Looking like Lions

by LES EVERETT

THE 2008 WAFL began on Thursday with Subiaco living up to their pre-season favouritism. The Lions defeated South Fremantle by 40 points with Blake Broadhurst kicking six goals.

On Saturday Perth beat East Fremantle by 48 points with Will Sullivan and Chris Mayne leading the way. Calib Mourish kicked four goals for the Sharks.

Claremont defeated a plucky West Perth by 14 points. Jaxon Crabb was outstanding for the Tigers and young midfielder Matt Orzel kicked three goals including a boundary line classic to seal the issue. Alex James was impressive on debut for the Falcons.

Swan Districts followed their pre-season competition win with a 32-point victory at the tricky Rushton Park over Peel. A seven-goal debut from Chris Yarran helped Swans.

Here's a look at how the teams are shaping up for the new season - in 2007 finishing order.

SUBIACO

Coach: Scott Watters. Captain: Marc Webb.

Gains: Daniel Chick, Phil Read, Adam Hay.

Losses: Todd Holmes, Shane Parker, Martin Smith, Josh Wooden.

The balance sheet looks good for the Lions and the progress of exciting youngster Daniel Rich will be watched with interest.

CLAREMONT

Coach: Roger Kerr. Captain: Anthony Jones.

Gains: Marcus Allan.

Losses: Daniel Bandy, Aaron Jarvis, Luke Toia, Mitch Morton, Cale Morton, Rory Walton, Tom Matson.

The Tigers have lost a lot but always seem to have a good reserve of young local talent. They've come close in recent years but the time may have passed for now.

SOUTH FREMANTLE

Coach: John Dimmer. Captain: Toby McGrath.

Gains: James Walker, Robert Haddrill, Sam Hunt.

Losses: Adam Hay, Clayton Collard, Ashley Sampi, Tommy Corbett-Wynne, David Gault, Keith Pickett, Daniel Michael.

The Bulldogs have lost as lot of senior players but did well to snare Walker and Haddrill before they left Fremantle Oval after being delisted by the Dockers.

EAST PERTH

Coach: Glen Bewick. Captain: Michael Swan.

Gains: David Haynes, Jeremy Humm, Joel Reynolds, Martin Smith.

Losses: Zac Beeck, Trevor Batchelor, Benet Copping, Trevor Scott, Llane Spanderman, Chris Vlahov.

Big losses in the big man area but Humm, Smith and Reynolds will add strength to the midfield.

WEST PERTH

Coach: Todd Curley. Captain: Jason Salecic.

Gains: Brent Lecras, Brent Connelly.

Losses: Josh Smith, Ben Sharp, Anthony Tsalikis.

Smith will be missed. Tough season ahead but the Falcons have plenty of spirit.

EAST FREMANTLE

Coach: Shane Woewodin. Captain: Kasey Green.

Gains: Kasey Green, Ashley Arrowsmith, David Dwyer.

Losses: Bradd Dalzeill, Cale Hooker, Harry Taylor, Jake Weller, Shane Woewodin, James Kondarovskis.

The availability of AFL listed players will have a big say in how the Sharks perform. There are 20 Eagles and Dockers on East Fremantle's list.

SWAN DISTRICTS

Coach: Brian Dawson. Captain. Adam Lange.

Gains: Andrew Krakouer, Guy Richards, Llane Spanderman, Ryan Davis, Clayton Hinkley, Matthew Spencer.

Losses: Dennis Armfield, David Ellard, Luke Miles, Mark Piani, Alex Rance.

Swans won the preseason competition, have recruited well and did nicely in the draft of new AFL recruits. Young players Nick Naitanui and Chris Yarran add to the excitement.

PEEL

Coach: Chris Waterman. Captain: Grant Welsh.

Gains: Zac Beeck, Brad Ebert, Josh Bolton, Simon Rosa.

Losses: Rory O'Brien, Ashley Thornton, James Walker.

The coach remains optimistic, the colts have been good for years and the loss of Walker and O'Brien has been covered. But the wooden spoon still beckons.

PERTH

Coach: Simon Eastaugh. Captain: Troy Cook.

Gains: Mark Johnson, Scott Sellwood, Will Sullivan, Ashley Thornton, Ross Young.

Losses: Robert Haddrill, Cruize Garlett, David Myers, Craig Shaw.

The Demons did well from the allocation of new AFL listed players and have recruited well with Young the one likely to succeed. They might be ok.

25 March 2008

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New Perth captain Troy Cook. Photo by Les Everett.

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