Round 6 - Match Preview with Taylor Cowper

East Fremantle will finally play at their new home when they play reigning premiers at the WACA ground this Saturday.

Both sides head into the match with impressive form. The Sharks searching for their fifth straight win and Subiaco look to continue their round five form after a win last weekend against Swan Districts.

League Coach Bill Monaghan said the side is looking forward to playing its frost game at the WACA. “We are really excited. Our form is really good and that’s good because we are up against a high quality opponent. The WACA is a lovely ground and we are expecting a fine day. All guns blazing, we are looking forward to it”.

Both sides have been dangerous up forward in recent weeks. The Sharks welcome back Dillon O’Reilly and Jonathon Marsh, who both missed last weekend through injury. “Marsh had Covid last week. It’s a little unknown at the WACA. It’s a lot shorter than other grounds. We will be looking deeper inside 50. Having a key like Marsh will help us”.

Both sides have worked hard at contested midfield pressure and that will be on display this weekend. East Fremantle’s ruck stocks of Jeremy Goddard and Brynn Teakle will be instrumental if the Sharks are to finish victors. Monaghan said that the two Ruckman working in tandem has allowed more targets up forward this season. “Since Jeremey has come in the side we have played Teaks more in the forward line and pinch hitting in the ruck”.

This weekend’s game could be the last time Teakle is seen in blue and white this season. The 22 year old Ruckman has been linked to AFL clubs looking for Ruck stocks in the lead up to the AFL mid-season draft. “We are resigned to the fact we will lose him next week”, said Monaghan. “Big guys are going left right and centre in the AFL. He has had several clubs reach out to him. It’s just a matter of where he will go, not if he will go. He is 22 years of age and is still learning his craft so will be a great pick up for any club”.

Ryan Lester-Smith is also out this week under Health and Safety protocols.

League Bounce down is 2.10pm, Saturday the 28^th at the WACA. The game will be broadcast live through the AFL App or AFL.com.au and Colts game via Streamer.

WACA members will also have free access to all games at the WACA.