Sharks Qualifying Final team announced

East Fremantle move back to Shark Park this weekend as they take on Claremont in week one of the WAFL finals.

Sharks Captain Matthew Jupp said “The team are looking forward to the opportunity of playing finals footy.  We have played hard and strong footy in the regular season and we have given ourselves a great opportunity”.   

“It’s now time to take the opportunity in front of us starting this weekend against Claremont.  We expect a fired-up Claremont but expect us to be fired up more.”

The last time these two clubs played was back in round 19 with East Fremantle winning comfortably by 45 points at Revo Fitness Stadium.

League Coach Bill Monaghan said “The Tigers are a team not to be underestimated. We were very good last time. Claremont were below their standard that they have set all year, they will respond, they will be hard at the ball,  the contested footy will be where the game is won”.

Monaghan said he is looking forward to the game. “It’s very exciting for the club and the players in particular.  There are a handful of players who have played finals whether that be in the VFL or WAFL and I think Marshy has played one in the AFL so it’s very exciting”.

“Players are looking forward to it, but we also know and understand it’s a big game and stakes are high. We all understand and know that finals footy is different”.

Having Coached West Perth in the finals in previous years, Monaghan knows that emotions are different heading into a final’s series.  “Each and every player is different, nerves and anxiety are there around finals, but we also know they are there for other games”, said Monaghan.  “We do talk about it and the number one strategy we have is even though it is a finals game the fundamentals don’t change and it’s ultimately still just a game of footy.  These feelings are real, but we work with our guys”.

The Sharks head into the game with one change.  With Tom Monaghan out and Cam Eardley is back into the side.

“Cam missed last week, he will provide more carry and run.  He probably could have played last weekend, but we decided to be cautious”, said Monaghan. “He is a fantastic player. He is one of our leaders and is a real bonus for us. Sides plan around how to stop Cam and he is a real weapon for us”.

League Bounce down is at 1.40pm at New Choice Homes Park.

There are three games being played tomorrow.  Get down and support the Sharks!

The Carlton Dry Pop Up bar will be back offering ice cold beer, pallet furniture, bar tables, bean bags and lounges.

Food truck, bouncy castle, coffee, kiosk, giveaways and finals action, followed by the televised Fremantle v Collingwood game in the main bar!

Gates open at 8 am:

Colts 8.30 Peel Thunder v South Fremantle

Reserves 11.00 Claremont v South Fremantle

League 1.40 East Fremantle v Claremont

Followed by the Fremantle v Collingwood finals played televised in the main bar.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online here: https://www.intix.com.au/events/wafl2022qualifyingfinal