OUR season isn’t over if we lose to East Perth this weekend but it would make our path to the finals a difficult one.
A big improvement in defence will be needed if we’re to win the game at Arena Joondalup on Saturday.
Nick Rodda will likely play forward for the majority of the game after his strong performances in attack for the past two weeks.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWI expect the Royals will field fewer West Coast players than the last time we faced them when they defeated us by 46 points.
They had 14 of them on that occasion, but I’m guessing they will have three or four less this time around.
Our bad injury run has continued with Andrew Strijk injuring a hamstring against South Fremantle, which could have him out for two to three weeks.
Kody Manning and Rudy Riddoch also suffered injuries against the Bulldogs and are doubtful to play this weekend.
Manning has three corks in his legs, while Riddoch has a calf complaint.
Steve Potente has been unable to train through illness, while Dean Munns is an outside chance to return from leg issues.
Michael Lourey could come back from his hand injury but needs to be cleared by the surgeon. Mark Hamilton is only a 50-50 chance to play, while Joe Morrow is still a couple of weeks away.
It was a frustrating day for us against South Fremantle in the 20.6 (126) to 11.13 (79) loss at Fremantle Oval.
The 47-point margin was exactly the same as when they beat us last time, but we were in the contest for longer periods of the game.
MORE: Exclusive drone footage of new Mitchell Freeway extension
MORE: Bull mastiff responsible for Sue Lopicich’s death to be put down
MORE: Fire in Orelia cannabis house prompts call for vigilance