WAFL colts premiership success on big stage for Albany trio Clay Michael, Lucas Ravenhill and Rory Luscombe

Talented Albany trio Lucas Ravenhill, Clay Michael and Rory Luscombe each played leading hands in Claremont’s second consecutive colts grand final win against Swan Districts on Sunday. The Tigers were challenged early by the spirited Swans outfit before flexing their muscles in the second half to secure a memorable 11.16 (82) to 7.5 (47) premiership victory at Optus Stadium. Tall forwards Luscombe (Royals) and Ravenhill (North Albany) formed a dynamic partnership in the front half, the latter kicking a game-high three goals with the last being set up by his Great Southern teammate. Defender Michael (Railways) was tasked with locking down Swans spearhead Colby McDonald and was thrown into the thick of the grand final cauldron inside the first minute after his WA under-18s opponent kicked the opener of the match. However the resilient Michael who returned from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament this season kept his opponent relatively quiet while also providing countless defensive efforts. “All the boys just got around me so it’s just about not dropping our heads,” Michael said. “Early in the game, those things can happen and it’s just about having a short memory and being able to forget about it and just hit the next contest as hard as you can. “I worked my way into it a bit offensively in the second half, but as a team role think I was good and the coaches were happy. “I’m pretty proud of where I’ve come from. Probably 18 months ago I didn’t think I’d be in this position I am now, but all the hard work’s paid off and it’s a good feeling.” Ravenhill, who has been in contact with two AFL clubs, enhanced his credentials by booting two huge goals from beyond the arc in the first half and taking eight strong marks. The 199cm big man offered plenty at ground level laying four strong tackles and was swung into the ruck throughout stages of the match to be named in the Tigers best. The former Kangas young gun said he always had confidence hide team would lift the cup a receiving a first-half challenge from the dogged Swans. “We’re just reflecting on it and just cherish the moment with everyone, and the coaches, the physios and everyone. We’re just going to try and enjoy it. . .it doesn’t come around every day,” Ravenhill said. “We knew we had a huge pre-season and the fittest team in the comp, so we just back ourselves in and knew that we’d run them over eventually. “I was happy about my performance but once again, it’s more of this team effort, it’s just really good to get the job done as a team.” Luscombe had a slow start to the decider before working into the game with a strong second half where he booted a goal after a sensational contested mark inside-50 to finish with 12 possessions and seven grabs. “I thought I struggled pretty early but after that, I just tried to push up the ground a bit more get involved so I think pushing up and working hard back really did paid dividends. “It’s really good when you’ve got two Albany boys down in the forward line and I thought the back half of the year we did gel and were really strong which is good.” Claremont’s reserve side featuring Mt Barker’s Tristan Ballard went down to East Fremantle in the first of the WAFL grand finals. Ballard played a key role in defence in their tough 6.7 (43) to 11.6 (72) loss.

WAFL colts premiership success on big stage for Albany trio Clay Michael, Lucas Ravenhill and Rory Luscombe

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