Round 9 Preview Claremont vs. East Perth

Claremont will be looking to secure their third consecutive victory when they host East Perth at the Show Grounds this Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers have registered wins over West Perth and Swan Districts in the last two rounds, and will be looking to add the Royals to their list as the team gathers momentum following a slow start to the season.

The Royals will still be wondering how they let a 42-point lead slip against their bitter rivals in the Falcons, and the Tigers will no doubt be wary of a strong side on the rebound.

Beau Maister will be available for selection, having served his four-match ban stemming from round four, while the Tigers have plenty to ponder at the selection table following the Reserves’ big win over Swans in round eight.

Captain Jake Murphy and Hugo Breakey have been sidelined since rounds three and four respectively, while Tom Swift is still several weeks away from selection as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The Royals, however, have some injury concerns themselves after Brendan Lee and defender Kyle Anderson were unable to take their places against the Falcons, while Craig Wulff was forced from the ground in the third term and didn’t return.

Claremont’s John Williams made his return from an ankle injury in the win over Swans, and is set to play his 50^th game for the club.

Bounce down is at 2.15pm.