Broome here we come! WAFL Round 7 Preview

The East Fremantle Sharks head to Broome this weekend to take on the Claremont Tigers in a blockbuster clash in the WAFL. Claremont have been one of the early pacesetters in the competition, sitting in 2nd position with a 5 win and 1 loss record. The Sharks are a win behind, with a 4-2 record, with this pivotal clash likely to shape the ladder early in the season. 

After both teams enjoyed the State game bye, the warm weather in Broome is likely to test both squads, with extended breaks at quarter and half time enacted to allow the players to recover. The Sharks welcome back former Brisbane and West Coast midfielder, Tom Joyce, who missed the Subiaco win with a knock to his quad, and Corey Holmes, for his first game for the season. Holmes was excellent in the upset win in the Reserves against Subiaco, collecting 28 disposals and 12 marks through the midfield. 

Claremont boast a strong midfield with Jye Bolton, Ben Elliott, Declan Mountford and Ronin O’Connor all in good form and feeding off the dominance of State ruckman, Oliver Eastland. Reuben McGuire will play an important role in trying to negate the inform Eastland, while Milan Murdock, Kyle Baskerville, Josh Schoenfeld and the returning Joyce will need to be at their best to gain the ascendency. 

Up forward, the Sharks will be looking to share the load with Cody Leggett in good goal kicking form at the moment, having returned from 2 frustrating years of injuries. Nearing his 100th WAFL game, Leggett kicked 5 goals against Subiaco to take his season tally to 13 (from 3 games) to sit 5th on the WAFL goal kicking chart. 

Jack Buller will be looking to impress in his final addition before the mid-season draft and is likely to get close attention from Matthew Jupp and Jarrad Jansen. Lennon Marlin impressed in his first game for the club against Subiaco and will be looking to continue his good form. 

The East Fremantle Reserves and Colts both faced crucial match ups against Claremont at Revo Stadium on Saturday. After an excellent performance against Subiaco, the Reserves will be looking to notch up their 3rd of the season which could see them slip into the 5. The Colts will be looking to bounce back after a loss to Subiaco against the always strong Claremont Colts team. 

The Reserves kick off at 11.40pm while the Colts have the afternoon slot, starting at 2.10pm. 

Our WAFLW and Rogers Cup play Sunday against West Perth Football Club, Pentanet Stadium in the WAFLW Indigenous Round.  Congratulations to Sharon Wong who will play her 150th League game this weekend.