Teams Locked! R20 WAFL Preview

East Fremantle take on Subiaco in an epic clash to end the 2023 Home and Away season. The Sharks sit 1 game and 6% clear of the Lions, who can take top spot with a victory on Saturday. The Sharks have won the last 4 encounters with the Lions, but that counts for little in the top of the table clash. Boasting 15 Premiership players, the Lions will be a formidable opposition. East Fremantle are currently on an 8 game winning streak and are looking to finish the home and away season on top for the first time since 1998. Subiaco have also found some excellent recent form, winning their past 4 games. 

Subiaco have the most dominant ruckman in the competition, with Zac Clarke like to appear at the pointy end in the Sandover count when its counted in early September. He’s belied his older years and given silver service to an emerging midfield group, with Taj Schofield, Liam Hickmott and Stef Giro enjoying fantastic season, ably supported by the evergreen Leigh Kitchen. East Fremantle midfield group have met recent challenges head on and they’ll need to again be near their best to reduce the Lions midfield influence. Harry Marsh will come up against his old side for the first time and is likely to get attention from Lion stopper, Rylie Morgan. Jarrad Jansen, Tom Joyce and Jackson McDonald will need to be sharp around the contest and provide outside runners, Fraser Turner, Tom Bennett, Josh Schoenfeld and Luke English with plenty of opportunities. 

Ben Sokol has once again enjoyed a stellar season, sitting in 2nd place in the Bernie Naylor Medal. With regular opponent, Jamie Meade out injured, coach Monaghan is likely to turn to excellent recruit, Lennon Marlin to quell the sharpshooters influence. At the other end, the returning Jonathon Marsh, Hugh Dixon and Cody Leggett will be looking to create some headaches against a staunch Subiaco defence. 

The game promises to be one of the games of the season and play a pivotal part in shaping the top 5. 

A young East Fremantle Reserves side overcame Perth last weekend to sew up a spot in the top 5. It’s the first time the Reserves will play finals since 2019. This week will still see a number of Colts eligible players playing- with 17 year old Jaxan Bibaeff making his debut. It follows on from State 16 squad member, Jacob Calabrese playing last week- the young forward kicking 2 goals on debut. The Sharks and Lions are both playing for 3rd spot and a double chance in the perfect tune up for September. 

The same is in play with the Colts- the winner taking 3rd pace and a double chance. The East Fremantle Colts are remarkably on a 9 game winning streak, and last week beat top side Perth convincingly to set up this clash. 

The Colts kick off the day at 940am.