Ruckman Kalin Lane unable to help Claremont cap stellar colts season in grand final despite a strong showing

A strong performance from ruckman Kalin Lane was not enough for Claremont to cap a stellar season in the WAFL colts competition, as they were comfortably beaten by 59 points in the grand final by Subiaco at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Sunday.

Lane was joined by fellow Great Southern players Jacob Blight, Kieran Gowdie and Alex Pearce in Tigers grand final team but their season finished on a disappointing note.

The Tigers finished the season on top of the ladder and won straight through to the decider after defeating Subiaco in their second semifinal but were unable to secure consecutive back-to-back premierships.

Lane was named in the Tigers’ best after a dominant performance in the ruck opposed mainly to Jake South and was the best of the Great Southern quartet.

The 204cm Denmark-Walpole ruckman had 32 hit-outs to go with 14 disposals, five marks and two tackles.

Blight was a shining light in defence.

The Railways key defender had 16 touches, four marks and five tackles.

Gowdie was used as a key forward and as support for Lane in the ruck.

The Albany junior booted two of the Tigers’ six goals and collected nine possessions.

North Albany midfielder Pearce was down on his usual impact and was part of a midfield group that was soundly beaten.

He finished with 14 disposals, four tackles and three inside 50s.

The Tigers trailed by one point at quarter-time before the Lions opened up a 15-point advantage going into the main break.

The premiers broke the game open in the third term after Gowdie kicked his first goal, the Lions booting the next five goals to a take a 45-point lead into the final quarter.

Gowdie added a second in the final term but the Lions extended their lead booting three goals to one to run away comfortable 15.12 (102) to 6.7 (43) victors.