WAFL 2023: Ryley Valli shines in Claremont’s victory over East Fremantle

Five players from the Great Southern region featured in Claremont’s 35-point victory over East Fremantle in the WAFL colts competition on Saturday.

Led by talented ex-Railways and Royals midfielder Ryley Valli, the young side piled on seven goals in the first-half to skip clear on top of the ladder on percentage after six rounds.

Valli, who has been in red-hot form in the early stages of the year, collected 31 touches to go with seven tackles, eight inside-50s and a goal in the 10.12 (72) to 5.7 (37) triumph.

Ryan Lazar (Royals), Seb Ballard (Mt Barker), Clay Michael (Railways) and Lucas Ravenhill (North Albany) were also part of the Great Southern contingent.

Lazar’s game was highlighted by a spectacular mark just inside the centre-square and he finished with two goals, 13 disposals, two tackles and two inside 50s.

Michael competed strongly in the air and at ground level across the four quarters and finished with one goal, four inside 50s, two tackles and 12 touches.

Ballard spent most of his day deep in defence and finished with two marks and three tackles while Ravenhill gathered eight touches along with six hit-outs and two tackles.

In the reserves clash with the Sharks, Morgan Davies performed strongly with 21 disposals, nine marks and two tackles while Heath Ravenhill had 10 touches and two tackles.

Coen Jackman had seven touches, four marks and four tackles with North Albany junior Rhori Williams-Jolley gathering five touches and laying four tackles.