Sharks Set To End Bulldogs Derby DominationWednesday, May 31, 2023 - 12:46 PM - by Mark Readings

IN football they say “the trend is your friend” but for East Fremantle it’s a term which has caused the club angst in recent WAFL Derby history. 

The Sharks have lost the past 14 Fremantle derbies to South Fremantle, a streak that adds further intrigue to the WA Day showdown at the WACA Ground. 

East Fremantle captain Matthew Jupp is aware of his club’s inability to beat the Bulldogs, with many in his team yet to savour success against the arch enemy. 

“Yes, it’s quirky and it makes for an interesting statistic, but we hadn’t won a final until last year,” Jupp said.  

“We’ll prepare well and when we come with the right attitude and effort on Monday, we’ll put ourselves in a position to change that narrative. 

“It’s a big day on our footy calendar and coming up against our neighbours always has a little extra spice in it. We can’t wait to get out there.” 

The Sharks are second on the table, one game off top spot, having recorded victories in five of their seven matches this season. 

“We’re confident in what we’re building and where our group is at,” Jupp said. 

“We’re really starting to find our groove, and we think we can beat any opponent when we bring the right attitude. 

“This Monday is no different.”  

East Fremantle’s 18-point victory over Claremont in Broome last weekend confirmed to Jupp that the side is tracking in the right direction. 

“It was a valuable trip for our group, both on and off the field,” he said.  

“The added time spent together to connect, gel, and enjoy each other company was a real bonus, and we were pleased with the way we performed. 

“I think we’ve clearly added talent to our list, our big man stocks are strong, and we’ve added some depth in our inside brigade as well. 

“I think we’re a different team to last year, and we’re continuing to find our connection, balance, and cohesiveness as a team.  

Having recently captained WA for the first time and now in his third season as skipper at the Sharks, Jupp is loving his footy. 

“One thing about your team this year is we’ve been even across the board, we don’t rely on any single player to win from week to week,” he said. 

“Personally, I’m really enjoying leading this team and it’s one of the highlights of my career.”

Photo - Courtesy Rookie Me Central