Reported by Ross Lewis
WA selectors will consider more additions to the squad preparing for the May 26 interstate clash with the VFL due to doubts over the fitness of Daniel Bandy.
The former Fremantle and Western Bulldogs ruckman missed Claremont’s 22.15 (147) to 10.14 (74) win over Swan Districts at Claremont Oval on Saturday due to a hamstring complaint.
But WA coach Ashley Prescott, also at the helm of the Tigers, indicated Bandy might be worth the risk of playing for the Black Swans even if the 31-year-old was again unfit to play against East Fremantle on Saturday.
But there was brighter news for former Fremantle squad member Michael Warren, who also missed the triumph over Swans.
Warren, expected to have a key defensive role in the clash with the VFL, had soreness in his groin and was rested as a precaution.
“We wanted to make sure a oneweek injury didn’t turn into a three or four-week lay-off,” Prescott said. “We are very confident Micky will back next week.
“But there could be some doubts with Daniel Bandy for the State game. It was a spasm, not a tear, in the hamstring but he had some bleeding in the area from the cramp.
“I’m not really thinking about the State game, we are taking that out of the equation in DB’s situation. Daniel is good enough to play the State game even if he misses two weeks of footy anyway.
“The concern is DB’s never had a hamstring problem. Whilst it is not a tear, there is something going on there. I’m a bit old school when it comes to hamstrings. I subscribe to the old 20-day rest period to get it right.”
The WA squad includes two other in-form ruckman, Subiaco’s Luke Newick and South Fremantle’s Adam Hay, but Bandy’s versatility and ability to run all over the ground makes him a desired selection.
Without the input of two of their leading players, the Tigers were still able to produce their best performance of the season.
Claremont made the most of a strong four-goal breeze to build a match-winning lead in the first quarter on the back of strong midfield work by former captain Jaxon Crabb, Clancy Rudeforth and Troy Carlon.
But it was the efforts of West Coast squad member Mitch Morton (five goals) that guaranteed the triumph.
The 20-year-old impressed in the midfield, was particularly damaging when allowed to drift forward and three goals in 10 minutes early in the third quarter sealed the result.
Swans simply lacked the personnel to challenge the Tigers, although teenage midfielders Justin Simpson and Dennis Armfield tried valiantly to give their team some grunt.
Defender Luke Miles impressed before the Tigers went into overdrive.
