A MASSIVE final day of WAFL Women’s regular season action sees third spot up for grabs across a couple of matches. All East Fremantle has to do is not lose by a big margin to secure fourth spot, but will likely win and have the homeground advantage next week. But if Swan Districts can take down South Fremantle, then the black and whites will lock up that third place.

FORM

East Fremantle is safe in the knowledge it will play finals in 2023 barring a complete capitulation in this match. While Subiaco did pick up the win against West Perth, it fell 7.3 per cent short, which means even if the Sharks lose, they will be fine to finish four. More likely than not though, they will win and then check the other match to see if they will have the homeground advantage next week. A little up and down at times, they should be far too consistent for Peel Thunder who snapped a 10-game losing streak last week but only just held the winless East Perth at bay.

CHANGES

Peel Thunder bring in some much needed experience for the clash with Krystal Carter returning alongside AFLW Academy member Kaitlyn Srhoj and young ruck Kate Newson. Coming out of the side are a trio of players who have dropped back to being emergencies in Jessica Ruland, Holly Bilcich and Kat Shrewsbury.

The Sharks have made a stack of changes, and while they lose the likes of Ashlee Atkins and Laura Catherine, do regain young guns Georgie Cleaver and Zippy Fish, as well as tall, Kim Boulton among a host of ins as part of an extended bench.

KEY PLAYERS

The return of Fish and Srhoj for their respective teams is critical in creating some run, particularly off half-back. The form of the East Fremantle midfield remains consistent with Beth Beckett, Caylen Crook, Sharon Wong and skipper Ash Gomes.

Peel on the other hand will look to its reliable defence that has been under pressure this season with duo Ebony Dowson and Evie Cowcher strong all year. Greta McKinley has played both defensive and midfield roles in 2023, while Dakota Sexton and Holly Britton have developed well.

PREDICTION

East Fremantle has too much on the line and is too experienced for a developing Peel Thunder outfit. The Thunder will want to finish off the year strong, but can takeaway knowledge that the season has been a benefit for some of the younger players.

FORM

A most intriguing match with both sides enjoying improved seasons this year. South Fremantle has secured second spot on the WAFLW ladder and has earned a double chance in finals, while the Black Ducks came from an 0-4 start to storm into the finals series and lock up a top four place with a victory last week. If Swan Districts wins tomorrow, it will finish third, while a loss will likely see it relegated to fourth assuming East Fremantle wins as expected.

CHANGES

As part of an extended bench, Swan Districts has welcomed back young gun Jaime Henry into the team, while Daisy Rigby, Kyah Chirichilli, Kaitlyn Beaton and Hope Arrowsmith also come in. Sienna Pollard is the only confirmed out at this stage.

South Fremantle will be without a couple of key midfielders for the game in Charli Wicksteed and Kiara Templeman, while Megan Bain has been named as an emergency. The Bulldogs do regain tall forward Zoe Huggett however, and Ella Matthews and Hannah Young also come into the side for the final round.

KEY PLAYERS

South Fremantle ruck Ariana Hetherington has been in red-hot form and looms as the key player, while the forwardline of Noa McNaughton, Molly O’Hehir, Bethany Bond, Ella Ward and Huggett will stretch the Swan Districts defence.

The black and whites have their own potent forwardline, with Courtney Zappara and Taylah Edwards both capable of kicking bags, while Cassie McWilliam is a strong marking force. Henry is a key inclusion to add to the midfield group of Ruby Mahony, Tyla Fitzgerald and Hope Ugle-Hayward.

PREDICTION

In what should be a ripper, South Fremantle is the favourite, but the loss of midfield depth will test the Bulldogs. Also being at home will give the advantage to Swan Districts, with the side to get more chances likely to make the most of them and post the win.