Return of O’Brien to Spark Sharks

Brock O’Brien, the 2015 Lynn Medallist and proven match winner, will line up for his 100^th East Fremantle League game today when the Sharks take on Perth Demons at Lathlain Park. 

With many pundits suggesting that his WAFL career was over, O’Brien has been training very well and is fit as ever. 

Despite setbacks from his surgery at the end on 2016, where at times he felt he may not get back, O’Brien is raring to go and will now see his name sitting on the number 15 locker alongside club greats like Trevor Sprigg and Len Anderson.

His inclusion will no doubt lift his team mates, whether it be his delivery off half back or kicking goals, as the boys search for their first win of the season.

Following their defeat at the hands of Peel in round two, the Sharks will look to bounce back and show grit after the bye.

Coach Rob Wiley has again made changes to the line up in a bid to find a balanced side that staff, players and supporters hope will get Old Easts their first win of the 2017 season.

This week’s 25 will see two boys debut in Corey Holmes and Joel Kalazjic.

 The versatile Holmes who has shown he can play across all lines on the field, bringing speed and hardness. The Canningvale product came through East Fremantle’s talent pathway and has transitioned into seniors very well after a fantastic 2016 season in the colts, where he was runner-up in the Trott Medal by just the single vote.

Kalazjic, who registered 17 games for Perth, will debut against his former team with plenty to prove. He has impressed throughout the pre-season, with his neat left foot kick that will hopefully benefit the forwards as he delivers from half back and the wing.

After finding plenty of the ball in the development league a fortnight ago, Dion Anthony also comes back in to the squad, along with mobile ruck/forward Stokes, young defender Josef Hebiton and Sean Henson.  Out of the side goes forward Moreno, young defender Harrold, midfielder Schleicher and the injured Conor Regan.

In earlier games, both the Colts and Development League teams will look to bounce back from unlucky narrow defeats two weeks ago.  A number of young, talented players are performing well, which is encouraging for the season ahead.