Hams, who had played 10 of the previous 11 matches, was left out of the team that defeated Collingwood on Saturday, but hit back hard with 34 possessions and two crucial goals which helped to deny the Falcons.
Most of his 12 kicks and 22 handpasses were accumulated in the midfield before he rolled an ankle in the third term, returning to play the last quarter in the forward pocket, where he chimed in with two crucial goals.
His was the outstanding performance in the WAFL, while key defender Mitch Brown was only marginally behind him. Brown, playing for East Fremantle, shut down important East Perth forward Josh Smith, restricting the Eagles’ spearhead to just two goals.
At the same time he offered some good offensive rebound for the Sharks and was instrumental in his team’s triumph.
Wingman Bradd Dalziell and small forward Brad Dick also played their part in the success. Dalziell had 24 possessions and 12 marks while Dick continued his solid goal-kicking form with three majors from 13 disposals.
Rookie Jeremy McGovern continued his good form for Claremont, although the Tigers fell to Swan Districts at Bassendean Oval.
McGovern, playing as a key forward and ruckman, had 17 possessions and seven marks, while teammate Gerrick Weedon was steady in defence and Lewis Stevenson had 18 touches at half-back and on a wing, finishing off his work with two goals.
Midfielder Tom Swift had his day cut short, failing to re-appear after half-time.
Ruckman Scott Lycett is building his game time and impact and had 15 possessions, five marks, four tackles and a goal to play his part in Peel’s upset win over Subiaco.
Four players - Ryan Neates (Claremont), Anton Hamp (Claremont), Ashley Smith (Peel) and Callum Papertalk (East Fremantle) played reserves with varying degrees of success.
Neates was resuming for the Tigers after a foot injury, while Smith needed a hit out and played for Thunder reserves because his regular club, Perth, had the bye.
