CLAREMONT has powered away from Werribee to claim the Foxtel Cup title, registering a decisive 44-point victory in the decider at Patersons Stadium on Thursday night.
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Keen to make amends for last year's 21-point loss to Williamstown, Claremont marched home in the second half to win 15.9 (99) to 8.7 (55).
Claremont's Tom Lee was best afield with a blistering performance up forward, kicking six goals in an unstoppable display in the air and on the ground.
The 21-year-old possesses tremendous athleticism and is likely to be on the radar of AFL clubs after an outstanding campaign.
Fremantle-listed Nick Suban generated excellent run and carry and broke the lines with 15 disposals and two goals, while Alroy Gilligan (13) and West Coast's Jeremy McGovern (12) were also key factors in the home side's win.
The WAFL club flew out of the blocks by kicking four goals to nil to start the game.
Despite starting sluggishly, Werribee - spurred on by coach Scott West - lifted its intensity in the second quarter and cut the margin to 11 points at half time.
North Melbourne midfielder Levi Greenwood was pivotal in Werribee's mini-resurgence and was tough at the contest with 15 possessions, while Matthew O'Dwyer (14) and Ben Speight (14) were also solid contributors.
But with the game delicately poised at half-time, Claremont gained the upper hand, thanks largely to Lee up forward, as well as their clearance work and desire in the contest.
On home soil, Claremont undoubtedly stamped themselves as the best team in the competition, kicking eight goals to three in the second half to comfortably claim the title.
CLAREMONT 4.3 7.3 11.7 15.9 (99)
WERRIBEE 3.0 5.4 5.4 8.7 (55)
GOALS
Claremont: Lee 6, Bradshaw 2, Suban 2, Gillespie, Gilligan, McGovern, Morton, Richardson
Werribee: Warren 3, Greenwood, Harding, McKinley, Sherlock, Speight
BEST
Claremont: Lee, Suban, McGovern, Gilligan, Walton, Richardson
Werribee: Greenwood, Speight, O'Dwyer, Warren, Harding, Ross
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
