A SPECIAL Friday night clash kicks off Round 2 of the WAFL Women’s competition under lights tonight in what promises to be a ripping contest. The first bounce is from 7:35pm local time between last year’s preliminary finalists West Perth and Claremont, with the Falcons coming in off a Round 1 loss, while Claremont is fresh off a first-up bye.

FORM

West Perth is coming off a frustrating loss to Subiaco where the Falcons always looked a step behind though never completely out of it. They now take on a fresh Claremont outfit that had the bye in Round 1, hungry to go back-to-back with mix of youth and experience.

TEAMS

CHANGES

While Claremont is playing its first game of the new new season, they regain the delisted Mackenzie Webb as a full-time major inclusion to the squad. West Perth only made the one change despite the five-goal loss to the Lions, with Jekylah Garlett in for Chloe Smoker who has been named as one of the four emergencies.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Most of West Perth’s midfield is youth, highlighted by National Academy member Mia Russo who will work alongside bottom-age midfielder Lexi Strachan and ruck Cara Dziegielewski both of whom have big tasks ahead of them against the likes of Jayme Harken and Matilda Husband. Samara Sallie is the other Falcons’ State Academy member, while the Tigers have athletic Ella Gilbey and skilful endurance machine Juliet Kelly in for Round 2.

PREDICTION

On paper, Claremont’s side looks like a premiership contender and over four quarters should be too strong. However if the Tigers are a little rusty from the extra week, then the Falcons will hope to establish an early lead before Claremont kicks into gear. Should be a cracker under lights.