TEAM: Three changes for clash with Sharks

League coach Jeremy Barnard has made three changes to his side that will take on East Fremantle in the Royals' first home game of the season at Leederville Oval tomorrow. 

Former Brisbane Lions utility Nick Robertson will play his first official game for East Perth after serving a one match sanction for striking South Fremantle’s Haiden Schloithe in a pre-season match. Jonty Turner, recruited from CBC Fremantle last year, will also make his league debut, while Ajang Ajang has been recalled for his first league game of the season.

Captain Patrick McGinnity is unavailable due to a groin injury sustained during last Saturday’s loss to Perth. Ruckman Tom Amos and defender Taylor North have been omitted and will line-up in the Reserves.

Robertson was selected at pick 34 in the 2013 AFL National Draft and went on to play 73 games for the Lions between 2014-2019.

“It was frustrating watching from the sidelines against Perth, but rewarding as well. There were a lot of positives to come out of the game,” Robertson told 91.3 Sport FM earlier this week.

“We definitely should’ve won it. You just can’t give teams that 4-5 goal lead and then you’re playing catch up throughout the whole game, but our effort and intensity and ability to come back in that last half, especially, was pleasing.

“There were a lot of positive signs, it’s a really exciting group. I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing this weekend.”

Turner is a small forward, with strong tackling pressure and speed, while the athletic Ajang is expected to spend time rotating between the ruck and forward line.

East Perth's Reserves side will welcome back Rhai-arn Cox, who comes into the team this week for his first game of 2020. Jack Cooley, who was recently recruited from Claremont, is expected to line-up in the Reserves side next week weekend.

League bouncedown is at 2.30pm at Leederville Oval, with the match broadcast live on 91.3 Sport FM. The Reserves and Colts will be hoping to continue their unbeaten start to the season - Reserves bouncedown is at midday and Colts at 9.30am. The Rogers Cup Women's team will play at 5.15pm. 

League Team Selection: Round 3