Sharks ready for ANZAC Derby showdown

The stakes for the ANZAC Derby are as high as ever, with the Sharks desperate for a win against port rivals South Fremantle on Sunday.

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Despite the recent win/loss ratio favouring the Bulldogs, it’s well known that anything can happen in a derby.

Coming off a disappointing loss to Claremont last week, Vice-Captain Matthew Jupp said the boys will take that as motivation into Sunday’s match.  

“Last week hurt, we were so close and lost with the last kick of the day,” Jupp said.

“No loss is easy to take, but ones that you should have won are the hardest. In saying that, footy is a great game because you get a chance to change your fortunes a week later.”

Jupp said he always enjoys the high-stakes nature that comes with the Derby.

“It’s the game you play for. There is nothing better than a derby win, I hate South Freo!!”

“I debuted in an ANZAC day derby and it's probably the highlight of my career to date, every time you win one the feeling just gets sweeter. I haven't won a home derby in my playing career at EFFC, so I'm super excited to go and get it done this Sunday.”

The meaning of ANZAC day is certainly not lost on the boys.

“It's such a privilege to be able to represent our ANZACS on the football field, we can never begin to imagine the pain and sacrifice they went through to fight for our freedom, but we can repay them in a small way by fighting hard on the footy field and enjoying the beautiful life they set up for us,” Jupp said.

“We're so lucky we get to enjoy ourselves playing footy with our best mates, it's a really exciting week for a footballer, but one filled with an immense amount of respect.”

Into the extended 26-man squad this week comes James Bristow, George Hampson, Ben Harding, Chris Scott and Jesse Wynne, with the two latter potentials to make their league debut.

The Sharks injury woes took another dive during the week, with star recruit Nick Kommer ruled out of his first derby.

It took the Bulldogs three quarters to find their feet against West Perth last week, so the Sharks will need to convert early and maintain a four-quarter effort to give themselves the best opportunity for a win.

“We're playing really good footy and have just lapsed in small patches, we have been working really hard on being able to arrest momentum during quarters, so hopefully we can implement that this week,” Jupp said.

“We're building something big down at Shark Park, it's a feeling like no other I’ve experienced in my time at East Freo. This group is capable of big things, and winning these games is just the start.”

The Development League are also looking to return to the winner’s circle after a 6-point loss last week. A slow start proved costly for the boys and despite at huge fourth term they couldn’t get over the line. South Fremantle’s reserves also suffered a narrow loss in round 3, with some inaccuracy cost them the game.

Our Colts registered their first win last week and will be looking to make it two in a row.