Youth marshalled for Thunder clash

Tom Marshall will be East Fremantle’s second debutant for the season when the Sharks take on Peel Thunder in this Saturday’s Round 10 clash at ATOM Stadium.

Marshall, 18, has been named in the back pocket but is also expected to help support the Sharks’ midfield with Jamie McNamara (calf) and George Hampson (calf) joining Cam Eardly on the sidelines after last week’s win over Claremont.Defender Sam Reid was also omitted from the side with general soreness, making way for the return of co-Vice Captain Matthew Jupp -- who will play his first game since Round 5.

With nine games in the Development League to start 2016, 21-year-old Jacob Green has also been called up and will play his 8th career league game.

The Sharks have enjoyed a relatively good run with injuries on their way to a 6-3 start to the season, but Rob Wiley expects his side to continue the standard of to play that’s seen the club win their last four in a row.

“Unfortunately footy’s a contact game and you’re going to experience injuries once in a while,” said Wiley.

“It’s an exciting time as it gives the young guys these opportunities. It all comes down to the team structures, so when someone new comes in and he knows his role and understands that and plays to it. In many ways it doesn’t matter about the personnel, it’s about how we go about our team footy.”

Wiley sees plenty of potential in Marshall, the grandson of former football and tennis player Arthur Marshall who played 20 games for East Fremantle between 1954 and 1961.
After 18 games with the Colts in 2014 and 2015, Marshall needed just nine games in the Development League to earn his call up.

“Tom’s been consistent with his form and he thoroughly deserves his chance,” said Wiley.

“He joins Jimmy Harold as our debutants this year, and it’s a good sign that we have these young guys coming through the colts and we can see that pathway.”

Peel has named eight changes to the side that defeated East Perth by 14 points in horrendous conditions at Bendigo Bank Stadium, with Michael Barlow Peel’s biggest out after a 44 disposal, 13 tackle and three goal performance.

Cam Sutcliffe and Sam Collins are also out for Peel after being named alongside Barlow in the Fremantle Dockers side that will face St Kilda, while Peel picks up Zac Clarke who struggled in the ruck against Richmond after appearing to re-injure his knee.

100-game Dockers player Tendai Mzungu remains in the Peel side despite another solid showing for against East Perth, while Anthony Morabito is returning to WAFL footy as he continues his long road back from injury.

With plenty of AFL listed players and the coaching staff to boot, Wiley remains wary of the Thunder.

“They beat us in Round 2 and obviously being affiliated with Fremantle they play an excellent style of footy so we’re going to have to have our A-grade game to combat,” said Wiley.

“You’re always unsure at times with who will be in and out, as that’s sometimes a late decision -- but we fully realise that no matter who’s out there we have to respect them and play our brand of football.”

As a late arrival to training, Tom Marshall missed his announcement into the League side, allowing his teammates to have a bit of fun with the situation.

“It’s so exciting but it was pretty unexpected,” said Marhsall.

“I hadn’t heard anything about it until today when I got to training. I arrived a bit late so everyone found out before I did, and the boys kept saying some things to me and I had no idea what they were talking about.”

Thanks to some phone trouble, Marshall’s family is also one of the last to find out about his selection.

“Hopefully I’ll get the family down here for the game but no-one knows yet as my phone’s out of battery, so I haven't been able to tell anyone!”

It’s Marshall’s second step up in the WAFL system in 2016, but he’s not expected to change too much after earning plenty of the football in the Development League.

“They’ve just told me to go out there and do what I usually do and not overthink it too much and just play our style of footy, and I’m really looking forward to that challenge,” said Marhsall.

“I think it’s been a solid start, my use has gotten better throughout the season and I’m getting used to the bigger bodies and the quicker game, so I think in terms of my ball use and positioning I’m pretty happy with that aspect of my game.”

With a few outs in the seniors and a few out of their own, the Development League’s depth will be tested against Peel this weekend.  After a below par performance last week against the Tigers the boys will no doubt be hungry to hold their spot inside the top five with a victory.

Into the side comes Bennett from injury and Williamson, who has been in outstanding form at amateur level being named in their under 23’s State squad -- whilst Michael Cronan and Cameron Armstrong come in for their first runs of the year.

The Colts, just like the seniors also have a few sore boys, but will be buoyed by the return of skipper Baskerville as they look to stay in touch with the top five should they secure a victory Saturday morning.  Defender Nevill is out with an ankle, while goal sneak Blurton, who sits in the top three on Colts goal kicking, is away with a family commitment.  Along with the skipper returns youngster Hewson, ruck Kleppe and the speedy Williams.