Preview: Return of the Mac

Jamie McNamara will trade the moon boot for footy boots this week when the East Fremantle Sharks take on the Claremont Tigers on Saturday at ATOM Stadium.

McNamara watched from the sidelines as his side dismantled West Perth in Round 4, and the Sharks' captain is an ominous inclusion as the Tigers look for answers after back to back losses against Perth and Swan Districts.

Team Selection

After the bye in Round 3, McNamara said he wanted that extra week of rest to ensure he’ll return in top condition, but he admitted it was a ‘weird feeling’ to watch last week’s win from the sidelines.

“It was great to see the boys playing to our structures and playing with such freedom,” sid McNamara.

“But on the other hand it was hard to watch as you want to be a part of that. Last year we lost 11 in a row and we didn’t get to enjoy that winning feeling very much, so it really made me hungry to get back out there, especially considering how well they played last week.”

But McNamara isn’t one to underestimate the Tigers, who defeated the Sharks at ATOM Stadium in pre-season.

“So far there’s one thing for sure in that it is a pretty even competition this season. If you don’t bring 100% effort every week you’re going to get shown up,” said McNamara.

“You’ve really got to be on your toes against a team like Claremont that’s really well drilled -- they’ll take every opportunity if we let them.”

Claremont will have reason to feel they failed to take their opportunities against Swan Districts however. With their midfield on song, the Tigers came out on top in almost every area except on the scoreboard. Jack Bradshaw was one of their best, feeding the forwards with eight inside fifties while Jye Bolton picked up 36 touches.

It sets up a tantalising battle of the midfields this week with the Sharks averaging 400 disposals per game early in the season, the highest in the league.

And both teams have made a habit of making their statement's early as the two of the fastest starting clubs this season. Despite dropping two from three games this year, the Tigers have taken leads of 37, 22 and 26 points into the second quarter. East Fremantle have taken 21 and 38 point margins from their opening terms at home, and the engine room performed well enough to deserve a similar margin against the Thunder in Round 2, kicking 1.8 to Peel’s 3.2.

Sharks’ coach Rob Wiley obviously welcomed McNamara’s return to the middle, despite the squad making it difficult to fit their captain back in the side with wins across all four levels on the weekend.

“It’s always nice to have your captain back in and he gives us some good flexibility as he can play in a number of positions, and he gives us great leadership,” said Wiley.

“But it’s been a tough week for selections as a lot of players are in good form and a lot good players in the development squad are in good form too, but for any successful club you need that internal pressure.”

While McNamara is the one big inclusion, both sides appear to have pulled up healthy with the selectors keeping their options open by not naming any outs in the Thursday night team selections.

After an impressive win over the weekend, the Colts will have a tough challenge against Claremont this week.

Darryn Fry said he was looking forward to some stiff competition.

“The return of Claremont’s AFL Academy boys and likewise Luke Strnadica for East Fremantle will make for a really solid contest.

“We’re really pleased with the way the Colts have been playing, there’s healthy competition for spots so we’re looking forward to this weekend’s game."

The Development League is also continuing to take strides in the right direction. 

“We feel there are eight to ten boys who are putting pressure on the League players, which is a position that will hold the Club in good stead moving forward,” Mr Fry said.

The action in Round 5 will begin at the usual time of 9am for the Colts, with the Reserves commencing at 11:30am and bouncedown for the League at 2:15pm.