Round 23 Preview v Perth

SOUTH Fremantle is one week out from a first finals appearance since 2011 but the Bulldogs still enter Saturday’s clash with Perth at Lathlain Park wanting to perform strongly.

South Fremantle has scored two impressive wins over Perth already in 2016 and will be looking for a third to enter the finals full of confidence but the Demons will want to signal how far they have improved this year as well.

South Fremantle will be finishing in second position on the WAFL ladder no matter the result on Saturday with a qualifying final next Saturday against West Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval locked away.

However, the Bulldogs will be determined to remain in good form entering that first finals appearance since 2011 and South Fremantle comes into Saturday’s clash with Perth at Lathlain Park on the back of four straight victories.

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Perth might be extending its finals drought again in 2016 that dates back to 1997, but the Demons have shown improvement and another good performance on Saturday could further emphasise that.

The Demons came into the 2016 having won just two of its past 34 matches and that stretched to just four wins in 43 games by halfway through the season. But since then Perth has played some good football scoring wins over East Fremantle, Claremont, Subiaco and Swan Districts twice.

The two teams first met at Lathlain Park in Round 5 of this season with South Fremantle beating Perth by 98 points. More recently they did battle in Carnarvon in Round 20 with Perth in control at half-time, but South Fremantle dominating the second half to end up winning by 38 points.

South Fremantle will also be celebrating the 100th WAFL game of defender Blayne Wilson made up of 36 matches at Peel Thunder, 29 with East Perth and what will be his 35th with the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs coach Todd Curley hopes to see another strong performance from his team to enter the finals full of confidence.

“Confidence comes from action and performance so we’ll be trying to play our best footy and keep it rolling,” Curley said.

“In saying that, I was also involved in a game where we left 15 guys behind and got flogged in Tasmania but came back and won a final not long after. But we are certainly not in that position so if our guys are fit and available, they’ll likely play.”

South Fremantle might be guaranteed of finishing second no matter the result on Saturday, but the Bulldogs will want to achieve two goals against Perth – win to remain in good form ahead of their return to the finals and to avoid any injuries.

Two key players Adam Guglielmana and Tim Kelly remain sidelined with hamstring injuries but the pair are both expected to be fit to take on West Perth next Saturday in the qualifying final.

Another important player Josh Pullman won’t be there to take on the Demons as well leaving the job to someone else to likely try and keep Perth full-forward Spencer White quiet.

Young ruckman Tim English is a chance to make his league debut for South Fremantle following another good game in the reserves last Saturday against East Perth with 13 possessions, 19 hit outs and a goal.

Tim Stewart, Brandon Donaldson and Tom Vandeleur are all a chance to come in and try to cement a league spot ahead of the finals as well.

Last week in the reserves, Stewart had 23 possessions and nine tackles, Donaldson kicked three goals and Vandeleur finished with 17 touches and five marks tackles as a key defender.

Perth will be looking to end its improved season on a high and the Demons will have breathed a sigh of relief when ruckman Angus Graham was given the all clear at the WAFL Tribunal on Thursday night meaning he was right to take on the Bulldogs.

The Demons will also be excited to see another strong performance from key forward Spencer White. Injury has meant he hasn’t had the first season Perth was hoping, but he is finishing the year well including five goals last week and will be looking for another big haul on Saturday.

Todd Stevenson, Rowan Brookes and Brent Latch are three more players the Demons could welcome back on Saturday against South Fremantle.

Stevenson had a terrific game in the reserves last week against Swan Districts with 27 possessions, seven marks and a goal while key defender Latch and half-forward Brookes should be healthy to return to add some strength at both ends of the field.

ROUND 23
PERTH (7-12, 8th) v SOUTH FREMANTLE (14-5, 2nd) – LATHLAIN PARK, SATURDAY 2.15PM
Broadcast – 91.3 SportFM

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