WAFL Finals Chat with Ash Prescott - Claremont Tigers Coach (08.09.2026)

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Ash Prescott (0:26)

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Mark Duffield (0:39)

Welcome back to the SEMWA studio out here at Optus Stadium. Tuesday morning in Perth, top of 22 degrees, on a warm and sunny day, and that temperature will be achieved later in the day.

Currently 16.3 degrees outside at the moment. We're building to a nice crescendo in the WAFL. Been a lot of great games towards the back end of the season. There was a really, really keen fight for berth in the finals towards the bottom end of the five. And the Claremont Tigers face a big test this weekend in the preliminary final against the East Perth Royals. And Claremont's coach Ash Prescott joins me on the phone now. Ash, welcome.

Ash Prescott (1:19)

Thanks for having me, Duff.

Mark Duffield (1:21)

Mate, it was a game on at three quarter time against Peel in the second semi on the weekend. And then they were able to kick clear of you. What happened in the final term?

Ash Prescott (1:31)

I think they just sort of overwhelmed us a little bit with their ability, you know, probably more so inside around, around fight the tackle, drive legs and they were able just to get it on the outside. And they got some really good, powerful, small forwards that we didn't quite get it done against them. You know, going into a game like that, you know you got to take your opportunities. And I felt we probably just didn't take our opportunities effectively going inside 50

And they certainly make you pay if you don't do that.

Mark Duffield (2:01)

You mentioned their small forwards. That was a fair goal kick by Murray.

Ash Prescott (2:05)

It was a nice goal. You know, we felt at the time, inability to sort of get goal side of him.

You know, they do like to kick the ball long and they use it as a real attacking weapon to try and get their high forwards up the ground and then get you out the back. And we just had a little bit of a breakdown in the way we needed to defend that. You know, mainly being, you just can't let that ball get over the back. But yeah, he's got some class, mate. That's for sure. And his speed and his ability to finish at top speed effectively is a really is a wonderful quality for the young man.

Mark Duffield (2:38)

Based on what you saw, if you get another crack at them, are you confident that you can compete with them?

Ash Prescott (2:46)

I think we're confident as long as you take your opportunities and you get your bit right. And I reckon we walk away knowing that they are beatable. There's no doubt about it. But again, you've just got to make sure you get your bit right and you don't allow them to punish you off turn-up.

Because I think the inside battle is one that we can break even with them. And I think we can do that against most teams. We've got the system to allow us and the personnel that do. But it's just that ability to be really effective and take your opportunities. Because they've got some wonderful defenders that, if allowed, you know, are able to intercept and take marks. And then on those counterattacks, they're really strong.

Mark Duffield (3:25)

So one of your forwards that did stand up for you on the weekend was Zach Mayne, wearing three goals as a small forward and and lit it up for you.

Ash Prescott (3:32)

Yeah, he was fantastic, mate, and particularly early in the game when we needed something. And they're a very strong sort of first quarter team peel. And we knew that. But for the mid boys to get their hands on the field, get some good center clearances and for Zach to do what he did was amazing. Some of his forward pressure and he's chasing and tackling, you know, was outstanding. And he's certainly one that walked away, you know, with his head held high, that he gave it everything he had.