SUMMARY
If Peel Thunder can start the same way they finished last week against Claremont they'll go a long way to securing four points on Saturday. With the game in the balance, Peel Thunder produced a resounding final quarter against the Tigers to set up an eventual 21 point victory. In contrast, Perth Demons conceded eight final-quarter goals to lose to East Perth by 44 points. A win for Peel would all but sure up third spot for another week with a game in hand on fourth-placed East Perth, while the Demons are fighting to leapfrog Swan Districts on the bottom of the table. The four points promise to be hotly contested.
WAFL Watch Coach's comments from round six
WHERE AND WHEN: Rushton Park, Saturday 30 April, 2.15pm
LAST TIME THEY MET
R22, 2015, Peel 14.16 (100) d Perth 13.9 (87) at Lathlain Park
TALKING POINTS
1. Welcome back to footy, Shane.
Fremantle recruit Shane Yarran is expected to don the bolt for the first time after the Freo selected him with pick 61 in last year’s national draft. The clever forward had an interrupted preseason after seriously injuring his knee for Subiaco in the 2015 WAFL Grand Final, but is back to full fitness. Fans can expect clean skills and a strong goal sense - Yarran finished last year as the WAFL’s highest goal scorer with 54 - and with vacancies opening up in Freo's senior side, there is no better time for him to build form.
2. Who can execute under pressure?
Poor skills have been a constant feature in Peel’s and Fremantle’s losses to date, and with Ross Lyon searching for clean users across the backline and midfield, senior opportunities could be available for those who impress. Despite missing one match with a hamstring strain, Ethan Hughes continued his solid run of form against Claremont with 23 possessions. Sam Collins has also shown a clean set of hands against the opposition’s best forwards each week, while midfielder Connor Blakely and defender Ryan Nyhuis are improving rapidly.
3. Forward, defender or ruckman?
The versatility of Fremantle’s tall timber has been on show this season with players consistently rotating through defence, midfield and attack to cover for their resting teammates. Tanner Smith has adapted well to his new position at full forward with six goals in five matches, while Matthew Uebergang has also slotted five majors, spending extended periods forward and back. Jack Hannath continues to rotate through the ruck and forward line, while Collins and Alex Silvagni have sured up positions down back.
4. Thunder’s winning record.
Peel’s record against the Demons is admirable. The Thunder have won their past five games against Perth by an average margin of 33 points. The Demons’ last win against Peel came in round seven, 2014. From that side, only six players remain listed at the club.
