AN EARLY start to the WAFL Women’s Round 15 takes place tomorrow with a standalone Friday night fixture ahead of a trio of Sunday games. An old fashioned Perth Derby between the Falcons and Royals will have plenty of pride on the line, while for the former, they simply must win if finals are going to be in their future.

FORM

Since beating East Perth in Round 9, only a win over Peel Thunder has stopped West Perth from a four-game losing streak. The Falcons are refreshed off a bye, and take on the last placed Royals who will look to jump off the bottom of the ladder before the end of the season.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Both teams have rolled out the changes with East Perth making four and West Perth selecting three fresh faces. Charli Bassett returns from her state representation, while Jorja Elisseou and Layla Firns are also key ins. Back for her first WAFLW game since Round 15 last year, Tierrah Miller is back in the lineup, with Jade Boekeman, Gabrielle Canicosa, Kahra Sprlyan and Chloe Williams the outs.

West Perth will be without youngsters Lunay Van Den Heever, Leuca Krmpotic and Jamarah Walley, but regain Stacey Francis-Bayman and Tazma Hutson. The Falcons also have a debutant in 23-year-old, 178cm Katelin Bertolami.

AFLW DRAFT WATCH

Bassett showed she belonged amongst the top players in the country and will look to bring that experience back to the Royals. She is the main one in the game with the other State Academy members still out, though Rikisha Nannup – on the Sandgropers’ list but yet to get a call-up is another member waiting in the wings for her chance.

PREDICTION

West Perth simply have to win this match. The Falcons have a game in hand, but are eight points adrift of the top four. If they somehow drop this game it will be very difficult to catch up. With at least one of South Fremantle and Swan Districts to drop points this round and East Fremantle taking on Claremont, it is a huge opportunity to make up the difference. However, East Perth would love nothing more than to put a big dint in the Falcons chances.