Round 21 Preview Claremont vs Subiaco

Claremont travel to Medibank Stadium this Saturday to face the in-form Subiaco on the back of three consecutive wins.

It’s the first time the Tigers have achieved the feat under first-year coach Michael Broadbridge, while the team also enter the clash having won five of their last six games.

Subiaco are in fine form of their own, having won their last five games, and enter the clash fresh off a bye in round 20.

Subiaco proved far too good for Claremont back in round three, running out 80-point winners, however, the Tigers rectified that result with a nine-point win over the Lions in round 10.

The Tigers are finishing the season in ominous form, while the Lions are eyeing off a top-two finish.

The midfield battle shapes as pivotal, with Tigers’ captain Jake Murphy and Lions’ skipper Kyal Horsley leading their engine rooms.

Murphy will line up for his 100th game in Claremont colours, with the dual-premiership winner enjoying a return to form following an injury-interrupted season.

The Tigers will look to gain an advantage in the ruck, with the in-form Mark Seaby and Mitch McGovern coming up against Andrew McDougall and Jordan Bestry.

Claremont’s defence will have their hands full containing Matt Boland who leads the race for the Bernie Naylor Medal with 47 goals, George Hampson, Shane Yarran and Rhys Waters.

Meanwhile Subiaco will be mindful of stopping Jack Bradshaw, Brenden Abbott, Mitch McGovern and the dangerous Seaby.

A win for the Tigers could see them close to within two games of fourth-placed East Fremantle and also move two games clear of sixth-placed West Perth, while a win for the Lions could see them replace East Perth on top-of-the-table.

This weekend is “Count Me In” round, and will promote the State Government’s aspiration that we all live in welcoming communities that facilitate citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone.

Bounce down is at 2.05pm.