Latest news with #Schloithe
West Australian
2 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
WAFL 2025: South Fremantle celebrate Haiden Schloithe's emotional comeback with 27 point win over Claremont
Haiden Schloithe's incredible return from cancer has inspired South Fremantle to a 27-point victory over fellow premiership contenders Claremont at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday. 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.
West Australian
15-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
WAFL 2025: South Fremantle star Haiden Schloithe reveals league ambitions after successful return from cancer
South Fremantle champion Haiden Schloithe has revealed when he hopes to break back into the Bulldogs powerhouse league side after a remarkable return to football just months after being diagnosed with cancer. Schloithe collected 13 disposals, took seven marks and kicked a goal in limited gametime for the Bulldogs' reserves in their win over East Perth. It was an incredible performance from the Sandover medallist considering he was diagnosed with cancer at the start of the year and is now in remission after three bouts of chemotherapy and surgery. Schloithe sparked emotional scenes when he kicked a goal midway through the second term in a fairytale moment at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. 'I was excited, nervous, anxious — a bit of everything really but more so excited that the day came around and I was able to have a run and a kick again. I got through unscathed which is great overall,' he told The West Australian. 'It (kicking that goal) was a feeling you can't really describe. It was pretty special, and I was willing it through and it only just did. 'There was a lot of emotion, the joy of getting back out there and the happiness as well as the boys all getting around me. It's a pretty special feeling, I will be forever grateful.' Schloithe said he would now look to play a full game in the reserves against Peel Thunder next weekend before targeting a league berth against Perth in round 12. The five-time fairest-and-best winner will undoubtedly only boost a powerful Bulldogs side that consolidated their spot on the top of the ladder with a thrilling 15.7 (97) to 12.15 (87) win over East Perth on Saturday. Schloithe said the prospect of another premiership to go with his 2020 grand final triumph helped drive him to return to football. 'It's one of the big reasons why I was so eager to get back, the boys are flying,' he said. 'This group's got something special, and we can do something special this year. I just witnessed a bloody cracking game of WAFL footy (in the win over the Royals). 'I'm chomping at the bit to, I really want to be back out there with the boys and helping the team get a win.' It comes as key recruit Trey Ruscoe took the lead in the race for the Bernie Naylor Medal on the back of a career-best seven goals against the Royals. Ruscoe now sits on 33 goals — three ahead of four-time winner in West Perth spearhead Tyler Keitel.
