FRIDAY night football with fourth spot on the line. That is what’s at stake for West Perth and South Fremantle as they do battle with East Fremantle nervously waiting on Sunday. The Falcons are much more likely given the closer percentage, but to be any chance either side must win this one as a loss puts a line through their season in the last round.

FORM

West Perth kept its finals hopes alive after upsetting Subiaco in Round 16 before going down to Claremont in Round 17. Now the Falcons must win and make up five per cent to catch East Fremantle – or have that swing between the two games – while South Fremantle has a mountain to climb, likely in the triple-digit margin range. Given the Bulldogs’ loss to Peel Thunder last round, it seems highly unlikely, which is a shame given South’s best is as good as any sides – evidenced by wins over Subiaco and Claremont – but its worst included losses to Perth and Peel.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Both sides have made a few changes with the Falcons able to bring back in a couple of youngsters in Leuca Krmpotic and Rikisha Nannup to replace Chloe Metcalf and Stacey Francis-Bayman. South Fremantle has switched rucks with Charlotte Vandenberg for Kate Newson, while bringing in some speed with Jasmine Bazeley and Madison Hadley recalled for Pippa Sideris and Kelly Elliss.

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

The midfield battle between State Academy top-age talents Mia Russo and Renee Morgan will be a fascinating one, while bottom-agers Lexi Strachan and Cara Dziegielewski have been in great form between the midfield and ruck roles respectively. The former has been hitting the scoreboard much like National Academy member Alira Fotu, though the athletic tall misfired last week with five behinds so will hope to fix her radar in the last round of the season. Defender/wing Marie Polimeno and explosive forward/wing Eva Flynn are other Bulldogs to watch.

PREDICTION

It is anyone’s guess how this one will go down with South’s loss to Peel last week dampening what was looking like a potential finals run. However the Bulldogs knocked off the Falcons last time when West Perth was in better form, so the ball is in the Falcons court to get a result and put pressure on the fourth placed Sharks.