The stakes for the Fremantle Derby are as high as ever, with East Fremantle desperate for a win this Saturday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.
Sitting with a derby win each, the Sharks will be hoping to continue an improbable run for the away side, while South look to bounce back from a number of losses.
Last week’s win against the Swans was crucial, for the all-important 4 points and to instill some confidence back into the players.
Leadership was a key aspect of the Sharks winning formula against the Swans, with coach Rob Wiley acknowledging a number of senior players post-match, particularly those returning from injury.
The Sharks will be looking for repeat performances from both Liam Anthony and George Hampson following their return to form over the weekend.
Anthony played a key role in the midfield, finishing with 41 possessions and a goal, while Hampson spent time on the ball and at half forward kicking two goals and picking up 35 disposals.
Into the 25 this week comes James Harrold, Dion Anthony, Jack Perham and Dylan Winton after strong performances in the Development League, while Tyler Chalwell has been omitted.
Team Selection
Sitting just outside the top five, the Sharks are aware that every game must be treated as a grand final rather than relying on results of other matches.
South Fremantle will be relieved following the WAFL Tribunal’s dismissal of a rough conduct charge against Ben Saunders, who is currently the league's leading goal kicker.
Ashton Hams, Blaine Johnson and Haiden Schloithe have also been named in the Bulldogs side.
Games for both the Colts and Development League certainly don’t get any easier with Sharks sides playing the second and third placed teams respectively.
The Colts, who are in good recent form winning their last three and a great win over the fourth placed Swans last week, should go in to this week’s match with confidence, knowing that another victory will continue East Fremantle’s push for a finals birth.
Adding to Sharks line-up this week are the possible inclusion of livewire forward Drew Blurton and the versatile Peter Delaney, whilst Jimmy Valentine is another possible.
The Sharks will again require a consistent team performance over four quarters. Whilst competitive against the Bulldogs in their previous two contests, lapses in concentration for periods of each game has cost our boys dearly, something that their opponents have been able to take advantage of.
The Development League, also coming off three consecutive wins of their own, have also fallen short in their two previous encounters with the Bulldogs, but like the Colts have shown they can certainly match it with them for the majority of the match.
The Sharks recent form, on the back of solid defence and slicker ball movement, suggests this should be another cracking game of football. East Fremantle now have more players playing well, more consistently and they will certainly require a strong contribution from all 23 again this week.
A win this week against the arch enemy would almost see the Sharks lock away their spot in the final five, which would be a super achievement for season 2016, after recording just the 6 wins last year.
A reminder that the Development League play after the League this Saturday, with bouncedown at 2:40pm.
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