Claremont forward and 2024 AFL Draft prospect Hamish Davis has played a starring role in the Tigers' WAFL elimination final win that brought an end to East Fremantle's premiership defence.
The medium-sized forward booted a game-high four goals in what was a breakout performance for the Subiaco junior, who kicked half of his majors in the fourth term to seal a win over the Sharks on Sunday.
In just his sixth league WAFL appearance, Davis collected 21 disposals, four marks and two inside 50s to go with his quartet of majors, offering to appear in space in Claremont's front half to have a large say on the result.
Davis was a constant threat in the air and on transition for Ash Prescott's side, with a well-executed goal on the run early in the final quarter giving the Tigers a four-goal lead.
The performance added to a promising performance to end the WAFL home and away season for Davis last week, with the 18-year-old kicking three goals from 16 disposals against Subiaco to help secure Claremont's fifth-place finish and finals spot.
Coming up against reigning premiers East Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium over the weekend, the Tigers kicked away in the second stanza to carry an 18-point buffer to the main break, with Davis sprightly before half-time with multiple looks at goal from set shot opportunities.
The Sharks were held to three goals until the final break, with Claremont holding strong despite losing the final quarter by a goal. The elimination final win sees the Tigers keep their season alive, with a meeting with the other 2023 grand finalists in Peel Thunder now locked in for this weekend.
Davis earned his league debut in Round 17 against minor premiers East Perth following a 40-disposal outing at the Colts level the week prior for the Tigers' juniors side, who are looking to make it successive premierships.
190m midfield-forward Davis was part of the Tigers' flag-winning outfit over Perth's colts last year, kicking a game-best three goals as eventual AFL draftees Dan Curtin, Zane Zakostelsky and Joe Fonti led from the front.
Davis kicked seven goals for Western Australia at this year's U18s National Championships, with a leading performance from the crafty attacking prospect coming in last June against Vic Country when he booted 3.3 from 15 disposals and four marks on home soil.
The combination of a promising carnival and formidable WAFL form is sure to have the Tigers youngster's draft stocks soaring at the right time of the year, with Davis one of five Claremont teenagers invited to next month's National Draft Combine.
Cody Angove, Clancy Dennis, Will Hayes, Aiden Riddle and Davis make up half of the WA contingent who have been invited to test their strengths in front of AFL scouts and recruiters in October.
WA skipper Bo Allan, 2024 MVP Jaxon Artemis, AFL Academy talent Malakai Champion, West Perth gun Kayle Gerreyn and Sharks ball-winner Luke Urquhart are the others set to feature.
