Round 8 Preview – East Fremantle v Peel ThunderFriday, May 25, 2018 - 3:12 PM - by Chris Pike

IF East Fremantle or Peel Thunder still want to be able to make an impact on the WAFL in 2018, then nothing short of a desperately needed four points on Saturday at East Fremantle Oval will be accepted.

East Fremantle and Peel have already played once this season back in Round 1 and that was a competitive battle between two teams who had reason to hope things would have gone significantly better than they have since that afternoon in Mandurah.

Peel won that game by 15 points on the back of winning the past two WAFL premierships but the Thunder have won just once in five games since meaning they can't afford another loss on Saturday.

Things are significantly worse for East Fremantle. The Sharks did beat Perth by seven points in Round 2, but since then have last five straight with the last four against South Fremantle, Swan Districts, East Perth and West Perth particularly troubling.

While a win would be nice obviously for the Sharks on Saturday against Peel at East Fremantle Oval, just putting in a competitive performance is the box that they first need to tick after a disastrous past four weeks.

Peel will take great confidence heading into the clash, though, with the Thunder having won their past nine matches against East Fremantle by an average of 33.7 points.

East Fremantle's last win over Peel came in Round 17, 2014 to the tune of 24 points at East Fremantle Oval.

However, the Thunder have also won on their past four trips to Shark Park by an average of 29.5 points.

East Fremantle's opening three games of the season weren’t too bad with narrow losses to Peel and Claremont, and a seven-point win against Perth but since against South Fremantle, Swan Districts, East Perth and West Perth things have turned significantly sour.

Those four losses have come at an average of 76.3 points with them only managing to score 53.8 points themselves while conceding 130.0 points. The Sharks have only kicked 30 goals from 80 inside-50 entries over the past four games while conceding 74 goals and 146 inside 50s.

Peel has been struggling too, though, having lost four of five games since beating East Fremantle in Round 1. Peel is averaging just 76.5 points a game this season while conceding 100.3.

East Fremantle is the worst performing first, third and fourth quarter team in the competition over the opening seven rounds with the Sharks outscored by their opponents by 91 points in first terms, 130 points in third quarter and 91 points in final stanzas.

However, Peel has struggled in second quarters performing the worst in the WAFL being outscored by 82 points. East Fremantle's second terms are significantly better with the Sharks outscored by only five points. The Thunder have just about broken even in first and last quarters.

East Fremantle finally gets to welcome back some quality, experienced player with former Essendon hard nut Nick Kommer named to play his first game since Round 3 having averaged 25 disposals over the first three matches of 2018 when the Sharks' form was significantly stronger.

Former captain Jamie McNamara will also return with the 139-game veteran finding form and fitness in the reserves last Saturday against West Perth with 26 possessions and three goals.

James Harrold, Tom Marshall and Ambrose Ryan have also been added to East Fremantle's squad.

Carl Green, Aaron Holmes and Chris Scott are three players to lose their place for the Sharks following last week's big loss to the Falcons at Joondalup Arena.

Peel's team will be strengthened with the presence of Fremantle-listed AFL players Mitch Crowden and Griffin Logue with Lloyd Meek coming into selection contention after some solid reserves form. The wet weather might not help his cause however.

Leroy Jetta appears fit to return for the Thunder as well to face the Sharks with Alex Cohen, Corey Morris, Josh Mathers and Keegan Power also added to the squad.

Peel does lose Cameron Sutcliffe to injury following last week's heavy loss to Subiaco while former Carlton midfielder Brad Walsh also goes out.

EAST FREMANTLE (1-6, 9th) v PEEL THUNDER (2-4, 7th) – EAST FREMANTLE OVAL, SATURDAY 2.15PM
Selected teams, live stats 
Broadcast – 91.3 SportFM, Footy Radio