WAFL 2025: South Fremantle celebrate Haiden Schloithe's emotional comeback with 27 point win over Claremont
The Bulldogs defeated a powerhouse Tigers outfit 10.9 (69) to 6.6 (42) in what could be a grand final preview to extend their lead at the top of the table to two and a half games.
However, the attention was centred around Sandover medallist Schloithe who played his first league game since he went into remission from testicular cancer, having been diagnosed earlier this year.
Schloithe finished with only three disposals in a quiet outing in his first league game since round 21 of last season but his presence undoubtedly lifted the Bulldogs and their fans who were overjoyed seeing their champion healthy and back in the side.
Sandover Medal fancy Matt Parker continued his excellent season with 30 disposals, nine clearances and goal in another best-on-ground performance.
Parker had plenty of support as Tom Blechynden (23 disposals and six clearances) and Jake Florenca (22 touches and eight clearances) ensured they won the vital midfield battle.
The Bulldogs were hot early, kicking the first two goals of the game, but the loudest cheer was saved for the fourth minute of the game when Schloithe came off the bench for his first run of the day.
After a blistering first term the game turned into a real slog in the second, with neither side able to gain ascendency.
Such was the tough contest that it took more than 26 minutes for Tigers spearhead Jaiden Hunter to kick the first goal of the quarter.
It looked as if South Fremantle had finally broken the contest open when they kicked they started the second half with consecutive goals to lead by 23 points.
Claremont were not going to give up without a fight however and were lifted by an incredible goal from midfielder Ben Elliott, as the visitors kept themselves within touch going into a big final term.
When dual Sandover medallist Jye Bolton booted the opening major, the Tigers were within a kick and the parochial Bulldogs crowd was nervous.
Isiah Winder calmed them down soon after though, kicking consecutive goals to once again give South Fremantle plenty of breathing room before Ashton Ferreira sealed the deal with a long-range set shot.
The game opened up as both teams tired, but the Bulldogs were too good as Schloithe led them off the ground to massive applause from the faithful to end an emotional day.
SOUTH FREMANTLE 3.5 3.7 5.9 10.9 (69)
CLAREMONT 1.1 2.2 4.4 6.6 (42)
Goals – SOUTH FREMANTLE: I Winder 2 J Artemis C Bourne A Drage A Ferreira R O'Hehir M Parker T Ruscoe Z Strom. CLAREMONT: J Bolton A Davis T Delacey B Elliott K Gowdie J Hunter.
Best – SOUTH FREMANTLE: M Parker T Blechynden I Winder M Ward J Florenca J Jones. CLAREMONT: A Davis O Eastland B Elliott J Peace C England J Bolton.
Injuries – CLAREMONT: D Hardisty (illness) replaced in the selected side by J Howard.
Umpires: M Adams J Antulov B Evans B Laycock. Crowd: About 1500 at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.
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