SWAN Districts would be backing itself to post its first win of the season tomorrow against a West Perth side that has lost four of its most important players heading into Round 5. The clash between the fourth and seventh placed teams takes place at Steel Blue Oval, while simultaneously across at Revo Fitness Stadium, the unbeaten Claremont faces the big improvers, South Fremantle.

FORM

Swan Districts has had a lot of turnover throughout the off-season, and the experience has seen the reigning preliminary finalists slip to an 0-4 start to the season. A win against West Perth would be crucial given the black and whites are yet to play East Perth. The Falcons on the other hand have split their results with a Round 1 win over the Royals, and then a terrific breakthrough victory against Peel Thunder in Round 4, West Perth’s first victory in women’s club history against a previously established club. If the Falcons win, they remain in the top four, if they lose, they surrender the spot to Subiaco.

CHANGES

West Perth’s forced changes at the selection table hurt the Falcons hopes against the last placed side. State Academy members Liliana Grassenis and Megan Norbury both miss due to injury, while co-captain Brooke Hongell and top-age defender Jessica Roper are unavailable for Round 5. West Perth do regain the experienced Bianca Webb for the clash, alongside three other inclusions including Harriet Jones.

Swan Districts changes are far more promising, with the Black Ducks losing talented 2007-born Carys D’Addario, but regaining the likes of Demi Liddle, Tyla Fitzgerald and Abbygail Bushby among an extended team.

KEY PLAYERS

Swan Districts have a young but strong midfield with Jaime Henry, Hope Ugle-Hayward and Fitzgerald to provide the hardness on the inside, while Bushby and Emma Nanut create the run on the outside. Skipper Jessica Cox has been named forward, with the Swans’ forwardline likely to cause some headaches for the Falcons.

West Perth will look to Webb and co-captain Katherine Bennett to provide much needed experience, while ruck Elissa Price was impressive in Round 5 and has a big job up against AFLW-listed Sarah Wielstra. Jeevna Heer, Emily Bennett and Kayla Van Den Heever are other key movers for the Falcons.

PREDICTION

West Perth would have been favourites based on form, but the changes at the selection table see Swan Districts a far greater chance in the clash. Combining the ins with the home ground advantage, and the Black Ducks will back themselves to get the job done.

FORM

Claremont has had its inaccuracy woes at times, but the Tigers keep ticking the boxes, and made light work of an improved Subiaco side in Round 4 to run out 10-goal winners. The team to beat in 2023, Claremont will be looking to asset its authority over South Fremantle who is also currently unbeaten and was stiff not to win in Round 1 against Subiaco. The winner takes top spot.

CHANGES

Claremont has made six changes with some pretty big outs for Round 5. The Tigers will be minus a trio of runners in Kate Orme, Kobi Nichols and Krstel Petrevski as well as dynamic forward, Eva Campo. However, they do regain some class in Emily Elkington, as well as young guns Ella Slocombe and Juliet Kelly.

South Fremantle have only made the two confirmed changes thus far, with Liusaidh Gilchrist and Tanika Bradley both out of the team. Two two biggest ins are key forward Bethany Bond and talented bottom-ager Molly O’Hehir, while the likes of Megan Bain and Hunter Cronin have been added to an extended bench.

KEY PLAYERS

South Fremantle’s forwardline is the danger, with Bond and Zoe Huggett providing the marking targets with Ella Ward, while Noa McNaughton and Makaela Tuhakaraina are the mosquito fleet at ground level. Charli Wicksteed has high upside, while the recently drafted Tahleah Mulder will look to continue her fantastic form at WAFLW level.

Claremont also has a dangerous forwardline, with Adele Arnup and Eva O’Donnell in great form. Jacinta Valentini has also proven herself to be a notable goalkicker, while Port Adelaide AFLW recruit Jasmin Stewart is still in the team and named on-ball. Jayme Harken and Andie Payne are named inside 50.

PREDICTION

Claremont should still be favourites for the clash as the benchmark team in the competition, but this has potential upset written all over it. South Fremantle is a premiership smoky this year and certainly set to break its finals drought, with a well-balanced young team across all three lines.