Claremont name Declan Mountford captain for new season, Great Southern players shine in practice match

North Albany junior Declan Mountford will captain WAFL club Claremont this season, the Tigers announced last week. It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for the Manypeaks-raised Mountford after being named as a COVID-19 contingency player for West Coast and then being called in for his Eagles debut as their match with North Melbourne was beginning on Sunday. The 25-year-old impressed in his AFL return and he remains in the mix to play for the Eagles in this week’s Western Derby against Fremantle. Last year the Tigers league side had co-captains, Jared Hardisty and Mountford, but they announced the Great Southern product will be the sole skipper for the 2022 campaign under coach Ashley Prescott. Dual Sandover medallist Jye Bolton has been named vice-captain of the league side. Hardisty, Jack Lewsey, Alex Manuel, Ronin O’Connor, Ryan Lim and Lachie Martinis complete the leadership group. Mountford said the club had some quality leaders and he felt humbled to be named as captain. “You could have thrown a blanket over 10-12 blokes in terms of votes received for a leadership role,” he said. “I think it highlights the quality of people around the club currently and the ‘everyone can lead’ mentality we are trying to foster.” Claremont had a league practice match on Saturday against Subiaco, featuring several Great Southern players. Emerging ruckman Kieran Gowdie produced a spirited display against 2019 Sandover Medal winner Lachlan Delahunty, including a terrific snap goal. Young midfielder Talon Delacey showed great signs around the stoppages, and with his strength and tackle work. Fellow ball winner Bailey Bennett is relishing an injury-free preseason and was dominant in the first term. Alex Pearce was a strong contributor in defence with Anthony Davis. Tyron Smallwood kicked a goal as the Tigers won by five points.