Changing of the guard in WAFL Finals series?Wednesday, August 30, 2023 - 2:30 PM

EAST Fremantle claiming the minor premiership for the first time in a quarter of a century has paved the way for a new power ranking in the WAFL.

Heading into the first weekend of the finals, the Sharks earned a week off after finishing on top of the table, two games and percentage clear of Subiaco.

As East Fremantle awaits their second semi-final opponents, two familiar September foes will launch the 2023 Finals on Saturday at Leederville Oval.

Subiaco will host Peel Thunder in Saturday’s qualifying final, reviving memories of their gripping Grand Final encounters in 2016 and 2017.

Peel captain Ben Hancock, and games record holder, acknowledges his side has had to deal with constant changing of personnel this season.

“We’ve been tested in our depth throughout the year,” Hancock said.

“We’ve had a number of debutants and blokes that have come in and just played a role exactly the way we need, so we know that whoever is called upon at any stage will be able to fulfil the role they are needed.”

The availability of Fremantle Dockers listed players has been highlighted, but Hancock claims focussing on those big names undersells the rest of the squad.

“They are important, however so too are our local talent that steps out onto the field,” he said.

“At the end of the day it’s 22 vs 22 and there is a great mix of experience and youth in our entire squad which will hold us in great stead throughout our finals campaign.”

Completing this weekend’s Leederville Oval doubleheader is an elimination final between East Perth and Claremont.

The Royals return to September action has been welcomed by the club, despite dropping to fourth position after the Round 20 loss to West Perth.

“Obviously we would've preferred a top 3 finish but really the equation doesn't change much,” Co-Captain Hamish Brayshaw said.

“Fourth just means we have to win one more game. If you'd told us at the start of the year that we would be playing a home final the first weekend of September, we would've jumped at the opportunity so we're up for the challenge.”

But Brayshaw knows the Tigers head into the match with vast finals experience.

“They are an experienced side with some quality players so we know this weekend will be a good fight,” he said.

“We're confident our best footy is good enough though, our challenge is being able to do that for longer and withstand the heat that they're experienced players will no doubt bring.

“We've got an opportunity to do something special, so looking forward to that starting Sunday.”

Having reached last year’s Grand Final, the Tigers return to the venue where they were runners-up to West Perth.

Claremont will be captained by Jack Lewsey in the absence of Declan Mountford and Ronin O’Connor.

“Like everyone we’ve had our ups and downs this year, but I think we have a very tight playing group and that’s been able to hold us in good stead,” Lewsey said.

“I don’t think we’ve gotten ahead of ourselves or alternatively counted ourselves out at any point in the year. “

Lewsey believes the big challenge against East Perth will be limiting their scoring.

“We believe our brand is good enough to beat anyone, I think everyone wants to be playing late in September and we’re no different,” he said.

“East Perth is a great team, and they probably consider themselves unfortunate to be in an Elimination Final after a great season.

“They don’t have a lot of deficiencies and they’re a high scoring team so it will be a good challenge to try and hinder their ball movement and contest work.”

Both matches this weekend will be shown on Channel 7 and afl.com.au.