South Fremantle win 2005 WAFL Premiership

South Fremantle   110 defeated Claremont   54

South Fremantle are the 2005 Premiers of the Western Australian Football League after easily defeating Claremont by 56 points at Subiaco Oval this afternoon.

The Bulldogs were led by Sandover Medallist Toby McGrath, who booted three goals, gathered 28 disposals and set-up many for team-mates, including Mitch Cornell, who also kicked three goals. The South Freo boys extended their lead at every change.

Claremont captain and fellow Sandover Medallist this week, Jaxon Crabb tried valiantly to keep his team in the match. But to no avail as Brad Dodd was sent off in the third quarter when he was reported for a second time in the match, despite the TV replay showing Evan Hewitt stumbled into his legs after being whacked while taking the mark. Dodd was reported in the first quarter for striking Jaymie Graham.

Claremont were first on the board with David Crawford snapping truly in the first minute. Both teams traded goals before Hewitt and Cornell long kicks sailed through just before the first change. South's lead jumped out to 25-points midway through the second quarter when McGrath snapped two quick goals.

Tigers heads appeared to drop when Hayden North was able to take four bounces on a solo run from full-back to the middle of the ground without any tackle being attempted. Tiger pair Crawford and Miles Quinn briefly restored the quarter time margin, but McGrath returned in time-on for his third goal that gave the Bulldogs a 24-point lead at the main interval.

A four-goal to one third term saw South Fremantle confirm their champions title, though several players for both sides are on report following a brawl that developed after the Dodd dismissal. Theo Adams fourth goal sparked scenes of celebrations as South supporters knew any hope Claremont had was gone.

For South Fremantle it was their first taste of success at league level since 1997, while Claremont were handed the unwanted tag of runners-up for the second consecutive season. It was also the Bulldogs first win over the Tigers in a grand final, having lost three previous - 1940, 1981 and 1989.

McGrath was clearly the best on ground and added the Simpson medal to his collection that now contains a Sandover and Premiership medal, all three won in the last seven days.

Earlier in the day, Peel Thunder made it back-to-back Colts titles with a 14-point win over East Fremantle, 9.6 (60) to 6.10 (46), while their reserves team squandered a 26-point half-time lead against Subiaco and allowed the Lions to kick 10 goals to three and snatch a 13-point victory, 15.6 (96) to 12.11 (83).

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