Rd 7 - Match Preview with Taylor Cowper

The Sharks haven’t beaten South Fremantle in more than 12 games and will be looking to turn the tables this Monday in a much-anticipated Fremantle Derby at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

It has been 8 years since East Fremantle finished ahead of the Bulldogs on the WAFL ladder and the Sharks head into the Derby with good form after winning 5 games on the trot culminating in a win against reigning premiers Subiaco at the WACA last Saturday.

In round 18 last year, the Bulldogs were victors in a 61 point victory over the Sharks.

At almost the halfway point of the regular season the Sharks have been the surprise team heading into the Derby atop the WAFL ladder.

The game proves to be a pivotal one for both sides with the Bulldogs sitting two games shy of East Fremantle in fifth position. A win for the Sharks could set the team up for a realistic run to the finals. 

East Fremantle’s last derby victory came on WA Day 2016 at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. 

Senior Coach Bill Monaghan said the side looks as well as it has in years and is ready to take the bragging rights back.  "We’ve really started to spread the load with our senior players standing up, and the guys in the 30-50 game range now having a bigger influence on contests." 

Monaghan is looking to win his first game against the cross-town rivals as head coach of the Sharks.  “It certainly has been tough going when it comes to derbies in my time, but we go into this game in good form and a degree of confidence," Monaghan said.   "Our supporters and members should be more optimistic than they’ve been in years, so I really hope they turn up in good numbers on Monday." 

The Sharks will be without big man Brynn Teakle who has been picked up by Port Adelaide in the mid-season AFL Draft.

Bouncedown for the Fremantle Ports WA Day Derby between South Fremantle and East Fremantle is 2.35pm at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.  You can watch the League game live on Channel 7/7 mate or livestream on AFL app or www.afl.com.au

Make sure you get to the ground early for the 1.25pm curtain raiser with the ‘Derby Legends’.  Some of the EFFC greats making an appearance: Stephen Bilcich, Liam Anthony, Andrew Stephen, Rory O’Brien and Damien Condon.