Rd 14 - Match Preview with Taylor Cowper

Last time the two clubs played was in Round 7 with a close game played at Fremantle Oval on WA Day. The game ebbed and flowed with both sides having periods of momentum but it was the Bulldogs who emerged 2 point winners. 

The Sharks welcome back midfield duo Kyle Baskerville and Milan Murdock who missed the 62 point win over the West Coast Eagles last weekend but there will be a massive hole left by suspended Ruckman Jeremy Goddard.

“Kyle has missed a bit and Milan missed last week. We are full strength in the middle for the first time this year. Great to have those two back and they are exceptionally great players. It puts some pressure on our midfield selection so that’s a great position for us to be in”.

Goddard accepted a two-game striking ban, down from three with an early guilty plea, after an incident with West Coast midfielder Greg Clark. This means the Ruckman will be unavailable for selection this week and the game with Perth in Round 15.

“We were really disappointed and we have spoken about it as a playing group. Jeremy was frustrated and he is disappointed and regretful. We go in now without our number one ruckman”, said Monaghan. “We are sure Jeremy will learn from it. Reuben McGuire and Eddie Simpson will spend time in tandem in the Ruck role.”

New Recruit from East Perth, Eddie Simpson will make his East Fremantle Debut this weekend. “He has trained really well and we think he is ready to go. He is really excited and we are looking forward to seeing him run out there in the blue and white”.

League Bounce down is at 2.10pm at the WACA Ground. You can watch the game live through the AFL App or afl.com.au or via Channel 7 Perth.