Round 13 Preview Claremont V East Perth

Claremont will be looking to return to the winners list when they face East Perth at the Showgrounds this Saturday.

The Tigers are coming off a bye in round 12, while the Royals have hit their straps following a 61-point drubbing of the Bulldogs last Saturday.

The Tigers will be after a much-improved performance after the Royals won the corresponding fixture by 80 points back in round eight.

The Showgrounds has seen the Tigers produce wins over Peel Thunder and Subiaco in 2014, while the last-quarter performance against the Falcons in round 11 will see the side take plenty of confidence into this weekend’s clash.

Captain Jake Murphy has been sidelined with an Achilles injury, while vice-captain Trinity Handley has been sidelined with a broken thumb. It remains to be seen whether they will be fit to take on the Royals.

In a heartening sign for Tigers’ fans, John Williams played his first game since round four when he lined up for the Reserves in round 11 as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.

The ruck battle promises to be a highlight with Mark Seaby and Darcy Cameron coming up against the likes of Paul Johnson and Callum Sinclair, while the midfield is arguably both teams’ strength.

Luke Blackwell, Ryan Neates, Sam Fong, and Matt Orzel will have their hands full against the likes of East Perth co-captains Brendan Lee and Craig Wulff, while Freddie Clutterbuck and Steven Payne have also been in solid form.

Brandon Franz will more than likely oppose Josh Smith as the Tigers attempt to reduce the Royals’ firepower in front of goal.

The Tigers have had fantastic crowd support at the Showgrounds this season and the club encourages everyone to get along to the game on Saturday as we cheer on the team.

Bounce down is at 2.05pm.

by Dan Scamozzi