Round 8 Preview Claremont vs. East Perth

Claremont will be looking to rebound from its disappointing loss to South Fremantle when they take on East Perth this Saturday at Medibank Stadium.

The Tigers were completely outplayed by the Bulldogs in round seven, while the Royals made it consecutive victories with a patchy 10 point win over the Sharks.

The Tigers haven’t had much joy on the road this season, with a win over the Falcons in round two their only success.

The Tigers can, however, draw on the fact that the Royals have lost games to the Falcons and the Lions at the venue.

The Tigers had 11 players with less than 30 League games experience take on the Bulldogs, as Coach Michael Broadbridge continues to blood the youngsters.

Captain Jake Murphy will look to return from a knee injury that has sidelined him since round three, while vice-captain Trinity Handley could play his first League game since round one.

Handley played 80 minutes in the Reserves’ thumping win over the Bulldogs, as he seeks to return from a hamstring and back injury.

If Handley does return, then Broadbridge has the option of returning Anton Hamp to the forward line as the Tigers look to kick more goals.

Hamp has been a valuable replacement in the backline, however, with the Tigers averaging 9.5 goals per game, he may be required to help out the likes of Mark Seaby and Jack Bradshaw.

Bradshaw has kicked six goals in the last two rounds, although the Tigers will be looking to give their forwards better delivery of the football from the midfield.

The midfield battle shapes as a beauty.

The in-form Luke Blackwell (averaging 27.6 disposals per game), possibly Murphy, Ryan Neates and Matt Orzel will come up against the likes of Craig Wulff, Brendan Lee, possibly Sharrod Wellingham, and Patrick McGinnity.

The ruck battle could also prove crucial with Darcy Cameron, Mitch Andrews, and Seaby coming up against Callum Sinclair and Paul Johnson.

The Tigers defeated the Royals in both home-and-away fixtures last season, however, the Royals gained revenge in the Preliminary final, prevailing by 63 points.

A win for the Tigers could see them outside the top four only on percentage, while a win for the Royals could see them top of the table.

Bounce down is at 2.05pm.

By Dan Scamozzi