Veteran Matt Guadagnin will play his first game of the year.
Camera IconVeteran Matt Guadagnin will play his first game of the year. Credit: Supplied/Dan White

WAFL: Bill Monaghan wants to see West Perth improvement in Perth clash

Bill MonaghanJoondalup Times

THERE are some key aspects of our game in which I hope to see improvements against Perth this weekend after four straight losses.

Our kicking at goal obviously needs to sharpen up.

But I’d also like to see our skill level lift in general play, especially our inside-50 entries.

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We remain unhappy with how many goals we are giving up and the way in which we are allowing the opposition easy shots.

We’ve been generating more scoring opportunities, but that’s proven to have been a detriment to our defence.

It will be the first time we’ve played on the new Lathlain Park surface so I expect the ground will be in mint condition, even if there’s some rain in the days leading up to the contest.

The weather is supposed to be OK on Saturday.

We won’t welcome back any players from injury after the bye.

Michael Lourey and Joe Morrow will be the first to return from their respective hand injuries but they’re still two or three weeks away.

Veteran Matt Guadagnin will play reserves this weekend in his first game of the year.

We’re at the crucial stage where we need to have him putting together a string of games in the reserves if he’s to return to the league side by season’s end.

He’s moved really well on the training track and he’s confident his body will be right.

Perth have been playing some good footy at times.

But as to be expected with a young side, they have been inconsistent.

Some of their quarters and halves have been outstanding, but then in the same game they’ve gone missing.

We need to make sure we pay them respect and be wary they can be dangerous.

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