WAFL 2024: South Fremantle star Matthew Parker sidelined for the season ahead of derby clash

South Fremantle’s chances of a top-three finish have taken a big blow with star midfielder Matthew Parker sidelined until at least round 21 because of a hamstring injury. Parker limped to the bench with a left hamstring injury late in last weekend’s draw with fellow premiership hopefuls Swan Districts and is set to be sidelined for at least three weeks. It means the former Richmond and St Kilda forward is unlikely to play until at least the final round of the home-and-away season when they take on West Perth. Parker and recruit Isiah Winder have become a formidable one-two punch of pace for the rejuvenated Bulldogs this season, who hold a spot in the top-five by only two premiership points. It comes as they prepare to tackle arch-rivals East Fremantle in the second derby of the year, with the Sharks loading up ahead of a clash that could shape the top five. Sandover medallist Blaine Boekhorst is back from a shoulder injury, while captain Matthew Jupp is back after a concussion alongside forward Dillon O’Reilly. They replace defender Lachlan Bailey who has injured ribs, Luke English who has an ankle complaint and suspended forward Cody Leggett. Jaren Carr and Jacob Whan have been dropped by South Fremantle as they include Aaron Drage, Toby McQuilkin and Zac Strom coming into the team for the clash at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday. The result could have a big impact on Claremont’s fortunes, with the Tigers sitting nearly 24 percent outside of the top five. Their immediate focus will be to replicate their earlier season win over Peel Thunder from earlier in the season. The Tigers have gone in unchanged for the clash down in Mandurah. Peel will be without Fremantle-listed stars Liam Reidy, Neil Erasmus and Cooper Simpson who have headed to Melbourne with the Dockers, but welcome back Blair Bell from a hamstring injury, while Matt Johnson and Max Knobel come into the side. Subiaco have lost captain Greg Clark for the remainder of the season because of a groin injury as they prepare to tackle Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval. Clark is joined by fellow former Eagle Luke Foley on the sidelines, but they’ve regained forward Ben Sokol. Swans have made one change with defender Anthony Stephens out with soreness, replaced by Luke Kelly. East Perth have swung the axe after their 59-point loss to the Tigers last weekend as they take on West Perth in Leederville. The Royals have dropped Nic Bonomelli, Nathan Eaton and Jayden Peak for Michael Randall, Zac Hill and Harrison Macreadie. The Falcons have put in star defender Zac Guadagnin for season-ending wrist surgery, while Tyson Moulton will also not play again in 2024 because of a hand injury. Small forward Keegan Knott is joined by Tristan Hobley and Will Hopkins in the 22, with Darcy Dixon (kidney) and Sasha Kernutt (omitted) out of the side. Perth could send West Perth to the bottom of the ladder with a win over Mineral Resources Park co-tenants West Coast. The Demons’ chances have been boosted be a hamstring injury to Dom Sheed, while veteran Andrew Gaff is managed for the Eagles. Clay Hall and Tyrell Dewar were named for AFL duties, with Jai Culley the only AFL-listed inclusion. The Demons have lost Cody Howard (personal), Noah Murray (hamstring) and Kristian Cary (omitted), with Cooper Moore to make his debut after strong form in the colts. Moore is joined by Jake Watson and former Peel player James Ewing in the team.