Sharks ready to bite back

East Fremantle is prepared for a fierce battle against West Perth this Saturday at HBF Arena, as the two teams battle it out for third spot on the ladder.

After two disappointing losses the Sharks will be looking for a win before next week’s bye, putting the team in good stead for the six games leading to the finals.

West Perth will be playing for similar stakes, as South Fremantle brought their 7 game winning streak to an end last week.

The Sharks welcome the return of star trio Cam Eardley, George Hampson and Liam Anthony, who are set to boost the midfield and forward line.

Cam will celebrate his 50^th league game, in his first match since injuring himself against Perth in round 9.

East Fremantle Football Manager Darryn Fry said Cam has been a key player for the Sharks.

“His form has been outstanding and his drive from inside the midfield will be welcomed,” Darryn said.

George has missed the last four games with a lower leg injury while Liam has made a quicker than expected recovery from a finger injury sustained during the Derby in Round 12.

“George Hampson has also been in excellent goal-kicking form and it has been no coincidence that our scoring has dried up a little since his injury.

“Liam provides drive through the midfield and has no doubt has been working hard off the track to be fit and ready to go,” Darryn said.

Team Selection

The Sharks have enjoyed reasonable success over the past few years at HBF Arena, as one of the two teams with a winning record at the ground.

During their last encounter at ATOM Stadium earlier in the year, East Fremantle kept West Perth goalless in the first and fourth quarters to come away with a 50-point win.

Despite last week’s disappointing loss to Perth, debutant Jake Solomon was excited to get his first league game under his belt.

“It was good to get it out of the way, I was nervous but I was just trying to keep calm and remind myself it’s just another game of footy,” Jake said.

The Sharks ruckman, who managed 37 hitouts in first game, said he still had work to do in terms of fitness for league games.

“The pace of the game was a big step up and I found I was struggling with my fitness but hopefully that will improve as the season goes on.

“I had a lack of a preseason due to illness and injury and have for the last few years, so I haven’t had a really good preseason since colts and that really sets you up for a good season,” Jake said.

The Colts will begin the day looking to find ways to score goals against West Perth. After trying hard throughout the game last week, the boys struggled with scoreboard pressure that must be rectified to kick a score big enough to get the four points. 

A win would not only set the Colts up for a strong run home in the final weeks but also keep them in touch with the top five, with the return of State players and a bye to come.

Into the side this week comes Ben Elsbury, who will make his debut, the third of this year’s 16’s crop to do so, along with another debutant in McMurray, plus Quill (PSA), Grljusich, Wainwright and Bennett. 

The Development League will also look to bounce back and put four consistent quarters together as they try to stay inside the top five. 

After being overrun in the final quarter last week, expect the boys to come out firing once that first ball is bounced. 

The Development League will be bolstered by some returning League players from last week, as well as the inclusion of key forward Brandon Ellis who is back from an ankle injury.