Preview | WAFLW R15a: Top six face off in ladder-shaping round

ALL top six clubs – five of which are still in contention for four finals spots – face off, while the two teams with the longest losing streaks also meet in a massive Round 15 of WAFL Women’s action. We take a look at the Super Saturday of action with all four games taking place tomorrow, with the first two games in this preview.

  • Team
  • Claremont
  • West Perth

FORM

Claremont has only dropped two points all season and come into the match against West Perth as strong favourites. The Tigers are the team to beat in the WAFL Women’s, and with the Falcons out of finals contention – given there are two rounds left and the percentage is too much to bridge – Claremont should have too much about itself to claim the victory. West Perth will be pleased with a much more consistent season this year, and will hope to challenge the benchmark team in the match.

CHANGES

Claremont will be minus its two remaining State Academy representatives with Juliet Kelly and Mackenzie Webb, as well as Webb’s younger sister Georgia. Coming into the side was a quartet of Tigers in Taylah Angel, Tess Blackburn, Taylah Orzel and Amy Evans.

West Perth will return from the bye with just the one change, bringing in Laura Butler for Georgia Cowman.

KEY PLAYERS

The Tigers have no shortage of star power, with the midfield of Jayme Harken, Kate Orme and Sarah Viney ultra-experienced, while Brooke Whyte and Jacinta Valentini have been targets up forward. In defence, Claire Ortlepp is always difficult to manage for a forwardline given her consistency in intercepting.

West Perth also has a strong midfield group, with its outside runners in Jeevna Heer and Taylor Ferguson in great form. On the inside, Emily Bennett and Bianca Webb are natural contested ball-winners, while Grace Betti and Tia Bergin have been exciting in the forward half.

PREDICTION

Claremont will be too experienced and too strong in the clash, expect the Tigers to get it done relatively well, but if the Falcons are on their game, they can restrict the final margin.

  • Team
  • South Fremantle
  • Subiaco

FORM

South Fremantle can lock up a double chance with a win if Swan Districts defeats East Fremantle, and also sentencing Subiaco to a likely fifth spot. If the Lions get up then that is a different story and the top four spots are still up for grabs. The Bulldogs will be disappointed with the loss to East Fremantle in Round 13, but with defeats in two of their past three, they will look to take full advantage here. The Lions bounced back from consecutive losses themselves with a rousing 41-0 win over Peel Thunder last weekend.

CHANGES

The Bulldogs have been able to recall some experienced players for the big game with Kiara Templeman and Hunter Cronin always dangerous, Tanika Bradley capable of creating some run, and tall Ella Ward able to be a target inside 50. Abby Reich also comes into the team, with key forward Zoe Huggett the main out, while Megan Bain, Leila Fotu and Heidi Hughes drop back to the emergencies.

Subiaco will recall ruck/forward Tess Lyons for the big game, as well as dangerous forward Kelsey Patterson, and Claudia Langley. Missing from the team is Liana Burchell, while Lauren Bilaloski and Dahna Lee drop back to emergencies.

KEY PLAYERS

South Fremantle’s high-powered forwardline could not give a yelp last time out so the Bulldogs will be keen to change that in the game. Bethany Bond, Casey Byrne and Ward alongside the young guns in Molly O’Hehir and Noa McNaughton makes the home side very dangerous.

Subiaco’s game is controlled through the midfield, with double bottom-ager Olivia Crane earning a spot in there alongside the experienced duo of Tarnica Golisano and Tiah Toth. On the outside, Hayley Corlett and Grace Hahnel provide plenty of forward running, while Madizen Wilkins will get better with every match returning from a serious injury.

PREDICTION

The home side will be ready to go after a disappointing effort last start. While Subiaco is ready to cause an upset and keep its finals hopes alive, the Bulldogs will know the importance of finishing top two, and with Swan Districts next week – while East Fremantle has Peel Thunder – the red and whites cannot afford to drop this game.

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