East Fremantle’s Liam Anthony leads the Sharks off after their 80-point win over Subiaco last weekend.
Camera IconEast Fremantle’s Liam Anthony leads the Sharks off after their 80-point win over Subiaco last weekend. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Sport preview: weekend of local WAFL, SBL and hockey

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

WAFL Round 9

LADDER leaders South Fremantle will be out to consolidate its position when it battles Peel Thunder at home on Saturday.

After sliding into top spot with an eight-point win last week, the Bulldogs face a difficult obstacle in Peel.

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Despite a round eight loss, the Thunder has been in good form.

They currently sit fourth with four wins from seven games and are well entrenched among the chasing pack.

After falling away last year, the Bulldogs look like they will be around the mark, if not in front of it, all season.

Their ball movement has been slick, helping to feed their talented talls in Ben Saunders and Mason Shaw.

The Bulldogs average 95 points a game, the highest of any team, and it will come as little surprise to see Saunders (15 goals) and Shaw (10) among the top ten goal kickers in the competition.

Blaine Johnson is there too with 11.

Ashton Hams is averaging 28 disposals and provides plenty of drive from halfback.

East Fremantle will return home after dethroning Subiaco by 80 points last week.

The Sharks will battle lowly Perth at East Fremantle Oval with the chance to keep the pressure on the top teams.

The Sharks are one of three teams on 16 premiership points, two games behind the Lions and the Bulldogs, so a win is needed to keep them at the front of the chasing sides.

Among their weapons is Brett Peake, who currently leads the competition with 19 goals.

Midfield Liam Anthony is averaging 28 disposals. He hit top form last week with 35 touches.

SBL Round 9

Cockburn is set for a massive clash when it travels to Active West Stadium for its match with Geraldton on Saturday night.

The third-placed Buccaneers can overtake the second-placed Cougars if Cockburn lose.

The Cougars are in hot form having won nine of 11 this season, including four of the last five.

The Buccaneers have won their last five, and head into the match with a perfect home record.

Meanwhile Lakeside’s dance with a top eight spot continues.

The ninth-placed Lightning will battle eighth-placed Perry Lakes at Bendat Basketball Centre tonight.

Neither side is in great form.

The Lightning has lost their last three, the Hawks their last two.

In the women’s division, the Cougars will not build on their three-game winning streak because they have a bye.

But Lakeside can build on their recent wins when they battle the Hawks tonight.

Hockey Round 8

Having made it to the top of the ladder after last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Hale, the Fremantle Hockey Club’s undefeated Promotion 1 Women will be looking to stay there when it takes on the third-placed Southern River this weekend.

Just one point separates the two teams, with both looking to extend their four wins by one.

Unable to capitalise in their game against Hale last week, the Fremantle men will be looking to get back on the winners list when it takes on Victoria Park.

With just one point separating the fifth-placed Fremantle from the seventh-placed Victoria Park, it’s sure to be another cracking game for the Magpies.

Fremantle women play Southern River on May 15 from 2pm, while the men take on Victoria Park from 3.30pm.

Both games will be played at the Perth Hockey Stadium.