WAFL Round 20 teams: Hammer time, ruck blow, milestones, farewells, debuts and more

East Perth co-captain Hamish Brayshaw has been cleared to return for his team’s must-win clash against Sullivan Logistics Stadium co-tenants Subiaco on Saturday.

The Sandover medallist hasn’t played since Round 9 after undergoing hamstring surgery and will be a massive boost for the Royals’ chances of cementing a finals spot in the final home-and-away round of Sullivan Logistics WAFL action.

But the Royals will be without gun ruckman Scott Jones who was a shock out with a knee issue, with 203cm big man Jacob Spasevski coming in for his debut after 33 reserves appearances.

Subiaco, who are also among the seven teams still in the finals hunt, have made one change with Patrick Mullane coming in for Daniel Gathercole who’s been omitted.

West Coast Next Generation Academy talent Cody Lee will debut for the club’s WAFL side against Claremont at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday with a potential finals spot on the line.

The Eagles are chasing just their second finals appearance and first since 2019, with 193cm intercept-marking machine Lee from Perth joining AFL-listed gun Elijah Hewett in the inclusions.

Second-placed Claremont with be without Zac Mainwaring (concussion) and co-captain Bailey Rogers but they do welcome back former skipper Declan Mountford in a huge boost, while Bailey Banfield has been recalled after a prolific run of form in the twos alongside young tall Rory Luscombe.

Dockers-listed ruckman Sean Darcy has been named for Peel Thunder’s clash against South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday after overcoming a calf scare from last week’s shock loss to the Eagles.

The other Bailey Banfield is out however after earning a recall to the AFL side alongside debutant Tobyn Murray and defender Judd McVee, while rookie Toby Whan was among the travelling party to Melbourne and luckless forward Sam Sturt is injured.

Veteran Jaeger O’Meara, utility Corey Wagner, rebounding defender Brandon Walker and young ruckman Aiden Riddle are among the key ins for the Thunder.

The fifth-placed Bulldogs have made two big changes as they look to keep their premiership defence alive with former Docker Ethan Hughes and dangerous forward Brandon Donaldson returning.

Key defender Noah Strom is sidleined after suffering a leg injury in his return, while forward Jordan Boullineau is also out.

There’s milestones aplenty as West Perth host Perth in their final game of the season at HIF Health Insurance Oval.

Champion Aaron Black is back for his 300th and final appearance for his beloved Falcons alongside long-time teammate and 275-gamer Shane Nelson and defender Sam Rotham who’s also hanging up the boots.

It will also be Paul Sanzone’s last game in charge as coach after his decision to resign was revealed on Thursday night.

Perth have a milestone of their own with co-captain Corey Byrne celebrating his 150th game and wingman Baxter Philip reaching the half-century.

The Demons have plenty more to play for with a double chance up for grabs, while there’s an intrguiging Bernie Naylor Medal battle with Falcons veteran Tyler Keitel one goal ahead of Demons spearhead Aaron Clarke as he looks to clinch his sixth leading goal-kicker award.

East Fremantle will farewell stalwart Jarrad Jansen in their last game for 2026 with the utility making it 150 and out against Swan Districts at The Good Grocer Park on Saturday.

The former Geelong and Brisbane player told his teammates this week of his decision to retire.

Defender Lennon Marlin and speedster Austin Ball are back for the Sharks, while the Black Ducks have also made two changes with Ayden Cartwright and Kade Chalcraft coming in for Blake Kelly and last week’s debutant Thomas Cathcart.