HISTORY could be made today when East Perth goes head-to-head with Peel Thunder as the Royals search for their first win in club history. While that game is the earlier match, Claremont will look to continue its unbeaten run when it hosts Subiaco in the other WAFL Women’s Round 7 match.

FORM

Neither of these teams has been able to strike a win from their first five games, so both sides will see this contest as a very winnable match. East Perth is yet to taste victory in its one and a bit seasons, and with Peel Thunder having injuries and struggling for form, this could be the day. In saying that, the Thunder in front of home fan could breakthrough for a rare win this season, and the young players will be excited to taste victory.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Peel Thunder will be minus Jorja Haines after hurting her ankle last week, with both her and Holly Coomey out of the side, replaced by Greta McKinley and Jaya Ingram. Searching for that first win, East Perth has loaded up by bringing in both Kayley Kavanagh and Jessica Rentsch, while Sian Vinicombe also comes into the team. The trio that will miss are Matilda Sim, Bianca Glanville and Tristin Ogonoski.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Peel Thunder will look to the likes of Holly Britton and Dakota Sexton in midfield, while defender Evie Cowcher will consistently provide rebound for her side. East Perth has the sole State Academy member in Lucy Greenwood who has had her moments this season.

KEY PLAYERS

Cowcher is always among the best players for the Thunder, with skipper Ebony Dowson and midfielder Ebony Bilcich consistently working hard across the ground. For the Royals, Greenwood provides the spark, while Jess Verbrugge is naturally talented, and Layla Firns is in good form.

PREDICTION

It is a tough one to pick because it genuinely could go either way. East Perth has history on the line here and its best this season will see the Royals pick up a maiden win. However, Peel Thunder has shown it can contain better offensive teams than the inexperienced Royals, so it will be a case of whether the home team can put enough score on the board.

FORM

Claremont is running red hot at the moment, having skipped to a 5-0 win-loss record without too many problems, while Subiaco will rue not making the most of a lobsided inside 50 count last week against swan Districts. The Lions sit at 2-3 and will be desperate to even the ledger, though it is a tough ask against the rampaging Tigers.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Claremont will regain a quartet of experienced players headlined by AFLW experienced winger Kate Orme, as well as AFLW Academy member Claudia Wright. Ruck Jessica Ritchie and midfielder/forward Jacinta Valentini also come in, while the Tigers will be minus Emily Bonser who is assisting with the West Australian Under 16s State squad, as well as youngster Juliet Kelly.

Subiaco will also miss a fe key players with Krstel Petrevski, Joanne Cregg and Hayley Corlett all out, but they do regain Kate Pocsidio, as well as bring in Chloe Shearing and Bree Wills.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Wright returns to the Tigers’ lineup to provide spark and some running across the ground, she has been named on the bench, but usually starts at half-back and can push up to a wing. Debutants last week Ella Gilbey and Savannah Muir showed promise, while with the return of Ritchie, it means over-ager Bec Anderson should spend more time forward. Meanwhile Olivia Wolmarans is a huge draft talent for next year with her athleticism and forward craft.

KEY PLAYERS

Claremont has a stacked midfield even without Bonser, as Orme and Valentini provide some run on the outside, while Jayme Harken, Taylah Orzel and Eva Campo have enjoyed wonderfully consistent seasons. Up forward, Eva O’Donnell and Adele Arnup provide avenues to goal.

For the Lions, Eva Popovsky and Madison Dodd have not put a foot wrong this year, while Maggie MacLachlan and Beatrice Devlyn have been fantastic additions to the side. Claudia Langley is a dark horse up forward alongside Wolmarans, capable of kicking a few goals on her day.

PREDICTION

Claremont should be too strong despite Subiaco always capable of putting up a strong fight. The Tigers are the team to beat this year and with stars across the park, it will take an enormous effort from another side to knock them off.