Bristow chalks up 50 in vital Claremont match

East Fremantle will be looking to back up last week’s win against Perth, when they take on Claremont at ATOM on Saturday 20th.

The two teams last met in round 10, when the Sharks scraped through for a 5-point win in horrible weather conditions. 

The win last week put the Sharks back in the top 5, knocking out East Perth who sit on equal points.

Claremont will also be determine to walk away with the four points, following a one point loss to West Perth last week.

James Bristow will celebrate his 50^th East Fremantle game on the weekend. Coming to the Sharks at the start of the 2014 season from Peel Thunder, Bristow has played a prominent role in the league side.In his first year at the Club, Bristow provided now retired Ruckman Rob Young with much needed support, whilst giving the Sharks a strong marking forward option. Over the last 2 years, James has continued his ruckng role and his athleticism has allowed him to match it with the best of the WAFL big men. In his 49th game for the Club, James was a key factor in our second half dominance, booting 4 goals in the half.  

The Sharks will also be hoping for repeat performances from Liam Anthony, who picked up 36 disposals, Cam Eardley 26 and Matthew Jupp 25 as well as Brett Peake who also managed 4 goals against Perth.

East Fremantle will be hoping to utilise the home-ground advantage, having not played at ATOM since Round 17.

Into the 25 this week comes Dion Anthony, Carl Green, Conor Regan and Dylan Winton.

Jeff Carter, who made his debut against Perth, remains in the side. 

George Hampson will not play following a minor hamstring strain, but will hopefully be available for selection next week.

Brock O’Brien is now out for the rest of the season, following knee surgery on Wednesday morning. The Club wishes him all the best with his recovery.

Team Selection

Both the Colts and Development League sides will test their finals credentials as they take on Claremont sides, both of whom are sitting in top two positions.

The Colts will begin the day knowing that a win keeps them alive in the final round and should take confidence from the fact that the last time they met Claremont they came away with a fantastic win. 

The Colts boys were brilliant in their convincing win over Perth last weekend, bringing outstanding pressure and intensity and they will need to bring that again this week.

The match committee will have some tough decisions with a number of players returning from injury and school football, which is a healthy position to be in at this time of year and the competition for spots will ensure the players are on their toes, ready to perform.

The Development League, whilst already guaranteed a finals berth, will use the next two weeks to fine tune as well as see how they match up against the top two teams in the competition. 

Claremont head to ATOM Stadium in terrific form, winning 11 games on the trot, but our boys will bring in good form too, winning 4 of the past 5 and on the back of a convincing 96 point victory last week against Perth.  Both teams will boast a high number of players who have tasted League football so all shapes up to be a great contest.

The teams are one-all in season 2016, with Claremont winning their most recent encounter in round 10 by 34 points.  That day our boys started poorly, allowing Claremont to open up a match winning lead at half time, before outscoring the Tigers in the second half.

All in all, these two games should set up what should be a super day of footy at ATOM Stadium this Saturday.