Sharks ready for tough challenge with Derby rivals

The East Fremantle Sharks will need to break two streaks if they are defeat rivals South Fremantle in a highly anticipated ANZAC Derby clash at ATOM Stadium from 2:30pm this Saturday. 

Info about the day

The Fremantle Derby has been won by the away side for 11 straight games and the Bulldogs have raced out to a 4-0 record this season, meaning a Sharks' victory would put an end to both runs.

But it won’t be easy, South Fremantle outclassed the Perth Demons last week by 98 points in their most convincing win of the season, applying almighty pressure on all corners of the field. The Sharks on the other hand were stunned by the Claremont’s accuracy up front as the Tigers kicked a record 19.2.116 total to win by 39 points despite having one less scoring shot.

The Sharks even won the disposal count, but it was their poor use in possession that was their demise as Claremont pounced on any mistake. Jack Perham, who kicked two goals last weekend, said that the team was able to highlight the issues from last week to go into Saturday with confidence.

“It was very disappointing last week but we reviewed really well,” said Perham.

“We went over a lot of things and that’s sort of where you take the most out of it. We’ve prepared really well and watched a lot of tape on what Souths do and hopefully we’ll be ready to come out early on and set the tone.”

Against Perth, the Bulldogs were hardly threatened, out-marking the Demons 143 to 62 and dominating the disposal count 440 to 291. Perham said East Fremantle will needs to be ruthless if they are to limit the influence of their midfield.

"It's a huge game, it's always a little bit of a bigger preparation and buildup than normal but I think the boys have taken it really well, they’re prepared and ready to go," said Perham.

“Souths had a lot of marks last week, so if we pressure up and try and stop them from marking the footy, try and cause a few turnovers and get on top early.”

Despite last week’s loss, the Sharks have enjoyed an overall positive start to the season with a 2-2 record to sit in 4^th place. Rob Wiley’s new approach has been sighted as one reason for the Sharks improvement after a poor finish to the 2015 season, and Perham feels he is one who has benefited.

“I’ve been playing up on the wing a little bit and I went forward last week for a bit more and kicked a couple of coals which was good,” said Perham.

“I’m not sure what I’m doing this week yet, but hopefully I get to spend a bit of time up forward. I love getting up and trying a different position. It adds a bit of flexibility to my own game and probably the team as well, so I’m really enjoying.”

South Fremantle has named another unchanged side while East Fremantle will have a change in the ruck, with James Bristow named starting ruckman and Jack Fletcher a possible back up, after he was named on the extended bench. Andrew Stokes, who shared ruck duties with James Bristow in the opening four games this season, has been omitted.

Team List

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to the game to be ready for the ANZAC Ceremony at 2:30pm. The game is the Sharks’ first broadcast game of the season, with coverage on Channel 7, also from 2:30pm, as well as on 720 ABC Grandstand. 

Women's League

The Women's twilight match is slated to be another tough contest, with all three Fremantle Derby clashes in 2015 decided by a goal or less. The Sharks will take confidence from winning two of these three contests, including a nail biting victory at Domain Stadium.

Sharks players in action on Saturday night will feature AFL stars Brianna Green, Caitlyn Edwards and Jess Weutschner, who all took part in last year’s Melbourne vs Demons AFL match. They will be joined by three teammates who represented the Dockers and the Eagles a fortnight ago; Cassie Davidson, Mel Caulfield and Alex Williams.

The Sharks will be without both Co-Captains, with Jo Beechey sidelined with a broken arm from the season opener, and Emma Swanson due to travel commitments. The team are also waiting doctors reports on Zoe Palandri (Fremantle Dockers) and 2015 Rookie of the Year Erin Fox prior to selections.

The Bulldogs also boast a start studded line up, including Sabrina Frederick Traub (Melbourne Demons, Fremantle Dockers), Chloe Taylor (Fremantle Dockers), Kahra Sprlyan (West Coast Eagles), Katrina Tinson (West Coast Eagles).

Bounce at 5:30pm after the Sir Hughie Edwards Cup Presentation. 

Development League

Similar to the League side, the Development League face an as yet unbeaten Bulldogs side, however the Sharks will go in with full confidence on a three game winning streak and with a number of players pressing for League selection.

With second playing third it will no doubt be a fantastic game, played with all the Derby feeling that you would expect with bouncedown at 11:50am.

Colts

The Colts will for the second week in a row face formidable opponents, who last week dropped their first game of the season and like the Sharks will be looking to rebound

For the Sharks it will be another great test playing against quality opposition.

This provides an opportunity for a few inclusions in to the 23 man squad to play in a derby following the withdrawal of a few players due to a CBC Fremantle school trip to Melbourne, which a few of the Easts boys are involved with.

Like the League game, this match sees 2^nd face 4^th as the Colts look to improve on the 2-2 record with bouncedown at 9:25am.