Saunders shines in big derby win

Mt Barker’s Ben Saunders has relished a role up the ground to help power South Fremantle to a 94-point thrashing of East Fremantle in Sunday’s Fremantle derby at East Fremantle Oval.

Saunders, usually playing as a deep forward, pushed outside the forward arc where he had plenty of impact to finish with 17 disposals, five marks, two inside 50s and six tackles.

The three-time Bernie Naylor medallist could have easily kicked a bag as well but finished with 1.5 in a wayward display in front of the sticks. It mattered little as his side recorded their second win of the season.

In his second league game, Mt Barker junior Russell Wynne collected nine possessions and two inside 50s for the Sharks.

Former North Albany forward Jesse Wynne starred for the Sharks’ reserves side as he kicked two goals in their 18-point loss.

Wynne has had an impressive start to the new WAFL season and this was another strong display with 16 touches, two inside 50s and 2.1.

Kojonup product and former Albany defender Travis Abbott had 12 disposals and three inside 50s for the Bulldogs in the win.

Railways junior Beau Maister played in his 150th league game for Claremont on Thursday night, receiving life membership of the club as a result.

Maister, who played for West Coast and St Kilda in the AFL, finished with 13 disposals, four marks and seven hit-outs in his milestone match.

The Tigers, after starting well, were outclassed by Subiaco, however, and the Lions ran out 86-point winners.

Railways product Matt Palfrey kicked the first three goals for his side in a lively display, while former Royals midfielder Morgan Davies had 19 touches.

Ongerup-bred Angus Litherland was among the Lions’ best with 19 possessions and seven marks. Young duo Declan McNamara (19 possessions) and Addison Dew (14 possessions and one goal) were named in the Tigers’ best in the reserves, who lost by 30 points.

Ex-Railways midfielder Jordan Clark and former Royals ball winner Tyron Smallwood were among the Tigers’ best in the colts, who lost a thriller to the Lions by four points.

Smallwood finished with 27 disposals, three inside 50s and two goals, while Clark had 20 touches and five marks, and Borden’s Anthony Davis kicked two majors.