And then along came the Tigers. In the WAFL second semi final Claremont crushed the top team.

The script was clear enough. Second semi and grand final at Fremantle Oval. Premiership for the Bulldogs and not far to go for the celebrations. 

It was a horrible day for footy. Dry enough but with a howling wind kind of favouring the prison end. South had first use of the breeze and kicked their first goal in the third quarter.

The highlight of the game was the performance of the powerful Alec Waterman for Claremont. His kicking on a difficult day was magnificent and he finished with four goals.

At Joondalup it looked like Perth’s fairytale would continue when they established a lead of a goal and a bit early in the last quarter kicking with the gale. But the home team had too much experience and scored an impressive victory.

So Fremantle Oval has jagged a bonus final. They’ll get one on grand final day too but now there’s a real chance the home team won’t be in it.

Claremont 10.11 (71) South Fremantle 3.6 (24)

West Perth 7.6 (48) Perth 5.7 (37)

Sunday’s preliminary final will be between South Fremantle and West Perth.

In the WAFLW grand final on Saturday Peel caused an upset beating Subiaco 4.4 (28) to 2.1 (13). Conditions were horrible but 15-year-old Ella Roberts didn’t mind. She marked and kicked brilliantly giving a glimpse into the future of the women’s game.