- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
East Fremantle<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>West Perth<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nSEASON AT A GLANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
East Fremantle’s finals hopes took a hit in Round 17 after suffering a 30-point loss to Perth, 6.11 (47) to 2.5 (17). The Sharks were held goalless after quarter time, with Perth slowly extending their advantage throughout the afternoon. Despite the loss, East Fremantle’s destiny remains entirely in their own hands. A victory over West Perth will guarantee them a top-four finish and a chance to defend their status as a competition heavyweight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
West Perth snapped a frustrating four-game losing streak in emphatic style last weekend, cruising to a 50-point victory over East Perth, 9.15 (69) to 3.1 (19). The Falcons dominated from the outset, keeping the Royals scoreless in the opening term and piling on the pressure throughout the contest. While West Perth cannot make finals, the Falcons’ State Academy talent makes them a highly dangerous proposition capable of playing spoiler to the Sharks’ September dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CHANGES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
East Fremantle has made several changes for this must-win encounter. Mackenzie Webb<\/a> returns to bolster the defensive half, alongside Ashlee Atkins<\/a>, Kai Clucas<\/a>, Sienna Lilly<\/a> and Tessa Lynch<\/a>. The Sharks lose Mylee Leitch<\/a>, Jasmine Johansen<\/a>, Lara Fuller<\/a>, Chloe Colegate<\/a> and Chelsea Natta<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
West Perth has kept a relatively settled lineup following their strong win over the Royals. Brooke Hongell<\/a> comes into the side, replacing Trista Smoker<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ONES TO WATCH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mackenzie Webb<\/a> (East Fremantle)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tall defender returns to the lineup at a crucial time for the Sharks. Webb is a composed ball-user and a strong intercept mark who provides vital stability across half-back. Her ability to read the play and launch counter-attacks will be essential in nullifying West Perth’s forward entries and setting up East Fremantle’s transition game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cara Dziegielewski<\/a> (West Perth)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The WA Under 18 MVP was strong in her second game back at WAFLW level last week, amassing 21 disposals, four marks, 24 hitouts and a goal. Dziegielewski provides elite first use for her midfielders and is a constant threat when resting forward. Her ruck battle against the Sharks will go a long way to deciding the midfield contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jae Flynn<\/a> (East Fremantle)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fresh off her 50-game WAFLW milestone, the experienced midfielder was one of the Sharks’ best in the loss to Boorloo, gathering 21 disposals. Flynn’s leadership and contested ball-winning ability will be heavily relied upon in this high-stakes clash. She will need to be at her bruising best to match West Perth’s dynamic midfield group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lexi Strachan<\/a> (West Perth)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The State Academy co-captain showcased her class against East Perth, finishing with 18 disposals, four marks, five tackles and a goal. Strachan uses her strength to win the ball at the coalface and is highly damaging when driving forward. Her vision and precise ball use make her a constant headache for opposition midfields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cienna Leslie<\/a> (East Fremantle)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highly-rated top-age prospect has shown great versatility this season, capable of impacting the game at either end of the ground. Leslie battled hard against Perth, collecting 11 disposals while spending time in both defence and attack. Her athleticism and willingness to take the game on will be important for the Sharks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellee McEvoy<\/a> (West Perth)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
McEvoy was outstanding in the Falcons’ drought-breaking win last week, racking up 26 disposals in a prolific midfield display. She works tirelessly from contest to contest and links up well with her teammates on the outside. East Fremantle must find a way to curb her influence if they are to control the tempo of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TACTICAL BATTLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The contest will likely be decided at the stoppages. West Perth possesses a formidable on-ball division, with Dziegielewski providing silver service to the likes of Strachan and McEvoy. East Fremantle must match their intensity around the ball, relying on Flynn and Zoe Keley<\/a> to apply immense defensive pressure and win the territory battle. If the Sharks can lock the ball in their forward half and capitalise on their entries, they will go a long way to securing their finals spot. However, if West Perth’s runners are allowed time and space on the outside, they have the firepower to cause an upset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PREDICTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The stakes could not be higher for East Fremantle. They face a West Perth side that is out of finals contention but a team that had the Sharks’ measure last time and top-tier young talent ready to finish on a high following a big win. The pressure will be squarely on the Sharks, but their experience and defensive structure should hold them in good stead when the game is on the line. Expect a genuine tight contest, with West Perth having the quality on paper to cause the win, but the Sharks needing the win more.<\/p>\n
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AROUND THE GROUNDS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Claremont vs. South Fremantle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Claremont hosts South Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium in a clash between two finals-bound sides. The Tigers are locked into the top two but will be eager to bounce back after a shock one-point loss to Subiaco in Round 16. South Fremantle, meanwhile, sealed their finals berth with a ruthless 13-point win over the Lions last week, highlighted by a four-goal haul from Kiana Lee<\/a>. With both teams looking to build momentum heading into September, this shapes as a high-quality encounter. Claremont’s home-ground advantage might just give them the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swan Districts vs. Perth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swan Districts welcomes Perth to Steel Blue Oval in a game with massive implications. The Swans are flying high after a 74-point demolition of Peel Thunder, where Jaime Henry<\/a> gathered 33 disposals. For Perth, the equation is simple: they must win and hope East Fremantle loses to snatch fourth spot. The visitors kept their season alive with a crucial 30-point win over the Sharks last week, led by Natalie House<\/a>‘s three goals. However, knocking off the ladder leaders away from home is a monumental task. Swan Districts should be too strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subiaco vs. East Perth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subiaco takes on East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium to close out their respective seasons. The Lions’ finals hopes were dashed by South Fremantle last week despite a 32-disposal effort from Lisa Steane<\/a>. East Perth also comes into this clash on the back of a heavy defeat to West Perth. Both sides will be desperate to finish the year on a positive note and build towards 2027. Subiaco’s midfield depth and class across the ground should see them comfortably account for the Royals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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