Maister and Palfrey’s efforts not enough for Claremont

Great Southern pair Beau Maister and Matt Palfrey combined for four goals but it wasn’t enough for Claremont to secure a finals berth, losing to West Perth by six points at Claremont Oval on Saturday in the last round of the main WAFL season.

Former West Coast Eagle and St Kilda utility Maister, who hails from Railways, booted two goals as a key forward from seven disposals, but his side were left to rue kicking 10.14 as their season ended in defeat, with Claremont finishing in seventh place.

Playing just his fourth league game this season, former Railways junior Palfrey again impressed with a lively display that included two goals, 15 possessions, six marks and two inside-50s.

Mt Barker forward Ben Saunders snared two goals in South Fremantle’s comfortable 34-point win over Peel Thunder, finishing the season fifth on the league goal kicker standings with 44 majors.

Saunders had eight touches and laid four tackles to go with 2.1.

Royals product Steven Edwards continued his strong season with 18 disposals and six marks in the win as his side finished the regular season in second position.

Ongerup-raised Angus Litherland had 12 possessions in defence for Subiaco as they notched a 42-point win over East Perth, while teammate and Lake Grace product Liam Baker kicked two goals to go with 15 touches and six inside-50s.

In the WAFL reserves, ex-Railways forward Dylan Holt (15 disposals, 10 marks, two goals) was named in Claremont’s best players after their 71-point win over West Perth, which ensured they finished second on the ladder.

Railways pair Jordan Clark and Beau Ewen were also named in Claremont’s best players after their colts won by 88 points.

Meanwhile, North Albany product and Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern was named in the 40-man All Australian squad released yesterday.

McGovern, ranked third in the AFL for marks, has enjoyed another stellar season in defence and is looking for consecutive selections in the team after his first All Australian jumper last season.

He was one of three Eagles players named in the squad, with the final 22 players to be announced tomorrow in Melbourne.