Round 2 WAFL teams: Big Dogs return for blockbuster, draft prospect earns debut

South Fremantle guns Matthew Parker and Tom Blechynden return for Saturday’s blockbuster clash against Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval as the club unfurls their premiership flag in their first home game of the season.

Sandover Medal runner-up Parker is back from a quad injury and is set to go up against last season’s winner Charlie Constable, who pipped him by two votes in a thrilling count, in a mouthwatering battle between two superstars of the competition.

Blechynden adds another weapon to the Bulldogs’ midfield, which includes hot draft prospect Lucas Robinson who starred on debut in the opening-round victory over Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval.

Perth will debut Archie Gardiner, a 21-year-old from North Albury who was recruited during the off-season, and fellow youngster Sam Cameron, while dangerous forward Cooper Moore returns.

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AFL Draft prospect Leo Steed has been rewarded for a strong pre-season and dominant Round 1 performance in the EGT WAFL Colts with a senior debut for Swan Districts as they prepare to take on grand finalists East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.

Steed, a prolific midfielder, racked up 31 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances and a goal last week and will be one to watch for the Black Ducks.

Young tall Lucas Impey is another first-gamer for Swan Districts after coming across from Victoria over the summer.

East Perth have made four changes after going down to co-tenants Subiaco in their season opener with Jordyn Baker (knee) the biggest loss, while livewire Will Cassidy played his first league game since Round 11 last year after recovering from a broken leg.

Former Fremantle and West Coast big man Luke Strnadica is back for East Fremantle is a boost to their ruck stocks for Saturday’s home tussle with an unchanged and in-form Subiaco at The Good Grocer Park.

It comes as important defender Jack Avery has been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury sustained in the Good Friday loss to Peel Thunder in Mandurah, while tall forward Griffin Vladich is out with a minor knee issue, as 20-year-old Elijah Stockden comes in for his senior debut.

Defender Max Minear will play his first game of the season for Claremont against the Thunder at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday after being cleared of a back injury.

Dockers-listed swingman Oscar McDonald is back for Peel and draftee Toby Whan has been named for his senior debut alongside former Goldfields goal-kicking machine Dustin Walters, while premiership forward Corey Tregenza is out with suspension.

Teams for Sunday’s clash between West Coast and West Perth at Mineral Resources Park will be named on Friday afternoon.