Stage set for WAFL clash

By Grace Jones | posted on April 21, 2018

THERE will be some familiar Great Southern faces floating around for Claremont next Saturday when the Tigers take on South Fremantle for the West Australian Football League’s commemorative match at Centennial Stadium.

Claremont head coach Darren Harris visited the venue last week and said there would be a strong contingent of former Great Southern players making the trip down.

“A few of our Great Southern players have really come along,” Mr Harris said.

“Bailey Bennett is doing really well and playing really well; Matty Palfrey is due to come off suspension and will play soon.”

Following an inspection of the facilities and playing surface at Centennial Stadium, Harris said he was impressed with the ground.

“You just look at the surface and it’s fantastic,” he said.

“You must be very proud of the facility you have down here.

“It’ll be great to see a big crowd out here watching a great game of WAFL.”

The Tigers will head into the match with a mixed bag of results following an opening round loss and last weekend’s slender four-point victory over East Fremantle, 83-79.

South Fremantle got their season off to a good start, beating West Perth 96-88.

“We’re taking steps in the right direction, but our first game left us a bit disappointed,” Harris said.

“We’ve been working really hard ahead of our Albany game to make our efforts more consistent.”

As a nod to the relationship with the Great Southern Football League as a catchment zone for budding WAFL players, the Tigers will run clinics during their visit.

“We want to do some community work before the game, so the clinics will be great for every kid to get along to,” he said.

Mr Harris said he hoped his club would be able to return more frequently to the region.

“We’ve had a long history down here, so to come down and bring the Albany boys is a great way to give back the community,” he said.

“It’s my understanding that there are plans in motion between the WAFL and the City to make this an annual event for the club.”

Game day proceedings start at 9am on April 28, with kick-off for the main match at 2.40pm.

Tickets will be available at the gate.