Round 21 Preview v East Fremantle

SOUTH Fremantle attempts to make it 10 straight wins at East Fremantle Oval and seven in-a-row against East Fremantle in the third and final derby of 2018 on Saturday.

There might not be anything at stake in terms of consequences for the season or ladder positions, but any Fremantle Derby has that extra importance no matter what and that’s sure to be the case again at East Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

The third and final derby of 2018 between the Sharks and Bulldogs will see the two teams playing for the Ciccotosto-Uittenbroek Cup named in honour of two of longest-serving and loyal contributors to both proud and traditional clubs.

The reserves and colts contests will both be held on Saturday at East Fremantle Oval but the colts will play at Subiaco Oval on Sunday from 10am.

East Fremantle comes into the game on a nine-game losing streak having not won in 2018 since getting their second victory of the campaign back in Round 8 against Peel Thunder.

That has the Sharks anchored to bottom position with a 2-15 record coming into Saturday’s game that will be the last in charge for departing coach Rob Wiley.

South Fremantle is preparing for a third straight finals campaign under coach Todd Curley and after two straight preliminary final exits, are gearing up to go one or two steps better in 2018.

The Bulldogs enter Saturday’s derby on a three-game winning streak following strong wins over West Perth, Swan Districts and Perth to solidify second position on the WAFL ladder.

South Fremantle is solid in second spot with a 12-5 record to be guaranteed of hosting next Saturday’s qualifying final against West Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval no matter what happens against the Sharks on Saturday.

South Fremantle has also enjoyed dominance over East Fremantle in recent times having won the past six derbies by an average of 71.3 points.

East Fremantle’s last win against South Fremantle was the WA Day Foundation Derby of 2016 by 39 points at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

South Fremantle has won its past nine visits to East Fremantle Oval as well with the Sharks last win at home over the Bulldogs coming way back in Round 7, 2012 to the tune of 85 points.

South Fremantle has its eyes firmly set on the qualifying final next Saturday against West Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval, but there is still spots to be fought for this week against East Fremantle by a host of players that will run out onto East Fremantle Oval.

South Fremantle coach Todd Curley is just hoping the Bulldogs continue their form heading into the finals.

“We’ve been pretty good since the bye and have been playing our way with some really good signs so we want to continue to see us play our brand of footy. Nothing will change there,” Curley said.

South Fremantle has already blooded seven debutants so far in 2018 and there is the potential for two more on Saturday against East Fremantle in the form of ruckman Blair Della Franca and Regan Spooner.

Adam McIntosh, Glenn Byron, Jake Florenca, Josh Collard and Jarrod Parry are also in line to come into the South Fremantle team have a chance to impressive to be there still during the finals with a strong performance.

Four experienced players Cory Dell’Olio, Ashton Hams, Brock Higgins and Ryan Cook are all out for the Bulldogs taking 583 games of WAFL experience with them.

East Fremantle has a chance to restore some pride to its season with a strong derby showing in the last round on home turf, but the Sharks will still be without Nick Kommer and Jonathon Griffin.

There’s also Blaine Boekhorst whose season ended in Round 1 and the likes of Liam Anthony, Jamie McNamara, James Bristow and Ryan Lester-Smith who were all experienced players from the start of the season longer around.

Tim Bockman, Jye Clements, Michael Cronan, Jarrad Jansen and Leon Pearton are all potential inclusions for the Sharks to take on the Bulldogs.

Jamie Meade and Dylan Williams go out of the East Fremantle line-up from the side that lost to Subiaco last Saturday.

ROUND 21 – CICCOTOSTO-UITTENBROEK CUP
SOUTH FREMANTLE v EAST FREMANTLE – EAST FREMANTLE OVAL, SATURDAY 2.15PM

LEAGUE TEAMS, LIVE STATS
RESERVES TEAMS, LIVE STATS
COLTS TEAMS, LIVE STATS