CLOSING out Round 11 of the WAFL Women’s sees South Fremantle chasing a top four spot against a Perth side still searching for its first win. With most of the State Academy members missing, it gives others a chance to stand up and shine.

FORM

South Fremantle was buoyed by a hard-fought win over West Perth last weekend to keep itself well and truly in the finals hurt. Now the Bulldogs face off against a winless Perth side who continues to be close, but not quite able to get over the line. The improvement from the start of the season is clear and the game will be far from walkover for the Dogs.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Both sides have made a host of changes with a fair bulk of the changes coming from the players representing Western Australia in the State Academy trial match. The Dogs are without Eva Flynn, Marie Polimeno and Zoe Keley – as well as key midfielder Bailey Hunt among a massive six outs. Among those coming into the side are Tara Stribley, Megan Bain and Annalie Polimeno.

For the Demons, Natalie House, Abby Green and Tui Wineti are among five changes, with the likes of Mia Carlshausen and Mel Grage set to miss due to state commitments, while Tessa Kongras is another omission with Gemma Dix out too.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Minus most of the State Academy members, the Demons till have Addison Opalinski and Sienna Timmermans, while over-ager Holly Britton has been in ripping form as co-captain alongside fellow standout Isabella Shannon. Melinda Bobby was an inclusion for the State Academy but has still been named for this match, while left-footed speedster Jasmine Bazeley is an eye-catcher.

PREDICTION

South Fremantle is missing quite a few quality players so it makes this game a tighter one than latter positions might suggest. The Bulldogs should get up in a close one, but Perth is not far off its maiden win.