Talon Delacey and Kieran Gowdie impress in league debut as COVID hit Claremont beat Subiaco

Great Southern duo Kieran Gowdie and Talon Delacey made their league debuts for Claremont in round two of the WAFL season against reigning premiers Subiaco at Leederville Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers were barely recognisable as they were forced to make an astonishing 15 changes to their usual squad because of COVID-19, but they produced a stunning win, 13.11 (89) to 11.8 (74). Sharks junior Gowdie and North Albany ace Delacey were brought into the league side for their first game, while Alex Pearce (North Albany) and Tyron Smallwood (Royals and Albany) were also included. Delacey booted two majors to go with his six disposals on the day. Gowdie dominated several ruck contests, finishing with 33 hit-outs and eight disposals. Imposing Gnowangerup forward Timm House dominated in the forward line, kicking four goals to go with 17 disposals to be named in the best players alongside Delacey. Smallwood finished with 17 disposals and three inside 50s, Ex-Railways player Jacob Blight had six touches and Pearce collected nine possessions and laid three tackles. In the colts, North Albany junior Rhori Williams-Jolley had a big impact in their 15-point win over the Lions. Williams-Jolley kicked two goals from his 17 disposals and Railways’ Toby Hall collected 13 touches in the win.