The Shaw-Shark Redemption

East Fremantle will be looking to get back in the winner’s circle against the Demons this weekend, after a disappointing 78-point loss to Subiaco.  

East Fremantle have won the last 14 out 15 encounters between the two teams.

This will be the Sharks’ first visit to Lathlain Park this season, their only loss in recent times to the Demons coming in round 19 last year.

Coach Rob Wiley believes his team will respond well to this week’s challenge.

“It’s been a good week on the training track just to revise a few things and go back to basics. There’s been some good discussion in the lecture theatre, looking at vision of where we can get better,” Wiley said.

“We know it’s going to be another tough challenge, Perth at Lathlain is a hard game and we need to bring our best to the floor this week.”

While the win-loss record is in the Sharks favour, they have acknowledged the strength of Perth’s midfield, which includes the WAFL’s leading disposal winner Clint Jones.

“They’ve got a really good running side and if we give them room they’ll cut us up, so it’s not only about winning the footy but being very mindful of their strength,” Wiley said.

Last week’s loss to the now-ladder leaders was a tough learning curve for the boys.

“Everyone was bitterly disappointed, it’s not the way they’ve gone about their football this year, even though Subiaco are the reigning back-to-back premiers, we need to be able to bring a better level of commitment, energy and style of footy,” Wiley said.

According to Wiley, intention was a key element missing from the team last week.

“Subiaco brought more intention to the game so we need to address that and make sure that we’re giving ourselves the chance by being hard at the footy and playing to the way we trained and you know we didn’t do any of that on Sunday,” Wiley said.

After consistent form in the development league, Jake Solomon will make his league debut against Perth this week.

Solomon has been a part of the East Fremantle talent pathway since 14 and was also a part of the 2013 WA State 18’s team.  

As a developing ruckman, Solomon has suffered a number of growth related injuries but has shown signs of improvement through good body management.

Dion Anthony has been named in this week’s side, while star trio Cam Eardley, Liam Anthony and George Hampson are still unavailable for section.

Team Selection

“We’re hoping that they’ll be back on the track next week and ready for West Perth,” Wiley said.

The Colts will be looking to win back-to-back games against top of the table Perth at the early time of 8:25am.

The last time the two teams met, the Sharks were very competitive for the first three quarters, but the strength of the Perth side overran our boys in the fourth. 

The Colts will be looking for Corey Homes, James Valentine and Matthew Burton to continue their strong form, while the backs will have a huge challenge ahead of them against a strong Perth forward line.

Colts Team Selection

After a fantastic one-point win against Subiaco last week, the Development League will be looking to record back-to-back wins for the first time since round 4 and 5.

In their last encounter with Perth, the boys were able to overcome a tight first half to walk away with a comfortable 5-goal win. 

Development League Team Selection