Tiger Shark Showdown

Following another strong performance over the weekend, East Fremantle are looking to continue their winning streak against Claremont this week at the Show Grounds.

The Sharks are hoping for a fourth consecutive win, while Claremont will be keen to break its losing streak, having not won a game since defeating East Fremantle in Round 5.

Coach Rob Wiley spoke to 91.3 Sport FM, who are broadcasting tomorrow’ s match.

“We really need to be playing our best football tomorrow against Claremont,” Wiley said.

“I think the WAFL is a really even competition, I mean we play Claremont tomorrow and they’ve beaten us in the preseason and in our first game against them, but yet they’ve only won 2 games.”

The return of Matthew Jupp from injury is set to boost the backline, while the side will be without Cam Eardley, who is expected miss two weeks after injuring his ankle against Perth.

“We lose Cam Eardley tomorrow which is disappointing because he’s been in really great form but you don’t rely on one person you rely on a number of people and that’s what makes it a good team effort,” Wiley said.

The top form of players such as Liam Anthony, Jamie McNamara, George Hampson, and Jesse Crichton will ensure the Sharks can feel confident they will cover the loss of the midfielder.

Fraser Perry has been named in the side and conditions could see him play his first league game of the season, adding forward pressure after strong performances in the Development League. 

The Sharks will be hoping for outstanding repeat performances from the captain Jamie McNamara, who booted five goals last week, and Brock O’ Brien who collected 37 disposals including 20 marks.

The teams have only met twice at Show Grounds in recent times, both picking up a win but East Fremantle will be playing to cement their position in the top 5.

The weather could prove to be an obstacle for both teams, with rain and strong winds forecast.

After getting back in the winner’s circle last week the Development League boys will be keen to back up for a second week and consolidate their position in the top five. 

They face Claremont however, who recorded a very convincing win over Subiaco last week to the tune of 83 points. 

Claremont were able to control ascendancy through the midfield, so the likes of Schleicher, Adamini, Marshall and Green will have that challenge to win the ball inside and feed it to the outside run. 

The backs were good last week against the Demons, offering plenty of run and winning the contested ball and will be required to do the same, whilst the forwards will need to take the most of their opportunities this week in predicted tough conditions. 

Small crumbing forwards Cronan, Krakouer and the like may come in to their own his week.

The assignment for the Colts this weekend doesn’t get any easier against one of the premiership fancies.  

Our boys, who were so good for 3 quarters last week, should take confidence from their pre-season hit out against the Tigers, where they matched it with them all day. 

Over the past few weeks there have been many changes to the squad, with the Colts now playing 45 players, more than any other group in the WAFL Colts competition, so some stability in the squad this week may be required this week. 

Good luck also to our State 16’s and 18’s representatives who both play this weekend in trial matches.