North cleared for prelim as Royals make four changes

Star East Perth midfielder Tom North has been declared fit for the blockbuster WAFL Preliminary Final clash against Claremont at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Sunday.

The former Fremantle-listed talent is back after missing the first two finals matches with a calf injury in one of four changes for the Royals after a disappointing Second Semi-Final loss to minor premiers South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval last week.

North is averaging a career-high 28.6 disposals per game this season, an increase of nearly eight on his career average of 20.8, with his move to the midfield paying off for East Perth.

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Dangerous forward Tom Medhat has been recalled for the reserves alongside silky-skilled left-footer Xavier Milner, while spearhead Ben Middleton returns from a hamstring injury for his first appearance since Round 17.

Young forward Tom Graham is sidelined with concussion, while former Docker Sebit Kuek, Adam Boules and James Sturrock have been omitted.

Claremont have been forced to make one change from their side that defeated Perth in last Saturday’s do-or-die semi-final at Revo Fitness Stadium with defender Tom Baldwin (suspended) replaced by Josh Howard.

It will be the third time these top-three sides have met in a little over three weeks, with Claremont prevailing in Round 20 before East Perth bounced back in the Qualifying Final the following week.

The midfield battle is going to be intriguing with both teams possessing stacked engine-rooms and dominant ruckmen.

Claremont are led by Sandover Medal trio Jye Bolton, Callan England and Bailey Rogers and impressive ruckman Ollie Eastland, while East Perth’s co-captains – Christian Ameduri and Sandover medallist Hamish Brayshaw – the returning North, tagger Zach Raykos and hit-out machine Scott Jones form a formidable midfield brigade.

The winner of Sunday’s clash takes on the Bulldogs in the Sullivan Logistics WAFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium on Sunday, September 21.

Preliminary Final action starts with the EGT WAFL Colts at 8.50am with East Fremantle taking on Claremont, with the winner facing off against South Fremantle in the decider.

East Perth and Swan Districts do battle in the WAFL Reserves from 11.25am, with a spot in the grand final against Claremont up for grabs.