WAFL Colts: Cody Curtin looms as match-winner for Claremont in decider against Swan Districts

A year after his brother captained Claremont to a colts premiership, bottom-ager Cody Curtin looms as the match-winner for the Tigers in this year’s decider against a rampaging Swan Districts.

The teenager has established himself as a must-watch ahead of next year’s draft, playing mainly as a defender in the PSA for Scotch as well as Claremont and the WA under-18 side.

Curtin was thrown forward on his return to Claremont’s team in round 21 and has transformed the outlook of the finals, booting consecutive six goal hauls against Subiaco to spearhead the Tigers into the decider.

Now the 17-year-old has the chance to follow his brother, Adelaide draftee Daniel Curtin, in tasting glory at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Tigers coach Ricki Smith said Curtin’s switch of roles was a result of the return of defender Clay Michael after a year on the sidelines with injury.

“We looked at the mix we had down there, and Cody liked to get up the ground and works hard on the way back. He’s added another layer to that forward line which is hard to match up on,” Smith said.

“We were lucky enough to have another guy back who missed 12 months with injury in Clay Michael.

“Clay’s a good, developing third tall in the colts program who we’re lucky enough to have that can play in the key position. He’s fallen into the full back role and it’s about exposing Cody to a number of different roles and being versatile and aggressive, which puts us in good stead wherever he plays on the ground.”

Claremont’s incredible depth of young talent has been on display this season with Smith forced to use 66 players this season as injuries and PSA commitments affected their season.

The Tigers still finished with the minor premiership after only two losses so far in 2024.

They will welcome back co-captain and draft prospect Hamish Davis who played the final seven games of the season with the league side.

“We’ve exposed a lot of players throughout the year and got some good results along the way,” Smith said.

“It really is a balancing act in regard to wins and development, but I’m happy with what’s come about so far.”

The Tigers will have to stop a Swan Districts outfit riding on high on confidence after winning three consecutive finals against Perth, West Perth and Subiaco to make the grand final from fourth.