Teams are in! Round 5 WAFL & Round 9 WAFLW at the WACA

ROUND 5 WAFL PREVIEW V WEST PERTH

The Sharks return to the WACA for consecutive home games in a blockbuster clash against West Perth on Saturday.  Last year the games were split in the home and away season before West Perth won the qualifying final to win through to the Grand Final. The Sharks currently enjoy a 3 game winning streak but will need to be at their best to best the reigning premiers. 

Last week East Fremantle won a free flowing encounter against Perth, while West Perth went down to Subiaco by 21 points in a dour affair. As always, the Falcons will be looking for big games by spearhead, Tyler Keitel and  midfielders Luke Meadows and Shane Nelson- who has had a stellar start to the 2023 season. 

The unheralded Sharks defence of Lachlan Bailey, Jarrad Jansen, Matthew Jupp and Finn Gorringe will need to be at their best to restrict the impact of current WAFL leading goal kicker, Keitel, mercurial small forward, Keegan Knott and premiership hero, Mitch Dobson. Sam Collins will also make his League debut in the clash. Collins, a Booragoon JFC product, has been emergency every game this year after pushing strongly for selection last year. A tough defender, the youngster will face some decent opposition in the form of Conal Lynch, Zac Langdon and Knott. 

Up forward for the Sharks, they coaching group will be looking for another balanced performance for the 3 pronged attack of Cody Leggett, Hugh Dixon and Jonathon Marsh. Brayden Lawler will be looking to continue his good goal kicking form after kicking 3 last week. 

The midfield battle should be absorbing, with Kyle Baskerville and Milan Murdock going head to head with Meadows and Nelson, supported by Harry Marsh and the in-form Tom Joyce. The game promises to be an early season shape up with both teams desperate to gain some ascendancy. 

RESERVES

In the Reserves, the Sharks will be looking to be more clinical in front of goal after shooting themselves in the foot last week against the Demons. Players looking to continue to press for League selection include Jack McDonald, Corey Holmes, Matt Williamson, Chris Walker and Enrique Aiken-Featherstone. 

COLTS

The Colts will also be looking to bounce back after last weeks loss to Perth. Koen Sanchez returns to the side and a few weeks out with a quad injury while Jacob Calabrese comes into the side for his first game for the season. 

WAFLW

For the first our WAFLW will play their first game at the WACA Ground and take on Claremont Football Club. Their game is schedule at 5pm, following our WAFL League game.

ROGERS

Are away this Saturday at Mineral Resouces Park against Perth.

Brad Dodd