Sharks Search for Mid-Season Answers in Grand Final RematchThursday, May 4, 2023 - 10:08 AM - by Mark Readings

RARE back-to-back defeats has placed the focus on East Fremantle ahead of another Grand Final rematch against Claremont.

The Sharks were stunned by Swan Districts last weekend, held scoreless in the opening half before suffering a 29-point loss.

That result came off the back of the club being beaten for the first time in the WAFLW by archrivals South Fremantle.

Coach Steph Walding has outlined the reasons for the mid-season stumble.

“I think last week against Swans was a real outlier for us. As a team we were poor and that reflected on the scoreboard," Walding said.

"We were missing several players to other commitments, including seven players to the State 18s. There's no panic within the coaching staff about what we are doing going forward.

"For us we're always focused on that hurdle that's approaching, we can't put too much emphasis on last week, we know it wasn't up to standard, but we know it's not too hard to turn around and get back on track against the Tigers."

Claremont won the first match of the 2023 season between last year's Grand Finalists by six points.

Walding broke down the poor result against the black and whites.

“Winning the ball at the contest will be a real focus," she said.

"We know we got smashed in contested possessions by Swans and the playing group are keen to redeem themselves in that area this week.

"We just couldn't get our hands on the footy, and if you can't possess the ball, it's almost impossible to win.

"We did outscore them in the second half, so whilst the start was very unlike us, we started to show signs as the game went on that we could adjust, albeit a little too late."

After going through last season undefeated until Grand Final day when they suffered a surprise defeat to Claremont, the Sharks are hoping to time their run better heading into the finals this year.

“That's the plan and if 2022 taught us anything it's that you need to play your best footy at the back end of the year," Walding said.

"Our side has been pretty unsettled the past few weeks so the second half of the year we'll be looking to get some consistency in the team and build towards finals."

Taking charge as senior coach this year has presented different obstacles for Walding.

"Not having a home base due to the redevelopment at East Fremantle Oval has had its challenges," she said.

"Not only are we playing away most weeks, but we’re also training at a local community club without the usual facilities and infrastructure that we'd expect at a WAFL club.

"The players have taken it in their stride, and we do have four home games at the WACA coming up, so hopefully we can take advantage of that.”

East Fremantle hosts Claremont in Round 9 of the WAFLW at the WACA Ground on Saturday at 5pm.