AFTER Round 2 began last night under lights in Joondalup, two more matches confront WAFLW fans in 2025. Last year’s grand finalists East Fremantle host Peel Thunder at the Sharks’ renovated homeground, before newcomers Perth play its first home match in WAFLW history with the Demons clash with South Fremantle.

FORM

East Fremantle will have stewed on the frustrating loss to South Fremantle for a little while, but will be fully focused on the job at hand against Peel Thunder. Though the Thunder had a massive Round 1 victory, the challenge goes up significantly from the Demons to the Sharks here.

TEAMS

CHANGES

East Fremantle have made a couple of changes for the match, wiht Torrens Revell and Sarah Wielstra making their returns to the side, while Amber Kinnane and Noa McNaughton are the confirmed outs. Peel sees former skipper Cassie Davidson back from a couple of years in Victoria, joined in the 21 alongside Caitlin Shales. Under 16s duo Tiama Collard and Caitlin Fletcher who both impressed on debut will miss due to the Under 16s Championships.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Under 18s dual MVP winner Evie Cowcher will undoubtedly be kept a little busier in defence than last week, and will be one to watch for the Thunder. Heidi Ireland is looking to further stake her claim for state representation with some consistent early season form. The Sharks youngsters looked good last week with Alicia Blizard coming off a four-goal game, while Maya Louvel-Finn provided consistent rebound out of the back 50.

PREDICTION

East Fremantle should be far too strong here despite Peel’s huge first round win. The Sharks are experienced and have premiership players on every line. The Thunder will improve as the season goes on against the bigger sides, but the depth of East Freo should see the home side win pretty comfortably.

FORM

Perth had some strong competitive moments against Peel Thunder but ultimately could not get enough scoring opportunities or accuracy. The Demons now take on a red-hot Doggies outfit that ran over the top of the Sharks late and will be filled with confidence, and momentum.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Both teams have rolled out multiple changes for the match, with ex-Subiaco talent Fina Dethlefsen making her Perth debut alongside Paige Bower, Sarah Guilfoyle and Chloe Seivwright. They replace ex-international netballer Caitlin Bassett, bottom-ager Mia Carlshausen, Natalie House and Kailey Secomb.

South Fremantle has brought in Tara Stribley for her first game since being delisted from Fremantle with the former Swan Districts runner set to impress. She is not the only high quality talent coming in with Renee Morgan and Jasmine Bazeley adding potency to the lineup. Eva Flynn, Pippa Sideris and Ebony Grant are the ones to come out.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Morgan’s return is an exciting one for South Fremantle, having battled injury the last 12 months on and off. She will look for a big year and play a key role in the midfield, while Marie Polimeno was very impressive in defence last week. Addison Opalinski is the Perth State Academy member to watch, covering a lot of ground in Round 1.

PREDICTION

South Fremantle will be too good here with too much experience. Perth is not afraid to take the game on which is great to see, but the Bulldogs are a premiership contender, and will punish the Demons on the turnovers far more than the Thunder did.