Round 18 Match Preview

This Saturday we will be out for vengeance as we look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Claremont in a do or die clash at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. With both West Perth and Perth 2 games clear with 3 to play, we will have to win all of our remaining fixtures and hope that some other teams can do us a favour to have any chance at qualifying for finals.

Last Week:

Got off to a good start with a 4 goal to 2 opening quarter and at one stage lead by 23 midway through the 2^nd term, however our forward half dominance wasn't reflected on the scoreboard as inaccuracy saw us go in at half time with only a 2 goal buffer. Unfortunately our accuracy didn’t improve in the second half and it proved costly as we added 5.9 to Claremont’s 8.5 and ended up going down by 2 points. Travis Colyer and Jackson Merrett led the way in terms of disposals, both gathering 26. Ben Howlett returned to midfield duties and managed 21 (17 contested) to go along with 10 tackles and 10 clearances. Hayden Ballantyne, Cam McCarthy and Ryan Bennell were the pick of the Goalkickers each with 2.

Last Time Against South Fremantle:

At Home back in Round 10 in another game that went right down to the wire. In a game where we had been largely accurate through 3 quarters, 3 late misses to Fremantle listed players Hayden Ballantyne, Harley Bennell and Bailey Banfield kept the Bulldogs in the game and it came back to bite us as Thunder Premiership player Nic Suban put through a running shot from outside 50 with virtually the last kick of the game to clinch victory for South Fremantle. 

Opponents Form:

South Fremantle are having another strong season that has them sitting currently 3^rdon the ladder. They are coming off back to back wins against Swan Districts and East Perth after losing 4 straight between rounds 11 and 16. As always they are led by the formidable duo of Jacob Dragovich and Hayden Schloithe through the middle. Dragovich has taken his game to another level this season, averaging 27 disposals a game to go along with 7 tackles, so supressing his and Ruckman Brock Higgins influence around the contest will go a long way towards deciding the game.

Strengthening from within:

While last week’s match against Claremont ultimately ended in defeat, it was still encouraging to see a side boasting a number of young players to come so close to knocking off one of the strongest teams in the competition. With Jarvis Pina making the step up from Colts to make his League debut and both Lachy Cullen and Michael Randall the week prior, we are starting to see the successful talent program begin their transition into the senior ranks. 

Other Grades:

Our Senior Development side will look to rebound and gain back some respect after getting crushed by 105 points last weekend. Meanwhile it’s Top vs Bottom as our Minor Premier Colts team will look to maintain their strong form heading into finals.

Back at David Grays Arena, all 3 of our Womens team will be back in action, our WAFLW team are taking on Claremont at 4:30pm, the game will also be livestreamed on the WAFL Facebook Page. Our Senior Development side will be looking to bounce back from back to back losses when they take on South Freo at Rushton North Oval. While our Rogers Cup girls will look to continue on their winning ways after accounting for Claremont last weekend.

Game Times:

Saturday vs South Fremantle @Fremantle Community Bank Oval

Colts - 9:00am

Senior Development - 11:30am

League – 2:15pm (SportFM 91.3)

Womens:

Saturday vs Claremont @David Grays Arena (Livestream on Facebook)

WAFLW – 4:30pm

Saturday vs South Fremantle @Rushton North

Rogers Cup – 10:30am

Senior Development – 12:00pm