Fremantle Derby, Round 7 2012
South Fremantle Vs East Fremantle
Players fighting for the ball
WAFL Derby 2012
East Fremantle V South Fremantle Derbies are typically closely fought, titanic arm wrestles that resemble the "Good old days" of WAFL football. Round 7, 2012 saw the Bulldogs visit their port neighbours for the first Fremantle derby of 2012.
With impending rain that started in the first term and didn't ease throughout the crowd was the smallest for a derby that i'd witnessed in a number of years. For the 2,400 that did show up, they witnessed a modern day hiding. A 5 goal to 2 opening term with the breeze saw the Sharks jump out the gate and they didn't look back. By half time the scoreline was 9.10 to 4.3 and by full time the Sharks were victorious with a 126 - 41 dominant performance.
Rory O'Brien suffered leather poisoning after an impressive 43 possession 2 goal performance while Mark McGough also starred with 34 touches. For the visitors Hayden North & Ryan Cook battled manfully in a losing effort, both registering 21 possessions for the South Fremantle Bulldogs.
Sunday 21st August - Judgement Day. The East Fremantle Sharks fighting tooth and nail for the right to compete in the 2011 WAFL finals campaign faced the classy Claremont Tigers who look comfortable perched at the top of the ladder.
Conditions were terrible, strong breeze, intermittent showers were hardly the ideal conditions for a game of critical importance for both sides and perhaps season defining for the Sharks. Lose and it could be curtains for season 2011 given the Subiaco Lions and South Fremantle Bulldogs, teams they will play away games to complete the home and away season sat above them prior to this game.
After the completion of the first term, it was clear the league leading Tigers were in for a fight. Kicking with the aid of a 4-5 goal breeze the tigers felt themselves ambushed by an aggressive and determined Sharks team had clearly heeded the words of the coaching department and came out and not only neutralised the breeze but seemed to be the more switched on team. The second quarter saw the sharks arrest the narrow deficit and take a handy two goal lead into the half.
The third quarter was another tight tussle between two desperate teams in trying conditions with the rain and wind making a case for back to basic football. Strong tackles, clean footwork and backing your teammates. At three quarter time there was signs of an upset brewing with the East Fremantle Sharks heading into the 4th quarter with the aid of the breeze and a narrow lead.
This was when the game turned. A 7 goal to 1 onslaught saw the Sharks storm home to win by 45 points in a stunning upset that would be sure to boost confidence given the tough schedule remaining. Not only did they get the four points but with the upset loss by the Bulldogs the Sharks jumped from 5th to 3rd position, a spot that seemed almost unachievable prior to this round commencing.
Luke Blackwell and Thomas Lee impressed again for the Tigers with 27 possessions, while for the home team Rory O'Brien was outstanding with 36 touches and two goals and club stalwart Jamie McNamara had 32 touches of the Burley.
Next weekend gets no easier for the East Fremantle Sharks as they face another "Finals" type game against fellow top 4 aspirants Subiaco, while Claremont face the unpredictable Peel Thunder who will be looking to spoil their opponents quest for top spot.
Round three of the WAFL saw the East Fremantle Sharks looking to build on the success of the previous week with another win over the Subiaco Lions on their home ground. The Lions however had other ideas and turned a tight contest at 3/4 time into a comfortable win over running the Sharks in the last quarter 16.12 (108) / 12.12 (84).
After a strong finish to the third quarter the sharks looked like they were going to march on for their second consecutive win but inaccurate kicking by the port team and the impressive midfield engine for the Lions stemmed any hope of victory.
Over the coming days there will be a full match day photography gallery in the WAFL section of the folio. I've been trying to capture some interesting photos during the team huddles at 1/4 and 3/4 time as its a great opportunity for portrait, or natural sports portraiture. The emotion in team huddles can be electrifying with coaches and the leadership group revving up their fellow players to chase victory over their opponents.
I particularly like this abstract photograph of Subiaco coach Chris Waterman. Staring straight at Fremantle Docker recruit Jack Anthony, his stare was intense. With a selection to choose from i thought the one with just one eye visible and the blurred foreground of the Subiaco player made for a striking composition.
I love this shot of Joel Fiegert of the Perth Demons. Taken during the double header at Steel Blue oval on August 21st 2010 vs Swan Districts. This lonely shot of Joel i think summarises the long, hard season for the wooden spoon Perth Demons Football Club during another heavy loss.
On the eve of the finals a few photos of the Double Header from August 21st at Steel Blue oval, Bassendeen. Claremont Tigers Vs West Perth Falcons and Swan Districts Vs Perth Demons. Claremont pulled away in the second half for an easy win while Swan Districts were always in control vs Perth.
This weekend sees my beloved East Fremantle Sharks return to the finals to face the in form East Perth Royals while Claremont face Swan Districts for the right to advance to the WAFL grand final.
I love taking the camera into the middle of the WAFL quarter time and three quarter time breaks. Its something you don't get the opportunity to do at many sports and is a great way to capture the intensity and passion of the game through portrait style photos. When taking sports photography i always try to capture the event or game from different perspectives to offer something different from the standard freeze frame of a fast moving object or player.
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