SWAN Districts’ perfect start to the season faces its sternest test yet in Round 5, with the undefeated Swans hosting Perth in what shapes as the game of the round. The Demons arrive at Sullivan Logistics Stadium at one win, one loss and one draw, and in search of their second win of the season. Meanwhile the Swans look to protect their 4-0 record and maintain their position as the clear frontrunner in the competition.

SEASON AT A GLANCE

Swan Districts has been simply dominant through the opening four rounds, with a percentage of 219.19 reflecting a side that has not just been winning, but doing so convincingly. Perth drew with South Fremantle with the last kick of the game in Round 2 before their bye, and will be looking to make a statement against the competition’s pacesetters after easily accounting for Peel Thunder last round.

CHANGES

The big news for Perth is the absence of both Mia Carlshausen (National Academy duties) and Mel Grage – their two most prominent top-draft prospects – who both miss along with Jorja Haines. In comes some much needed experience to replace them with the likes of Evie Gooch and Poppy Stockwell headlining the changes, but also have recalled Paige Bower, Brooke Whyte and Sophie Williams. Swan Districts welcomes back Sienna Gerardi and Kayla Gordon (nee May), while Tyla Fitzgerald and valuable tall defender Isabella Edgley are the outs.

ONES TO WATCH

For the Swans, Jaime Henry has been the competition’s outstanding performer through four rounds and Perth will need a specific plan to limit her influence through the middle. Summer Ajduk starts at centre after a strong Round 4 performance, while Grace Hirst and Shaya Yarran provide further summer squad depth on the bench.

For Perth, the absence of Carlshausen is significant — she has been their most consistent performer and her composure coming out of defence will be sorely missed. Isabella Shannon is the Demons’ co-captain and midfield anchor who will need to lead from the front working well alongside the likes of Isla Baldwin, Amy Trindade and Holly Britton, while Taylah Edwards looms as the Swans’ most dangerous forward target.

TACTICAL BATTLE

Swan Districts’ forward line has been the most destructive in the competition through the opening month, and Perth’s defensive structure – already missing Carlshausen’s intercept work and clean rebounding – will be under immediate pressure. Gooch’s return will go some way to helping that, however.

The midfield battle will be intriguing with Henry and Jessica Cox tackling the well balanced deep Perth group. If the Swans can get the ball forward enough, it could be a tough day for Perth, but if the Demons get on top, then the inclusion of Stockwell will prove vital.

PREDICTION

Swan Districts to continue their unbeaten run. Perth without their two most prominent young talents is a significantly weakened side on paper, and the Swans have shown enough class and depth to be too good at home. Swan Districts by 20 points.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Subiaco should make it three consecutive wins when the Lions take on a young Peel Thunder outfit on the weekend. The Lions welcome back ruck Tess Lyons, Under 16s jet Caitlin Boss and ex-Giants Academy talent Bridget Corcoran, who will make her WAFLW debut. They take on a Thunder lineup still yet to taste a victory, with an injury early to Holly Bilcich last week not helping things at all.

Two sides that are far better than a sixth-against-seventh clash sees West Perth and Subiaco go head-to-head to try and even their win-loss ledgers. Both sides have tough starts to the year, with the Falcons favourite for this one at home. They lose their National Academy members in Cara Dziegielewski and Lexi Strachan, but hand ex-Peel, and AFLW Docker and Demon Sabreena McKinnon a club debut. The loss of Mikayla Hyde really hurts the Bulldogs given the form the defender has been in, so while it will likely be close for the most part, the Falcons still have the greater firepower up front.

Worlds apart in terms of experience, Claremont has chugged along nicely since its shock Round 1 beating at the hands of Swan Districts. Now up and firing, the Tigers just look too experienced for East Perth who definitely look improved on last season, but have a while to go to catch the Claremont’s of the WAFLW world. Expect a scrap until the Tigers’ class pulls them away. Rachel Ortlepp and the stacked midfield could be in for big days, while Lucy Greenwood has started her over-age season in great form.