Preliminary Final Match Preview

East Fremantle’s Development League are one win away from playing in this year’s 2016 WAFL Grand Final. In the do-or-die match, the Sharks take on Claremont in Sunday’s preliminary final at Fremantle Oval.

Boosted by last week’s impressive win against rivals South Fremantle and leading Claremont with a two-one record this season, the Sharks should take confidence in their playing ability.

Exceptional form over the last few months has helped to put the side in great stead for a finals campaign.

However the Sharks should not underestimate Claremont, who will be determined for a win after a 41-point loss to East Perth last week. A win against the Sharks will secure them a revenge grand final so our boys will have to show the desperation and effort as they have over the past few weeks.

Ahead of Sunday’s match the side will be relatively unchanged, given the Development League’s impressive form.

Adrian Ricciardello is a possible inclusion, after missing the earlier finals matches with an ankle injury, and will be given to the last minute to prove his fitness.

The Sharks defence will have to be resolute once more, with the likes of Dylan Winton, Josef Hebiton, Aaron Homes, Miles Franklin and Josh Cuneo named in the side. The boys have been outstanding down back against some of the Development League’s best forwards.

The midfield has been winning plenty of the ball, driving it inside 50 to provide many opportunities for the forwards to score. The flexibility of the Sharks midfield, with up to 12 players rotating through, is a major asset for the boys.

Andrew Stokes provided a great focal point last week and will no doubt look to repeat that role against Claremont.

Contests created by the likes of Stokes will give powerhouse forwards Lewis Krakouer and Oliver Parish the opportunity to feast on anything that spills.

It was great to see the support of the fans last week at Medibank Stadium and we ask that you get down to Fremantle Oval this Sunday to help get the boys over the line.

Bounce down at 11:45 am. 

The winner of Sunday’s match will take on East Perth in the WAFL Grand Final on Sunday 25th Sept.