Rd 18 League - The Left Bank Wrap Up with Taylor Cowper

The Sharks are in the finals for the first time since 2014 after a massive win against Swan Districts on Saturday afternoon at the WACA.

Up to half time the game was a tense and close contest but the Sharks kicked 14 of the last 16 goals to end up 20.15 (135) to 8.9 (57) victors.

It has been a long time between finals appearances for Sharks Captain Matthew Jupp who said post match that it has been hard work over many years that has helped the side get to where it is now. “Yeah it has been hard work. I was lucky to play finals in my first year at the club and it has been a 9 year drought. It is extremely exciting to lock that in. We deserved it and I am really excited”.

The Sharks were tremendous in the second half against the Swans but it all comes down to the hard work off field that has led the side to this point. “They really tested us early. We grounded the game out and worked really hard. They are fun games to play. When the game is sewn up at 3 quarter time it's fun to sit back and watch".

2014 was the last time the Sharks were in the finals but attention quickly turns to the remaining games in the WAFL fixtures including a tough game at Claremont Oval next weekend. “The mindset and focus is Claremont next week. We are still hunting for top 3 and we want a home final.  We need to get the job done next week”.

The Sharks have proven to be a team to be reckoned with heading into the finals having overcome much adversity up to this point in the season. The side has lost sharp shooter Hugh Dixon, Ruckman Luke Strnadica and ex-Brisbane Midfielder, Tom Joyce at the start of the season to the West Coast Eagles and also losing Ruckman Brynn Teakle to Port Adelaide in the AFL Mid Season draft.

The Sharks also celebrated Lachlan Bailey playing his 50th WAFL game and Michael Tassone 50th League EFFC Game. 

The Sharks continue the 2022 campaign this weekend taking on 2^nd place Claremont this weekend at Revo Fitness Stadium.

League game can be streamed via the AFL App and AFL.com

and Colts game via streamer.com.au

EAST FREMANTLE 3.3, 6.9, 11.12, 20.15 (135)

def

SWAN DISTRICTS 4.4, 6.5, 7.8, 8.9 (57)

Goals – EAST FREMANTLE: J Marsh 4 R McGuire 4 L English 3 J Hagan 3 C Holmes 2 C Eardley R Lester-Smith A Montauban M Tassone.

Best – EAST FREMANTLE: R Lester-Smith K Baskerville M Murdock C Eardley J Marsh M Jupp

Photos: Phil Elliott