Sentiment Follows Sharks on Finals CampaignThursday, September 8, 2022 - 9:39 AM - by Mark Readings

IT is hard to imagine the most successful club in WAFL history turning into sentimental finals favourites. 

But that’s exactly how many neutral football supporters regard East Fremantle in 2022 as the club attempts to win its first flag in 24 years. 

The Sharks have 29 WAFL premierships and for decades were the most feared team in the competition, but since winning three Grand Finals in a seven-year period in the 1990s, it’s been a dry period for supporters. 

East Fremantle’s last finals appearance was in 2014, so for the current group of players this finals campaign is special with only Matthew Jupp, Cam Eardley and Ryan Lester-Smith remaining from that preliminary final loss to Subiaco.

"Finishing second is a great platform to begin our finals campaign and we’re ready to get to work against Claremont at the mighty Shark Park on Saturday," captain Matthew Jupp said. 

The league side has suffered numerous setbacks prior to and during the season, which makes hosting the qualifying final even more remarkable. 

A pre-season injury crisis at the West Coast Eagles meant the Sharks’ big man depth was decimated, with Hugh Dixon and Luke Strnadica heading to Mineral Resources Park, while ruckman Brynn Teakle was grabbed by Port Adelaide in the mid-season draft. 

Then, in Round 16 against West Perth, gun midfielder Blaine Boekhorst suffered a season-ending knee injury. 

"It’s been one of our defining strengths of the season," Jupp said.

"We have and continue to have a lot of challenges thrown at us, but we’ve handled them well, accepted the situation and just got on with the job." 

East Fremantle enjoyed a stunning season, finishing second on 52 points with 13 wins and five losses, including three victories to finish their home and away campaign. 

"There’s great excitement and it’s been a while since we’ve been part of the business end of the season," Jupp said.

"We see an opportunity in front of us and we believe it’s our time to take the opportunity." 

The Sharks host Claremont in the qualifying final at New Choice Homes Park. 

"There’s just a nice feel to it, to be playing finals on our home deck," he said.

"It means a lot to play footy there in front of our home fans." 

The winner of the qualifying final plays West Perth in the second semi-final with a Grand Final spot on the line at Joondalup's Pentanet Stadium.