Sharks ready for round 1 showdown

The Sharks will be looking to kick start their season with a bang on Saturday, when they take on Claremont in round 1 of the 2017 WAFL Season at East Fremantle Oval.

Despite the Sharks not registering a win during the practice matches, new recruit Jonathon Marsh is feeling particularly optimistic ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

“I think we’re actually well prepared. We are training really well and I think the first half against East Perth showed what we can bring,” Marsh said.

“It’s just holding on for four quarters, which I think we’re certainly capable of.” 

Marsh returns to the club after a three-year stint at Collingwood, where he clocked up 15 AFL appearances, 10 of those last season.

“I’m very excited. I don’t think I have been this nervous for a game in a long time actually.”

“It feels like a big weekend for me returning home and playing with 21 other mates,”

“It’s a feeling that I haven’t really had for 3 years so that’s what’s exciting me and I just want to go out there and make my team mates proud”, he said.

Drafted in 2013, Marsh established himself as a defender but has shown talent around the ground. His influence amongst the playing group was highlighted with his appointment to the 2017 leadership group.

The Sharks have been widely identified as one of the teams that will struggle this year, but Marsh thinks that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“Rob mentioned to me the other day that we’re tipped for the wooden spoon and I actually really enjoy hearing that,”

“I told him to pull us in and tell the group because I think that’s something that can drive us”

“Being an underdog is something I’ve quite enjoyed throughout my career, whether it’s been at junior or at the elite level. I think if we can actually rally around it and take a bit of pride out of no one rating us, it could be valuable.”

Twenty-three-year-old Tom Omodei is also set to debut in Shark’s colours tomorrow. Recruited from East Perth, Omodei showed in his first league hit out last weekend that he will be a handy acquisition for the Blue n Whites, even kicking the opening goal against his old side.

Joining Omodei in his League debut is 19-year-old Peter Delaney, in what Football Operations Manager Darryn Fry describes as a story of resilience and persistence. Overcoming a number of injuries throughout his junior days, Delaney’s dedication and professional approach to getting his body right has earned him a spot in the side. His courage will be an important inclusion for the Sharks.

The Sharks will also be celebrating Harmony Day, welcoming all cultures to the WAFL. Make sure you’re at the game early to be a part of our pre-game entertainment. 

In earlier games tomorrow, both the Development League and Colts teams will take confidence from their last weekend.  Claremont have been perennial finals contenders in the Colts and were the premiers in both grades last season.

Colts: 9am 

Development League: 11.30 am 

Pregame entertainment: 1.50 pm 

League: 2.15 pm