IN the first of two previews we take a look at the earlier WAFLW Saturday games between South Fremantle and Peel Thunder, and Claremont and Subiaco. A host of players are missing and others return for what kicks off the penultimate Round 15.

FORM

Peel Thunder struggled for a while post-win over East Perth, but showed terrific fight last round against an out-of-form Claremont. The Thunder cannot make finals but can play the role of party pooper, and could even avoid the wooden spoon if they can cause a couple of boilovers in the final fortnight.

TEAMS

CHANGES

South Fremantle will be minus Molly O’Hehir who heads to Victoria to represent the AFLW Academy, while Tahlia Holtze and Charlotte Vandenberg are also out. Young gun Jasmine Bazeley returns to the team alongside Marie Polimeno and Hannah Young.

After missing a large chunk of the season, talented Thunder top-ager Jorja Haines has returned for the final fortnight ahead of nationals, with Gracie Fenton and Tanisha Anderson also coming into the side. Anna Watts, Jessica Jones and Kayla Bradshaw make way.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Bazeley’s inclusion adds some pace to the lineup lost by O’Hehir’s departure, with Noa McNaughton also adding spark in the forward half of the ground. Bottom-ager Alira Fotu has improved as each week has gone on, while Zoe Keley has proven to be a mobile ruck/forward.

PREDICTION

With everything on the line for South Fremantle and a loss guaranteeing no finals for the 2024 season, the Bulldogs simply have to win. The Thunder have shown some fight at times, but it will be tough to pick up a win on the road.

FORM

After three losses in four weeks heading into Round 14, Claremont finally broke through for another win, knocking off the struggling Peel Thunder in Mandurah. The Tigers are still with a shot of finishing top two, racing West Perth for that spot with winnable games ahead. Subiaco can get into the box seat for fourth with an upset win here, though the loss to South Fremantle last week hurt.,

TEAMS

CHANGES

Claremont will welcome back crucial experienced defender Claire Ortlepp who has proven to be the difference this season, having not lost with her in the side, but last week’s win was the first in four matches with Ortlepp missing. She is also joined by Taylah Orzel and Jessica Ritchie in some huge inclusions, while AFLW Academy member Claudia Wright heads to Melbourne.

Subiaco has made three changers with Layla Quinn-Schofield, Chloe Shearing and Tayla Strickland all coming in for Kyla Sanchez, Lauren Vaisey and the experienced Beatrice Devlyn.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Bottom-age tall Olivia Wolmarans is having a great year for the Lions and looms as a key player to watch, while mature-age talent Eva Popovsky is another to remember. Without Wright and Juliet Kelly, the Claremont State Academy focus is on Bec Anderson.

PREDICTION

Though Claremont has had its struggles, the trio of inclusions are huge for the Tigers and should be too much for Subiaco. The Lions have just as much on the line though, so expect them to put up a massive fight, and they have shown capable of causing an upset this season.