Teams Locked! R17 WAFL Preview

East Fremantle head back to the WACA for their 2nd last time in season 2023 to take on Claremont in a critical Round 17 clash. With top spot up for grabs, the Sharks are coming off a tough, hard fought victory against arch-rival South Fremantle last round. The 12 point victory broke a 15 game winning streak by the Bulldogs- the longest current winning streak in the WAFL. Claremont enjoyed the bye last round and will be looking to respond after going down the Falcons at home the previous round. 

The Sharks have made 2 changes from the Derby win, with Jack Cleaver (Personal) and Austin Ball (Omitted) going out of the side and Dillon O’Reilly and debutant, Kale Paton coming in. Paton has come through the talent pathway and hails from the Bullcreek Leeming Junior Football Club. The 19 year old is an old fashioned defender and will face a formidable line up in his debut- with the Tigers boasting one of the most talented forward lines in the WAFL. Zac Mainwaring, Tyron Smallwood, Anthony Treacy and Bailey Rogers all have the ability to kick multiple goals. 

Through the midfield, the Tigers are equally as strong with dual Sandover medallist, Jye Bolton, Ben Edwards, Callan England and Rogers getting first look through the excellent work of State ruckman, Oliver Eastland. The East Fremantle midfield is in good form but will need Harry Marsh, Jarrad Jansen, Fraser Turner, Tom Bennett and Jackson McDonald to fire to have any chance on Saturday. Coach Bill Monaghan used Jansen in the ruck last time out against Claremont but will have the option of 1-2 punch Reuben McGuire and Hugh Dixon. 

The Sharks forwards have the potential to trouble the attacking Claremont defence should they get good supply. Last weeks last quarter hero, Jonathon Marsh, will be pivotal in the outcome while the returning Dillon O’Reilly and Cody Leggett will be looking to find their best form. 

The Reserves once again face a crunch clash against 4th placed Claremont. After a dramatic last quarter recovery to pinch the game by 1 point, the EF Reserves find themselves in equal 5th with only percentage keeping them out. The Reserves side will be boosted by the return from injury of Tom Joyce, who will be looking for a good performance to force his way back into the League team. Eddie Simpson will be looking to continue his recent excellent form against his former side, while big guys Lachlan Blakiston and Ben Praxl return to offer strong targets up forward. 

2 of the most in-form teams clash in the Colts, with EF on a 6 game winning streak and Claremont a 5 game winning streak. The young Sharks last loss was at the hands of the Tigers and they’ll be keen to measure their improvement in a clash they must win to hold onto Top 3 aspirations. 

The Colts game kicks the day off at the WACA from 940am.