ANOTHER standalone match takes place in the WAFL Women’s with the 1-3 South Fremantle taking on the 0-4 East Perth. The former should be too strong, but the Royals are improving, adding up to an interesting Saturday contest.

FORM

South Fremantle has struggled to start the season, but in fairness to the Bulldogs, have played the top three teams and lost those matches. The Bulldogs comprehensively took care of Peel Thunder to regain some percentage, and will hope for another victory against the the winless East Perth. The Royals have looked better since a disastrous 95-point loss in Round 1 to Subiaco, but are still yet to notch up their maiden win in the WAFL Women’s.

TEAMS

CHANGES

East Perth has wheeled out five changes, with AFLW-listed Jessica Rentsch and in-form defender Taylah Suda both unavailable. They have been able to regain the services of midfielder Jess Verbrugge, and hand Makayla Rogers her first game at League level this season – and second overall. Bianca Glanville, Havana Milner and Gabrielle Canicosa are the other inclusions for the Royals.

South Fremantle on the other hand has lost a couple of AFLW-listed talents in Ariana Hetherington and Holly Ifould, while also losing Zoe Huggett and omitting Hannah Young. Coming into the side is a quartet of players in forwards, Shannyn Pomersbach and Tara Garlett, as well as Megan Bain and Summer Mollross on the bench.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Without the likes of Molly O’Hehir and Renee Morgan, the attention turns to small forward Noa McNaughton to provide a spark, and she is named inside 50 alongside the red-hot Poppy Stockwell. Jasmine Bazeley has some eye-catching speed, while Zoe Keley has been developing nicely in the ruck. For the Royals, Lucy Greenwood is the main player to keep an eye on with her X-Factor in the forward half of the ground, while Verbrugge has some impressive talent.

KEY PLAYERS

Despite missing a chunk of its core midfield, South Fremantle still has plenty of experience in there, headlined by skipper Lauren Vecchio, alongside AFLW-listed Tahleah Mulder and ball magnet Liusaidh Gilchrist. East Perth midfielder Layla Firns has been in some great form, while Sabella Banks and Jorja Elisseou have also worked hard this season.

PREDICTION

South Fremantle should be too strong here with extra experience on its side. East Perth has been gradually improving, but the Bulldogs have too many dangerous players and it would be quite the upset if the Royals were to get up.