Round 9 WAFL teams: Sears sidelined, Eagles regain first-round pick, Tiger teen to debut

Peel Thunder will be without in-form captain Jack Sears as they hunt a fifth win on the trot in Saturday’s clash against the Leo Steed-less Swan Districts at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah.

The Kia WAFL State Team representative is coming off back-to-back three-goal hauls for the second-placed Thunder, resulting in victories over South Fremantle and West Coast respectively.

But Sears is out with a fractured finger in a massive blow for Peel, who are also without veteran Dockers midfielder Jaeger O’Meara (AFL call-up) could be missing intercept-marking machine Hugh Davies to AFL emergency duties.

WAFL-listed trio Luen Colton, Zach Trevena and premiership player Tay Wyburd are the three inclusions for the Thunder.

First-round AFL Draft prospect Steed, who had a brilliant second half in the Black Ducks’ remarkable come-from-behind win over Perth last round, has been rested ahead of the AFL National Under-18s Championship where he’s co-captain of the AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys.

Ayden Cartwright has earned a recall for Steed.

West Coast we regain the services of first-round draft pick Josh Lindsay against Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium after he was stunningly dropped from the AFL team.

Josh Lindsay is a massive in for the WAFL Eagles. Credit: AFL Photos

Fellow AFL-listed player, key forward Jack Williams, is another big addition after also losing his spot, while 199cm Category-B rookie Jake Miles-Wrency will debut after playing three games for Perth’s WAFL Reserves.

Dual AFL premiership player Brandon Starcevich has been called up for his Eagles AFL debut after being eased back through the WAFL team the past two weeks after a calf issue.

Teenager Clancy Dennis will make his long-awaited WAFL debut for Claremont, coming in for fellow defender Anthony Davis who’s out with an ankle injury.

The former Under-18s All-Australian is averaging 21 disposals and seven marks in the reserves to earn his spot at league level.

Clancy Dennis during his State 18s days. Credit; Will Russell/AFL Photos

Spearhead Jaiden Hunter returns from suspension, with young forward Sam van Rooyen making way.

Perth have rewarded superboot Luke Hallett for his form in the twos with a call-up alongside dangerous forward Kane Johnston for Saturday’s game against Subiaco at Mineral Resources Park.

It comes as small forward Richard Barlett is back for the Lions, coming in for ruckman Frazer Rickson who’s missing with State 18s duties.

Teams for Sunday’s grand final re-match between East Perth and reigning champs South Fremantle at Sullivan Logistics Stadium will be named on Friday afternoon.