Katanning star reprimanded for preliminary final incident, free to play for Bulldogs in WAFL grand final

Katanning product Haiden Schloithe is free to play in Sunday’s WAFL grand final after receiving a reprimand, handed down by the tribunal on Monday over an incident in South Fremantle’s preliminary final win against West Perth last Sunday. Schloithe was reported for striking Falcons’ Ben Delaporte during the second quarter after winning a holding the ball free kick in the Bulldogs’ 21-point victory that saw them advance to their second straight grand final appearance. The WAFL match review panel assessed the incident as an attempted strike, meaning the charge was downgraded to a reprimand. The 2017 Sandover medallist will line up alongside fellow Katanning product Kade Stewart and Pingelly’s Tom Blechynden when they face a red-hot Claremont outfit at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. Schloithe was best on ground with two goals from 24 disposals, 12 tackles and five marks as the Bulldogs booted seven goals to four in the second half to overcome the Falcons and progress to the decider. Stewart and Blechynden, pictured below, were also named in the best players for the Bulldogs. Former Hawthorn midfielder Stewart amassed 15 disposals, five inside 50s and four tackles in the Bulldogs ninth win of the season. Blechynden finished with 14 touches and four tackles. Kojonup product Travis Abbott will be hoping for a dream call-up to the Bulldogs league team for the decider after being omitted heading into the preliminary final. Abbott has played six league games and one reserves game this season but was overlooked in the preliminary final after booting one goal from six disposals in the first week of finals. Jarad Doney, who hails from Kukerin-Dumbleyung, will also be hoping for a league recall after being omitted along with Abbott for the preliminary final. The league grand final starts at 3.10pm on Sunday.