Sharks battle Bulldogs in Saturday morning showdown

The stakes for the Fremantle Derby are as high as ever, with East Fremantle desperate for a win this Saturday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

Sitting with a derby win each, the Sharks will be hoping to continue an improbable run for the away side, while South look to bounce back from a number of losses.

Last week’s win against the Swans was crucial, for the all-important 4 points and to instill some confidence back into the players.

Leadership was a key aspect of the Sharks winning formula against the Swans, with coach Rob Wiley acknowledging a number of senior players post-match, particularly those returning from injury.

The Sharks will be looking for repeat performances from both Liam Anthony and George Hampson following their return to form over the weekend.

Anthony played a key role in the midfield, finishing with 41 possessions and a goal, while Hampson spent time on the ball and at half forward kicking two goals and picking up 35 disposals.

Into the 25 this week comes James Harrold, Dion Anthony, Jack Perham and Dylan Winton after strong performances in the Development League, while Tyler Chalwell has been omitted. 

Team Selection

Sitting just outside the top five, the Sharks are aware that every game must be treated as a grand final rather than relying on results of other matches.

South Fremantle will be relieved following the WAFL Tribunal’s dismissal of a rough conduct charge against Ben Saunders, who is currently the league's leading goal kicker.

Ashton Hams, Blaine Johnson and Haiden Schloithe have also been named in the Bulldogs side.

Games for both the Colts and Development League certainly don’t get any easier with Sharks sides playing the second and third placed teams respectively.

The Colts, who are in good recent form winning their last three and a great win over the fourth placed Swans last week, should go in to this week’s match with confidence, knowing that another victory will continue East Fremantle’s push for a finals birth.

Adding to Sharks line-up this week are the possible inclusion of livewire forward Drew Blurton and the versatile Peter Delaney, whilst Jimmy Valentine is another possible. 

The Sharks will again require a consistent team performance over four quarters.  Whilst competitive against the Bulldogs in their previous two contests, lapses in concentration for periods of each game has cost our boys dearly, something that their opponents have been able to take advantage of.

The Development League, also coming off three consecutive wins of their own, have also fallen short in their two previous encounters with the Bulldogs, but like the Colts have shown they can certainly match it with them for the majority of the match. 

The Sharks recent form, on the back of solid defence and slicker ball movement, suggests this should be another cracking game of football.  East Fremantle now have more players playing well, more consistently and they will certainly require a strong contribution from all 23 again this week.

A win this week against the arch enemy would almost see the Sharks lock away their spot in the final five, which would be a super achievement for season 2016, after recording just the 6 wins last year.

A reminder that the Development League play after the League this Saturday, with bouncedown at 2:40pm.

MATCH DAY INFO

UITTENBROEK-CICCOTOSTO CUP
South Fremantle v East Fremantle
Saturday July 30, 11.40am
Fremantle Community Bank Oval 

KEY TIMES
8.00am – Gates Open
9.00am – Colts Game Commences
9.00am – Public Bar Open
10.00am – Official Presidents Brunch Function 
11.40am – League Game Commences
12.50pm – Half Time Activities 
2.40pm – Reserves Game Commences
3.45pm – League Post Game Function
5.00pm – Women’s Game Commences

TICKETS
Purchase from the main gate on game day. Main gate located at the corner of Parry St and William St in Fremantle. Adult Tickets $15. Concession Tickets $12. Under 16s Free.

GETTING THERE
Nearest Bus Stop is on South Terrace. Buses 511, 513, 520, 530, 531, 532, 825, 920, 998 and 999 stop a 2-minute walk from the main gate.

Nearest Train Station is Fremantle Station. Fremantle Line Train stops at Fremantle station every 15 minutes on game day which is an 8-minute walk from the main gate.

Journey from East Fremantle Oval: Walk to Marmion St before Onslow St (Stop No. 10747 roughly 2 min walk), Catch Bus 501 to High St after Stirling St (Stop No. 10875 roughly 6 minutes), Walk to Fremantle Oval (roughly 11 minutes). 

Numerous parking areas are in close proximity to the ground including parking areas on Parry St and multi-level parking on Henderson St. 

Please note parking inside the ground is limited to players and support staff on match days. 

FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN
WAFL footy is still family friendly fun. Everyone is welcome onto Fremantle Community Bank Oval at the quarter breaks and during half-time. Feel free to have a kick on field during the breaks or listen to the coaches quarter-time addresses. Please remember to give distance around team huddles and stay out of the centre square of the ground. 

FOOD OUTLETS
A number of food options and street van outlets are available to fans at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on match days.

Lamb Van: Located just inside the ground next to the main gates, this van serves a wide variety of hot food, cold drinks, snack foods and ice creams.  

Shak Shuka: Located next to the South Fremantle club rooms behind the large video screen, this street style outlet serves authentic Moroccan flavours with a home-made twist.   

New York Hot Dog: Located in front of the Victoria Pavilion, this street van serves a variety of differing gourmet hot dogs to suit all tastes.  

South Fremantle Canteen: Located at the bar in the public area of the club, the canteen sells traditional footy food including hot chips, burgers and cold drinks. 

Soup Kitchen: Located next to the canteen in the public bar, get in early in the morning to get traditional Pea & Ham Soup.   

PUBLIC BAR & TAB FACILITIES
The public bar is open to all with the entrance through the main doors to the South Fremantle club rooms. TAB facilities are located within the public area of the main bar. Bar opens at 9am. 

BROADCAST INFORMATION
If you cannot make it to Fremantle Community Bank Oval, the game will be televised live on 7mate from 11.30am.

SOUTH FREMANTLE VS EAST FREMANTLE WOMEN’S MATCH
The marquee women’s fixture between South Fremantle and East Fremantle rounds off a big derby day and commences at 5pm. The match will feature marquee players Emma Swanson from East Fremantle and Brisbane marquee player Sabrina Fredrick-Traub from South Fremantle.