Sharks quartet add home cheer
East Fremantle’s chances of ending an unlikely WAFL statistic received a pre-game boost when experienced quartet Bradd Dalziell, Jamie McNamara, Andrew Stephen and James Bristow were cleared to play against South Fremantle at ATOM Stadium today.
Away teams have won the past nine Fremantle derbies, most recently when the Sharks beat the Bulldogs by 17 points at Fremantle Oval on April 27.
McNamara, Stephen and Bristow have all overcome hamstring strains while Dalziell has recovered from a knee complaint which ruled him out of WA’s 45-point against South Australia at Lathlain Park on May 23.
Coach Steve Malaxos said vice captain Stephen added some much-needed experience to a Sharks’ backline which has been put under increased pressure in 2015 after Steven Dodd and Tom Howlett retired before the start of the season.
“We’ve lost a bit of experience but also quality out of our defence with Doddy and Tom Howlett not playing,” Malaxos said yesterday.
“A few other guys have done well in Stevo’s absence but it’s always good to have a leader and a quality defender like him back.
“I can see and I get feedback that he’s a very good communicator with the fellow backmen.
“A very important part of back play is communication so it’s good to have him from that point of view as well.”
The addition of McNamara, who will line up in his 100th WAFL match, and Dalziell will boost an already potent East Fremantle midfield boasting 2013 Sandover Medallist Rory O’Brien, ex-Collingwood and St Kilda squad member Mark McGough and returning North Melbourne tyro Liam Anthony.
Malaxos said tall utility player James Bristow would be a welcome addition after Rob Young was left to shoulder the bulk of the ruck work in recent times.
“A lot of work load went on Rob Young against West Perth,” he said.
“James does the key forward and back-up ruck role so in that respect he’s important to us.”
Malaxos said he was at a loss to explain the recent run of wins by away teams in Fremantle derbies.
“It’s inexpicable really, very hard to explain from my perspective,” he said.
“I can’t shed any light on why it occurs but hopefully it doesn’t continue.”
The Bulldogs regained key forward Josh Pullman, picked defender Nic Borovac to play his first league game for the season and named Eaton recruit Josh Branchi to make his debut.
Lining up in the past six reserves matches, lanky defender Borovac had played 60 senior games before the start of the season.
Pullman will add some potency to a South Fremantle forward line which relies heavily on ex-Essendon player Cory Dell’Olio in the absence of injured full forward Ben Saunders.
Starting the season brightly with wins in their first three games, the Bulldogs have lost four of their past five matches including the ANZAC round derby.
West Coast squad member Xavier Ellis was named to play his first WAFL league game for East Perth and hard-running wingman Freddie Clutterbuck his 100th in today’s other game against West Perth at Medibank Stadium.
The Falcons recalled key position player Marcus Adams and utility player Kris Shannon.
Adams has not played since breaking a bone in his hand in the Falcons’ 79-point win against Perth at HBF Arena on April 4.
