah Viney gathered the crumbs from state captain Kate Orme’s set shot to boot the Tigers’ second. 

For the remainder of the quarter, Claremont continued to keep Swan Districts’ forward line at bay despite being constant under fire, conceding just one goal from Yarran on the fringe of half-time. 

But Claremont had the scoreboard advantage, leading by 7-points as the rain came pouring down in Lathlain during the second half. 

In the third quarter, a well-executed pass from D’Addario hit Yarran on the lead, who booted her second of the day to take them within a point. 

However, Sergeant fired back during the closing stages of the quarter, booting a goal from the edge of the goal square to put her side seven points up. 

Swan Districts owned the final quarter, keeping Claremont scoreless, while Yarran kicked her third, but that wasn’t enough to see them win their maiden flag. 

Earlier in the day, West Perth claimed its third consecutive Rogers’ Cup premiership in an 18-point win over Claremont. 

GOALS: 

  • Claremont: R Ortlepp S Viney M Sergeant
  • Swan Districts: S Yarran 3

BEST

  • Claremont: J Harken M Sergeant S Viney J Kelly M Webb
  • Swan Districts: C D’Addario S Yarran J Henry S Adjuk

IMAGE: Blake Parry (The Sports Photo)