Furious Falcons say tribunal treats Eagles like royalty
Premiership players Kody Manning and Marc Crisp will return from suspension for West Perth's match against last year's grand final rivals East Perth, but the Falcons aren't tempted to promote big-name recruit Andrew Krakouer.
The Perth derby between the traditional enemies is expected to be another heated affair at West Perth's spiritual home at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.
Recent matches have been marked by a racial vilification matter and clashes between coaches, players and spectators, while the Royals are still burning over last year's grand final loss after entering the game as hot favourites.
Manning has completed a three-match ban he received for a high bump on Arthur Bennell in the grand final.
West Perth are still angry about the suspension and believe it was unfair and a sign of double standards in WAFL disciplinary matters.
Manning was offered two weeks by the WAFL report review panel, but defended the matter at the tribunal where he was suspended for four games. It was reduced to three on appeal.
His cause was not helped by the grand final loading which meant the original offer was two weeks rather than one.
Crisp was banned for two weeks in round one this season for rough conduct against East Fremantle's Sam Read.
West Perth president Brett Raponi used the pre-match function at Arena Joondalup on Saturday to question the tribunal's consistency after East Perth and West Coast player Will Schofield received a reprimand for a striking offence last week.
"We had one player done for three weeks, another for two weeks yet a player can be found guilty of striking and he only gets a reprimand," Raponi said.
"There appears to be double standards in place for West Coast players."
West Perth coach Bill Monaghan was adamant that Krakouer would not play this week.
He is more likely to make his comeback against his former team Swan Districts on Anzac Day.
"Andrew will play some footy next week but I doubt it will be senior footy," Monaghan said.
"He is probably still only at 80 per cent and is a little bit underdone.
"We will probably play Crisp and Manning first-up because they have been training hard and have had strong pre-seasons."
Monaghan said veteran midfielder Matt Guadagnin, who strained a hamstring at training last week, was unlikely to play against East Perth.
