WAFL Qualifying Final teams: Big guns return for Tigers, Demons

The big guns are back for Saturday’s blockbuster Sullivan Logistics WAFL Qualifying Final between Claremont and Perth at Revo Fitness Stadium.

The Tigers have named co-captain and Sandover medallist Bailey Rogers to return from a hand injury alongside important defender Declan Hardisty who’s back from concussion.

The pair come in for young defenders Joseph Hopkyns and Clancy Dennis, while AFL Draft prospect Harper Banfield was named among the emergencies after an impressive two-game senior stint with West Coast recently.

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The Demons have named three changes with former Geelong pair Brandan Parfitt and Blake Schlensog back in the side with Kia WAFL State Team defender Austin Davis.

Schlensog returns for just his third appearance of the year after persistent calf injuries.

The versatile big man booted two goals in the reserves last week to put his hand up.

Parfitt is back after being a late out for the final-round victory over West Perth in Joondalup due to an ankle issue.

“When you’re up and down like he’s been with injury all year, it becomes a bit of a mental battle … so it’s a credit to Blake that he’s hung in and continued to train and prepare and rehab. Do all those one per cent things that are tough to do to give himself a chance at the end of the season,” Demons coach Mark Stone said of Schlensog at Tuesday’s WAFL Finals Season Launch.

“He’s pretty important to us because he’s a player that’s so good at his craft in the front half and in the ruck. He can play anywhere really. We’re pretty keen to get him back in the team, that’s pretty obvious. It’s just a matter of whether we think he’s done enough work.”

Jack Bodle, Zac Fleiner and Freddy Brayshaw have been omitted for Perth but all three could feature in the reserves Qualifying Final against East Perth earlier in the day at the same venue.

The last time these two sides met at Revo Fitness Stadium back in Round 10, the Demons prevailed by 17 points.

The winner of Saturday’s clash takes on minor premiers Peel Thunder at Lane Group Stadium next Saturday for direct entry into the Grand Final at Optus Stadium on Sunday, September 20, while the loser gets a second chance against the winner of Sunday’s Elimination Final.

The teams for Sunday’s Elimination Final between South Fremantle and East Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval will be named on Friday afternoon.