Sharks fight for fourth spot

East Fremantle and Peel Thunder will be looking to return to the winner’s circle this week at ATOM Stadium, as both teams come off three game losing streaks.

Last week’s bye gave the Sharks players an opportunity to freshen up, as they prepare to tackle a determined Peel side.

This week is a must win game for the Sharks, who are currently in fourth position, equal on points with Peel and East Perth, but with a higher percentage.

Several changes have been made to the side that lost to West Perth, with a number of Development League players earning an opportunity for a recall or promotion into the team.

Into the 25 comes Jesse Adamini, Tyler Chalwell, Fraser Perry, Joshua Cuneo, Miles Franklin, Jacob Green, Jake Schleicher and Andrew Stokes.

Tyler Chalwell will play his first league game for the Sharks since 2014, earning his spot in the side after outstanding performances in the Development League.

Tyler returned to community football in 2015 having previously played four league games for the Sharks.

Jack Perham will be rested this week after struggling with a tight groin. The club has decided to rest him to ensure he will be available if needed for a finals campaign.

Peel will be playing for similar stakes, with a string of losses putting them just outside the top five. As the Fremantle Dockers affiliated WAFL team, the Thunder will welcome the return of Alex Silvagni, Clancee Pearce and Jack Hannath.

They will, however, be without Tendai Mzungu who has been named in the Fremantle side, a regular inclusion for Peel throughout the 2016 season.

Peel has won the previous two games against East Fremantle this year but the Sharks hope the home ground advantage will help them get over the line tomorrow.

Despite a tough run home in which the Colts play the top five sides over the final five weeks of the season, the boys are looking forward to the challenge and will aim to begin that campaign with a solid performance against Peel this weekend. 

The Sharks will welcome back Luke Strnadica and Cameron Zurhaar from State 18’s duties and last week’s bye should have the boys freshened up and ready to go.

The Colts will take some confidence into the game with a strong win against West Perth a fortnight ago and will no doubt look to build on that good form this week. 

The Development League will also look to build on an excellent performance against West Perth, where they scored an impressive 21.7, and a win this week would go a long way to consolidating a spot in the top five. 

Unfortunately the win came at a cost with key forward Brandon Ellis rupturing an ACL and Jack Fletcher injuring a finger. The club wishes them all the best with their respective recoveries, however the Sharks are confident they have the depth to cover the losses.