WAFL 2025: Claremont lose skipper Declan Mountford, Anthony Davis for clash against Perth

Claremont will be without skipper Declan Mountford and defender Anthony Davis as they look to seal second spot with a win over finals-bound Perth at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday. The Tigers sit a game-and-a-half ahead of third-placed East Perth heading into the penultimate round, meaning they need one more win to secure a home qualifying final. Mountford has played only seven games this season due to a shoulder injury, but is sidelined this weekend with hamstring awareness. The Tigers expect the captain and Davis — who is dealing with a back issue — to return for their final round clash against the Royals at Revo Fitness Stadium. Forward-ruck Max Rohr will make his debut after strong form in the reserves, while Anthony Van Der Struyf is back for his first game since round 11. Perth made one change from the side that defeated Peel Thunder last weekend, dropping Daniel Hill in favour of Jed Kemp. Former Geelong midfielder Sam Simpson is a chance to return next week for the Demons as he looks to overcome his soft tissue woes and be part of just their second finals appearance this century. Minor premiers South Fremantle are using their strong position to rest star duo Zac Strom and Jamaine Jones as they host West Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. Last week’s debutant Nicholas Stuhldreier has been omitted, while midfielder Isiah Winder, forward Brandon Donaldson and Jacob Sax have been recalled. The Falcons dropped Sandon Page in favour of midfielder Matt Galjaardt for the clash. East Fremantle’s push for fourth spot and a home elimination final has been boosted by the return of forward Jono Marsh from a hamstring injury as they take on the Royals at The Good Grocer Park. The powerhouse has not played since he kicked two goals in the Sharks’ close defeat to Claremont in round 16, but has been included alongside Chadd Dunscombe, with Lennon Marlin (illness) and Jack Cocking (omitted) out of the team. In good news, forward Cody Leggett is back running as he looks to make a comeback from what appeared to be a serious ankle injury he sustained in round 15. East Perth coach Ross McQueen has made a strong statement at the selection table in the wake of their disappointing 47-point defeat to South Fremantle last weekend, dropping former West Coast listed defender Coby Burgiel and young forward Tom Graham. Jacob Msando will miss with a hamstring injury, while co-captain Hamish Brayshaw has been named despite sitting out the final quarter of the loss to the Bulldogs with a quad issue. Former Fremantle-listed forward Sebit Kuek returns from injury, while Adam Boules and Xavier Milner are also included. Subiaco have handed West Coast Next Generation Academy prospect Wes Walley a league debut for their game against reigning premiers Peel Thunder at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. Walley – who will attend the AFL’s national combine in October – has been included after kicking two goals from 15 disposals and five tackles in the colts last weekend. Lachlan Henderson, Jarrod Richards and Tyler Senge have all been named, with Liam Hickmott out with a rib injury, while Michael Braut has work commitments. Daniel Gathercole and Travis Shearer have both been omitted. Peel have made six changes, losing midfielder Will Brodie to a hamstring awareness, while Quinton Narkle will miss for personal reasons. Fremantle listed players Jeremy Sharp, Oscar McDonald, Isaiah Dudley and Jaren Carr have all been named, while Thunder premiership forward Corey Tregenza has been recalled. As revealed by The West Australian, exciting forward Leon Kickett will debut for Swan Districts when they take on West Coast at Mineral Resources Park. Kickett was this week invited to the AFL state draft combine and will get the chance to show his talent against an Eagles side which has named eight AFL-listed players. Young midfielder Luke Cotellessa, Luke Taylor and Jackson McLachlan are also included, with Brandon Erceg managed while Chase Loftus, Ben Hewett and Brad Lynch have all been axed after their 38-point defeat to Claremont.