FOUR teams, a spot in the WAFL Women’s Grand Final and no turning back for two of the sides, finals action gets underway today out west. Claremont is gunning for a fourth straight grand final and third flag in that time, while Subiaco looks to upset the apple cart as the clear biggest threat. Swan Districts and East Fremantle are alive in the premiership race for now, but that will change this afternoon with the loser eliminated.

FORM

Coming into the final round of the season, these two sides both had 12 wins and two losses against the other eight teams, with their only other encounter being a draw. However Claremont showed its experience in the wet, coming away with a comprehensive victory to snatch the minor premiership and the home semi-final. Neck-and-neck in terms of percentage all year, there is not much to split the pair.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Subiaco has opted for four changes from the Round 16 clash, with skipper Tess Lyons back in the team along with the experienced Danika Pisconeri. Lauren Bilaloski and Sian Bosich are the other two inclusions for the Lions. Chloe Shearing and Tiah Toth are among those out of the team.

Meanwhile for Claremont, the reigning premiers have made just two changes, with the experienced duo of Kate Orme and Rachel Ortlepp coming in for teenagers May Nicholson and Hannah Seaborn.

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

One of the standouts in defeat for Subiaco last week was Layla Quinn-Schofield who impressed in the wet. Similarly for Claremont, Juliet Kelly‘s clean hands were vital for the conditions. National Academy members Olivia Wolmarans and Olivia Crane having their moments. The latter of which copped friendly fire late in the match and had to be helped off, but has been named for the big game. Sunni-Quay Peters (Subiaco) and Ella Gilbey (Claremont) are the other top-agers to note down.

PREDICTION

After last week’s performance it is tricky to go past Claremont, and with hopefully better conditions, the clash will be more even. Remaining at home and having the added finals experience will help however, so the Tigers in a tight one to book a fourth straight grand final.

FORM

Just like the other semi-final, these two teams faced off last week with Swan Districts getting up by two points in a nail-biter. The horrible muddy conditions made it tricky for players and spectators alike, but the Swans got the job done and with the Sharks getting close enough, booked a rematch for the do-or-die semi-final. Swan Districts has been the better team all year and looms as the biggest threat to the top two, though the Sharks have been in fantastic form of late.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Swan Districts has made the tough choice for young guns Ava Stewart and Sienna Gerardi to make way for skipper Eliza Gelmi and another small forward in Adi Griffith to come back in. The two like-for-like changes were the only moves in the match, with no forced omissions from either side and the Sharks heading into the first final with an unchanged lineup.

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

Western Australia’s Carys D’Addario is her side’s sole State Academy member with the others being omitted, and she will go up against an experienced opposition midfield. East Fremantle defender Maya Louvel-Finn and forward Alicia Blizard are two key players to watch up either end, undoubtedly playing important roles for the Sharks.

PREDICTION

A genuine 50/50 contest given Swan Districts has the overall season form, but East Fremantle was fantastic in the run home to snatch fourth spot. The Sharks will be confident here when they don’t have to slog it out in the mud, but Swans will relish the homeground advantage again. Likely to be under a kick the difference either way, but edging towards the home side.