Round 12 Preview // Perth

Despite their positions on the Premiership table, Saturday’s match at Shark Park between East Fremantle and the Perth Demons is set to be a blockbuster.

After last week’s heart wrenching 3-point loss to Claremont, the Sharks will look to go one step further and hopefully get the win in front of a home crowd.

The teams have already met once this year in Round 4, where Perth managed a 13-point win at Lathlain Park. 

East Fremantle’s coaching staff made few changes to the line-up that got so close to Claremont, with 3 potential ins: Tim Bristow, Ambrose Ryan and Cameron Symonds. Since his move from Tasmania, Bristow has been plagued by injury and most recently has battled with his achilles. However having played very well during the last two rounds in the Development League, Bristow will have the opportunity to make his long-awaited return to League this week, where his hardness and run will be an asset.

If selected, Ambrose Ryan will be the club’s 17^th debutant for season 2017. Ryan came through the Shark’s development pathway and has been a part of the colt’s side since 2015.

Big man Symonds has also been included in the line-up after missing last week’s clash and will provide some important height for the Sharks.

Voted the competition’s player of the week, Andrew Stephen will be a focal point in the forward line and will be looking for another east in front of the big sticks.

With a host of seniors still on the injury list, experienced players in Eardley, Jupp, Lester-Smith, Schofield and Watson will be important in providing on-field leadership to the young East Fremantle side.

The Development League are looking to bounce back from consecutive losses this week. The boys were overrun in the last quarter against Claremont, going down by a mere 4-points. It’s a must win game for the Sharks who sit just inside the top 5, one game clear of 6^th place East Perth.

The Colts returned to the winner’s circle last week, with a 27-point victory over Claremont and will look for the same result against Perth. The last encounter between the two teams saw East Fremantle finish with a dominating 55-point win, but the boys are aware anything can happen from week to week.

Broadcast live on 7MATE from 1.30pm

Note Bouncedown times:

Colts: 8.25am

Development League: 10.55am

League 1.40pm