WAFL 2025: South Fremantle star Zac Strom on how Bulldogs champion Haiden Schloithe’s reutrn inspired them

South Fremantle star Zac Strom has revealed just how much the resilience of long-time teammate Haiden Schloithe and his return from testicular cancer has inspired the Bulldogs. The ladder-leaders made a big statement on Saturday, defeating fellow premiership fancies Claremont by 10.9 (69) to 6.6 (42) in the top-of-the-table clash at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. While the triumph extended their lead at the top of the ladder to two-and-a-half games, the result was overshadowed by the emotional comeback of Sandover medallist Schloithe, who played his first league game of the season after going into remission from testicular cancer. The five-time fairest-and-best winner was unsure if he’d ever play again let alone this year, but after three bouts of chemotherapy and surgery he returned last month through the reserves and worked his way back into the league side as they push for their first premiership since 2020. Schloithe had a quiet outing with only four disposals, two tackles and a behind, but every time he got near the footy the Bulldogs’ faithful erupted, before they stood to applaud the champion as he led the team off the field after the big victory. Strom spoke about the emotion that swept through the team to know the club great would run out alongside them against the Tigers. “It’s so inspiring. Not just for him but do us, it’s amazing. We get around it and am super excited about it,” he said. “For Haiden, I think it’s another day out there on the football field, but it brings the group up a heap when he comes back. “He’s been a great player for a long time, a five-time fairest and best winner. It’s amazing to have a player like that out there but to see what he’s done through the chemo and then doing his rehab, doing his weights and getting back out there to play– we didn’t expect he would even get out there this year. It’s just amazing.” Strom and Schloithe are among seven Bulldogs that were part of the 2020 premiership victory who are still playing, with the forward-ruck producing his best season that year to win the fairest and best. The 198-game star said there was a special feeling around the group as they look to win a 15th flag for the club. “Every year is different but there is definitely some excitement around what this group can do,” Strom said. “It feels like a very talented group, we’re led well by (coach) Craig (White). As older players we’re all getting on the bus and doing the team things as well. “To be able to keep the amount of talent and all the players we have makes it a special feeling heading into the rest of the year.”