Teams Locked! R14 WAFL Preview

East Fremantle and Peel travel to Geraldton in a crucial Round 14 clash on Sunday. Peel currently sit in 3rd position, one game ahead of the Sharks who are in 4th. The 2 teams previously clashed in Round 1, with the annual Good Friday game going to the Thunder by 4 points. In that game, the Sharks lead by 27 points in the 3rd quarter before a Will Brodie inspired Thunder over-ran East Fremantle. 

The Sharks go into the clash on a 3 game winning streak having beaten Swans, West Coast and West Perth in recent weeks. But this is by far their biggest test, with the Thunder also enjoying a 3 game winning streak, the last against top 5 side Subiaco. The clash will be pivotal in shaping the positions within the 5. 

East Fremantle will debut Ruckman, Lachlan Blakiston, who has been in excellent recent form after joining the club from South Fremantle late in the pre-season. Cut by the Bulldogs, the lanky tall has gradually improved his fitness and touch and has made a regular appearance in the best players list for the Reserves. Out of the side goes Cody Leggett, who is being managed after some back tightness late in the game against the Falcons. The forward is expected to return for the clubs next match against South Fremantle. 

The midfield battle will again be crucial in this clash with the in-form Milan Murdock, Harry Marsh, Jackson McDonald and Fraser Turner going up against Blair Bell, Peel Captain and State rep, Ben Hancock and Brady Grey. In the Ruck, Blakiston and Hugh Dixon will have their hands full against the formidable Riley Smith and Liam Reidy. 

The Sharks forwards will be looking to continue their recent output, despite missing Leggett. Jono Marsh, Dillon O’Reilly and Hugh Dixon should provide plenty of problems if they can get decent supply. Down back, the Sharks back will also have their hands full with a strong Peel forward line expected to line up with Freo listed players Sebit Kuek, Josh Corbett, Travis Colyer and Tom Emmett. Matthew Jupp has been in sparkling form with plenty of run provided by Kyle Baskerville, Jack Cleaver and Cam Eardley. 

Its another important game in the Colts and Reserves with Peel sitting outside the 5 in both grades. The Sharks responded against the 2nd place Falcons last week int he Reserves winning an important clash to draw level on points with the 5th placed Bulldogs. In the Colts, the young Sharks have all but cemented their finals position and find themselves within striking distance of the top 3. Both games will be played at Revo Fitness Stadium, home of the Tigers on Sunday.