Club Stalwart Reaches 100th Game | Round 7 Preview

Ryan Lester-Smith will notch his 100th game for the Sharks (98 WAFL and 2 Foxtel Cup) this Saturday against Claremont, the same team he made his debut against in 2012.

With Blue and White running through his veins, Lester-Smith is rightfully proud to reach the milestone and it means that much more to do it at a club that has been such a significant part of his life.

“I’m very proud and humble to be able to pull on the EFFC guernsey for the 100th time, it’s a great club with great history,” Lester-Smith said.

“It’s definitely something I’ll look back on after my career, but this weekend it’s about the team and getting the 4 points.”

It hasn’t been an easy ride for the 28-year-old, with significant injuries plaguing his career. Despite ACL, shoulder and leg injuries, his resilience and dedication has never wavered.

“They love of the game has always been greater than the small setbacks and injuries. I love playing football and have always wanted to play at the best level I can.”

Lester-Smith is a great example of the development pathway. Having played his juniors at Willetton, he was selected in the development squads before progressing through to the colts and senior programs.

Reflecting on his career, Ryan touted his debut game as his most memorable.

“It was against Claremont and we were down by five goals at half time. The boys turned it on in the second half and we ended up winning the game by 6 goals.”

Despite ladder positions over the past few years, East Fremantle and Claremont have shared a fierce rivalry highlighted by a six-point margin in the preseason game. Having showed promising signs against the second-placed West Perth last week, the Sharks will be hoping this is their time against Claremont.

The coaching team have added several players to the squad with Zach Jackson, Nick Kommer, Reuben McGuire, Max Murphy, Ambrose Ryan and Brynn Teakle coming in.

The Reserves will look to replicate their dominant Round 6 win this weekend. Sitting just outside the top 4, the boys will need a victory to keep their 2020 finals chances alive. Cam Loersch, Matthew Burton, Jamie Meade, Alex Bray and Tom Marshall will be looking for strong performances to again press their claims.

Our Colts handed West Perth their first loss of the year and will be looking to do the same for Claremont, who are sitting on top of the ladder, undefeated. Brandon Walker, Jack Carroll and Finn Gorringe have all began training with the Seniors and will be looking to press their League chances. While young gun, Jack Williams will be looking to build on his 4-goal performance against West Perth.