Round 9 Preview Claremont vs. Swan Districts

Claremont will be out to break a two game losing-streak when they travel to Steel Blue Oval this Saturday to face Swan Districts.

The Tigers have won just once since round two, while the Swans haven’t lost a match during this time, winning their last six games.

The Tigers defeated the Swans by 50 points in the pre-season at the same venue, and will be hoping for a similar result to get their season back on track.

The Swans have barely put a foot wrong, despite being written off by many heading into the season, and sit in second position on the ladder.

The Tigers have struggled to kick a winning score in 2014, while the Swans are averaging 15.2 goals per game, with Ricky Cary having kicked 21, Matthew Jukes 16, and Matthew Rogers 13.

Making the Tigers’ task even tougher is the fact that the Swans are conceding just 11.5 goals per game on average this season, and boast one of the competitions strongest defences.

Anton Hamp looks set to continue in the backline, while Tigers vice-captain Trinity Handley could be required at both ends of the ground at different stages.

With Rogers in devastating form, Matthew Aitchison (facing his former side) may be assigned a run-with role to try and curb the midfielders influence on the game.

The midfield battle could prove pivotal, with the Tigers looking to improve on their tally of 30 inside fifty metre entries against the Royals last round.

The Tigers recorded two victories against the Swans last season, including a 61 point win at Steel Blue Oval in round three.

In between, the Swans tasted victory at Claremont Oval in round 17.

Both teams will field vastly different sides from 2013, after losing several experienced players during the off-season.

Bounce down is at 2.05pm.

by Dan Scamozzi