WAFLW Grand Final Rematch Continues RivalryTuesday, July 11, 2023 - 12:08 PM

CLAREMONT premiership coach Jack Schwarze admits his team’s unbeaten status in 2023 will count for nothing in Saturday’s WAFLW Grand Final against East Fremantle at Mineral Resources Park.

In a rematch of last season’s decider, Claremont enters the contest having won 13 out of 14 games during the home and away season, only held to a draw by the Sharks in Round 9.

Schwarze has a steely focus on completing a remarkable season.

“The unbeaten aspect of the season is something we’ll accept as external noise and embrace that when we need to, but we’ll be focussed on getting the job done on the day," he said.

“It’s often easier to be the underdog as we were last year. But this group is thriving on being the hunted, so bring on the pressure and give us another opportunity to rise and grow."

Last year, the roles were reversed with East Fremantle heading into the Grand Final against Claremont unbeaten and warm favourites, but ultimately denied a flag by the Tigers.

“We love finals time, and we love Grand Final week," Schwarze said.

“It can be a rollercoaster sometimes, but we wouldn’t want to be doing anything else this week than preparing for another game of footy."

East Fremantle coach Steph Walding concedes memories of last year’s heartbreaking defeat will play a factor for some.

“I'm sure those that played in last year's decider will draw on that at some point, so I won't need to make mention of it," she said.

“From a coaching perspective we need to make sure our plan is watertight, and the players execute on the day.

“I think both teams will be really wary of each other because we know we match up well against Claremont and they'll be aware of that too.

“So, it looms as a fascinating match up and come down to who can play better on the day."

The Sharks qualified for the Grand Final with a 23-point win over South Fremantle in the preliminary final.

“The backline's ability to withstand so many of South Fremantle’s forward 50 entries and then for our forwards to covert so well with the few entries we had was important," Walding said.

“Both ends of the ground played their role to perfection and kept us in the game and eventually we were able to break them late in the last quarter.

“As you can imagine there's a lot of energy following the win.

“There's a sense of belief in the playing group that we can match it with anyone and that’s exciting going into this weekend."

In her first year in charge as senior coach, Walding acknowledges this year has presented challenges.

“We've not had a smooth home and away season like we did in 2022, so to be able to change a few things around and come good at the right time has been really pleasing," she said.  

The Tigers scraped home by six points in the opening game of the season, before the sides played out a draw in Round 9.

“It's been a good rivalry over the past couple of seasons, which creates a great storyline for Saturday," Walding added.

“We know they play some really good footy and have been the most consistent team all season, while we're hitting some form at the right time of the year.

“We feel like we're in a good place and Claremont will be at their best so it should be a cracking match."

The Tigers have been buoyed in Grand Final week with star midfielder Jayme Harken taking out the Dhara Kerr Medal for the WAFLW’s best player this year with a record 24 votes.

Teammate Adele Arnup made it a double celebration for the reigning premiers when she was awarded the Joanne Huggins Leading Goal Kicker Award with a career-high 26 goals this season.

The build up to the big day for players and coaches is summed up by Schwarze.

“Confident but relaxed, nervous with anticipation and a strong sense of belief," he said.

“We’ve embraced the fact that there will be all kinds of emotions and feelings on the day.”

The WAFLW Grand Final will take place at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday at 2.45pm.

The match will be televised live on Channel 7 from 2.30 and is available on Streamer.com.au

To buy tickets click here.