CLAREMONT will host Swan Districts to kick off the second day of WAFL Women’s Round 3 action, with the Tigers able to regain top spot on the ladder with a victory. Aside from the Tigers-Swans clash, East Perth will heal Peel Thunder with the teams boasting 0-2 and 1-1 records to start the year, as the Thunder lo

FORM

Claremont and Swan Districts enter the match with very different seasons thus far, with the former starting 2-0 as the Tigers aim to defend their premiership, while Swan Districts languish at 0-2. Claremont defeated East Fremantle in a grand final rematch in Round 1, then took care of Peel Thunder last week, while Swan Districts went down to the Thunder in Round 1 before falling to pieces against Subiaco in Round 2.

CHANGES

Swan Districts will be minus Kyah Chirichilli, Tyla Fitzgerald and Erin Brown for the clash, with the trio replaced by Kaitlyn Beaton, Chanti McHenry and important midfielder, Ruby Mahony. Claremont on the other hand have brought back in some AFLW-experience with recent Sydney AFLW recruit and former Eagle, Hayley Bullas as well as current Eagle Krstel Petrevski back into the lineup. Matilda Husband and newcomer Bridie Garlick are into the side, with the team showing its depth as the likes of Sarah Viney, Taylah Orzel, Amalie Moe and Juliet Kelly make way.

KEY PLAYERS

The Claremont midfield was dominant against Peel Thunder last week, so look for the experience of Jasmin Stewart, Jacinta Valentini and Bullas to come to the fore, while Andie Payne leads from the front. Adele Arnup will be hoping she is not the only goalkicker this week, with Eva Campo and Eva O’Donnell both dangerous up there.

For the Swans, Jaime Henry and Hope Ugle-Hayward will provide plenty of resistance against the reigning premiers, while Tamzyn Beros had a few chances early last week she could have put away. Captain Jessica Cox and double bottom-ager Carys D’Addario are enjoying strong, consistent seasons.

PREDICTION

Claremont is far more experienced and in form, while Swan Districts are just learning to play with each other in what is largely a new-look lineup in 2023. The Tigers should have this done reasonably well, but need to kick straight to put away the opponent rather than the inaccuracy of last round.

FORM

Newcomers East Perth was brought back down to earth against South Fremantle last round after a competitive effort against West Perth in the opening round of the season. The Royals tend to be more competitive once the game is already looking out of control, holding their own in the final term against the Bulldogs. Peel Thunder on the other hand was far too inexperienced for Claremont in Round 2, and will be looking to get back on the winners’ list after a victory over Swan Districts in Round 1.

CHANGES

Peel Thunder will be relieved to bring back in some experience with AFLW winger Jaide Britton and experienced midfielder Chloe Wrigley returning after missing Round 2. The third inclusion is 29-year-old Kayla Bradshaw who will play her first League game since 2020 having played in the Reserves over the past two seasons. Jade Briggs, Ebonee Hardie and Jessica Ruland are the outs from the team.

East Perth has thrown around the magnets as the selection table with a whopping nine changes to the team that went down to South Fremantle. Among those coming in are Chloe Boothman, Mel Hardy and Round 1 goalkicker Tristin Ogonoski, while Holly Gill, Makayla Cocking and Marlee Hedley are among those out of the side.

KEY PLAYERS

Peel Thunder’s inclusions of Britton and Wrigley will add extra depth to that midfield, with Jorja Haines stepping in last week and will be able to roll through there again. Double bottom-ager Evie Cowcher has become a problem for opposition forward lines, while Krystal Carter was key for the Thunder in Round 2, bringing her tackling pressure.

The Royals look to ruck Matilda Bennett who has made a strong start to her East Perth League career, while Madeleine Goodman and captain Jess Valvasori always give 100 per cent effort. The defensive intercept markers in Lillian Ninyette and Julia Uhe are also key for the developing side.

PREDICTION

Peel Thunder, with the experienced regained somewhat, should be too strong for East Perth in this one. Once again the Royals will make a good account for themselves, and playing at home will want to do well, but the Thunder still have remnants of their premiership team and should account for the young East Perth outfit.