Teams Locked! R16 WAFL Preview

East Fremantle travel to Fremantle Oval in Saturday to take on arch rival, South Fremantle, in the final Derby of the 2023 season. The Bulldogs currently enjoy a 15 game winning streak against the Sharks, dating back to 2016. The Sharks have plenty to play for, with second position on the ladder up for grabs while South Fremantle are just playing for pride with a position in the finals out of reach. 

The Sharks are coming off a bye, having defeated Peel in tough conditions a fortnight ago. In a high quality game, the Sharks edged the Thunder by 19 points in Geraldton. South Fremantle also had the bye, accounting for Perth in their previous game. Unfortunately, State defender, Chad Pearson is an out, having hurt his knee in that clash. 

East Fremantle welcome back key players Luke English and Cody Leggett for the clash. English injured his ankle a month ago against West Coast, while Cody Leggett was managed last game against the Thunder. Both will help bolster a forward line still missing leading goal kicker, Dillon O’Reilly. Out of the side goes Milan Murdock, who sustained a shoulder injury against Peel and Lachlan Blakiston, who picked up a quad injury in his debut. 

In a pivotal clash in the Reserves, the 6th placed Sharks sit a game and percentage behind the 5th place Bulldogs. The Sharks are coming off a disappointing loss to the Thunder last game and will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance. Back from injury and into the Reserves side are Corey Holmes, Max Murphy, Matt Williamson and Jamie Meade, who will play his first game for the season after a knee injury. 

The Colts side will be looking to continue their recent good form, currently enjoying a 5 game winning streak. With a number of Colts eligible players playing in the Reserves, a younger Colts side will take on the Bulldogs. 

The Colts kick the day off at Fremantle Oval at 910am Saturday 29th July.