IN the only West Australian Football League (WAFL) Women’s clash for Round 9, the league’s two newest sides will renew hostilities in a repeat of their Round 1 contest. On that day, the West Perth Falcons played their first ever WAFL Women’s match and were easily overcome by a determined South Fremantle Bulldogs outfit. The Bulldogs never looked like losing, keeping the opposition scoreless. Though expected to be much more competitive in this outing, both teams are still understrength, with both sides contributing to the WAFL Womens All Stars and State Academy clash.

Sunday, April 17 @ 12:30pm
Pentanet Stadium

Back at home for this clash, West Perth will be keen to put on a good show in front of fans, coming up against a South Fremantle side that is fresh from an impressive win over Subiaco. That victory was the Bulldogs’ first since the victory over the Falcons, and also first in the club’s history against a more established side. Of late the Falcons have had a very rocky road, suffering a massive 118-point defeat against Peel Thunder, with a side that was so far understrength the Rogers Cup contest that day had to be postponed due to lack of numbers.

For this contest, with West Perth coming off a bye since that fateful loss, there are plenty of changes for the Round 9 match. Though still missing Liliana Grassenis and Kayla Van Den Heever to the State Academy, they have maintained the defensive duo of Karla Stagg and Jessica Roper who have been consistent ball-winners all year, whilst the latter’s sister Kaitlyn Roper was also impressive last time out as well. Chloe Shearing will e one to watch at half-forward, with Cameron Dawson performing well in the ruck, and the likes of ex-Stingrays talent Keely Byrne, and Grace Betti also others standing out.

For South Fremantle, there is no Lauren Wakfer, Jess Verbrugge or Noa McNaughton from a youth perspective, whilst Kiara Templeman earned her place in the WAFL Women’s All Stars side. They do recall some important players with Jess Howley coming in at half-forward and Shanay Del Borello on the wing. Last week Rosie Anderson played a great game at half-forward, whilst the likes of Casey Byrne and Hunter Cronin can be very damaging. The midfield trio of captain Lauren Vecchio, Pia Durk and Kahra Sprylan is something to watch and where the Bulldogs can take advantage, whilst Under 16s young gun Molly O’Hehir is a smooth mover at half-back.

South Fremantle should still win comfortably, but the goal for West Perth will be building on the Round 1 loss and making it a more competitive match.